Lets have an understanding. Many HERBS are glorified weeds. Whether you call them weeds, wildflowers or herbs really depends on what your garden is supposed to produce. If you want mostly vegetables then of course you don't want clover and cleavers taking all the nutrients from the beans and they become weeds which you pull out. On the other hand, if you want to attract bees and birds then you may call them native wildflowers BUT if its healing herbs you want then the same exact plants become healing or medicinal herbs. You can create a healing garden if you like or you can gather from wherever the plants grow naturally. You can meld the weeds with the vegetable garden and instead of poisoning or pulling the weeds for compost you can save them and call them herbs.
When considering herbs for healing you don't have to search the world over and get every available weed on the planet. There are weeds and herbs everywhere and with some research all of us can have herbs that are already growing well in our area. Sometimes trying to grow an herb that isn't suited to our climate just doesn't make sense because there is a reason why we each have different herbs. Some of them just won't grow where its extremely cold or humid or dry. Some herbs prefer wooded areas and others prefer swamps or beaches. The best thing to do when you decide to work with healing herbs is to study the weeds and wildflowers where you live.
One herb that grows easily in most areas and can be found in most parts of the country is yarrow. Yarrow has many uses (do your research) but one that is commonly known is that it staunches the flow of blood. If you get cut while you are outside and it just won't stop bleeding you can chew a few yarrow leaves and press them to the cut. If you have dried some yarrow leaves then you can powder them and sprinkle them on a cut as well. Another use for yarrow is to encourage sweating after a fever. A simple infusion of the flowers and/or leaves is all that is needed. Add 1/2 tsp dried flowers/leaves or 1 tsp fresh into 1 cup of boiling water. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink three times a day. You can also use the same infusion for a skin wash for rashes and eczema. It should not be used for extended periods of time because it can cause sensitivity to the sun if overused.
Another common herb that grows in most areas is Burdock. The part of the burdock plant that is used for herbal medicine is the one year old root in the spring. It is best to dig it and wash it then chop and use fresh but you can also dry the root pieces for future use. One of its uses (there are many) is to clear bacterial and fungal infections. It also helps restore normal gut bacteria after an illness. It is usually combined with other herbs like dandelion root. Since the roots are used instead of leafy parts it is best to make a decoction. Use 2 ounces of fresh root or 1 ounce dried and 1 and 1/2 pints of water. Rather then placing the herbs in water and steeping it will be necessary to boil the roots for 10 minutes then simmer them for an hour. Then strain the decoction and use it hot or cold. For topical uses like ringworm or athletes foot wash the area twice a day with the decoction. For internal use drink one cup three times a day to clear the body of toxins.
The final herb today is parsley. The culinary herb is good for many things from healing skin conditions to antiseptic and detoxifying. The leaves, stems, seeds and roots can be used. Make an infusion with 1-2 tsp fresh or dried parsley in one cup of water. Take one cup three times a day for digestion, to detoxify the body and as an antihistamine. For bruises, sprains or insect bites you will apply a poultice. A poultice is used when the whole herb is needed to be held on the skin for a period of time as the herb draws out toxins or enters through the skin. Dried herb or fresh herb can be used. Add just enough hot water to the dried herb to form a paste. Apply it to the bite or sprain as hot as can be tolerated without burning. Cover with gauze or clean cloth then wrap to hold it in place. Repeat as the paste dries. If using fresh herbs then place chopped herbs in just enough boiling water to cover and heat until reduced to a thick consistency. Apply just like the dried paste. Another use for parsley is as a steam. Chop and place two big handfuls of herb in a bowl. Cover with boiling water. Lean over the bowl with a towel draped and tented over your head and bowl. Breathe deeply and slowly for ten to fifteen minutes. It should help to cleanse and tone the face as well as help with allergies. Don't throw the liquid out when you are through. Strain it and use it to wash and condition your hair and moisturize dry skin.
Of course, as with any herb there are many other uses which I can't begin to give in a short post. Also, always research possible reactions and warnings before using an herb. Only you know your personal health issues and how to treat them. Do your research. Tread carefully. Be careful and be smart.
Southern Wood Elf