The WEED Lady

Megs House

Tauranga

24 July 2014

Onion weed, cleavers, Red clover, stinging nettle, herb Robert, chickweed, kale smoothie for anyone? 

Sound appealing? Add avocado for saturated fats to help absorb vitamins, add water then some cardamom, pumpkin and chia seeds. Lastly add some fruit for sweetness. Blend well and you get an amazing green coloured smoothie which tasted, as Paula put it, “grassy”

We were at Meg’s place to learn about edible weeds from Julia Sich, “a woman wild about weeds”

It was fascinating; Julia had a wealth of knowledge and plenty of enthusiasm for plants that most of us just want to get rid of. Did you know that Cleavers contain silica which is a lymphatic cleanser and stinging nettle contains magnesium? Herb Robert otherwise known as geranium Robertianum is being considered for cancer treatment and Red clover is good at balancing hormones in women.

Nasturtium leaves have a gold edging which is said to be protective and Veronica Persica or speedwell is named after a young girl who wiped the face of Jesus Christ. This plant has remarkable medicinal powers.

I am sure that we will all look at the weeds in our garden differently now, I have been nibbling on my violets and dandelions when I go to hang out the washing.

For those that want to know more, Julia has put together a book called Julia’s guide to edible weeds and wild green smoothies. It is full of clear photos, descriptions and lists nutritional qualities for about 40 edible weeds as well as a section of green smoothies.

She also recommended a website called plants for our future.

This was then followed by a sumptuous midwinter xmas lunch. Thanks Meg for a most enjoyable morning.

Vicki