In early spring, Henbit & Deadnettle are some of the first ‘weeds’ on the scene. • Neither plant is native to North America, and they likely arrived here in the pockets of early settlers, because both have important medicinal properties. • They are also often confused, and understandably so. • They both bloom in early spring and have similar characteristics since they are from the same family, the Mint family, (kissing cousins, if you will). • And even share some medicinal properties too! • Hopefully this little video of them side by side will help clear up any confusion. • Henbit has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries, and was used in the past to treat fevers and ease body aches. • Many people claim it has some energy boosting effects and may also help reduce anxiety. • Henbit is full of vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamins A, K and C, and all aerial parts are edible, so you can throw them in a salad or make a pesto from them, even! • That said, just because it’s in the mint family does not mean it’s got mint’s characteristic sweetness. Henbit is decidedly green in flavor. • Most biologists consider henbit a naturalized weed, at this point. • That said, it tends to grow in open field and lawns, so the lawn industry and big Ag do have a dog in that fight and consider it ‘invasive’. • Hmmmm. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to forage this lovely little ‘weed’ and use it for its medicinal benefits rather than pour more chemicals into our ecosystem? • Like Henbit, Deadnettle is also considered a weed, but it too has amazing medicinal properties. • It is anti-inflamatory, so you can put it on bugbites or stings to help ease pain. • Just grab a leaf, chew it up, and then pop it on the affected area. • It can also be used to stop bleeding. • In the past, Deadnettle was used as a diuretic and there are claims that it can help with kidney stones as well. • Some people tincture it and use it as a seasonal allergy remedy, because it also acts as an antihistimine. • I hope you have enjoyed learning about Henbit and Deadnettle, two “weeds” that certainly deserve some respect, and should certainly be spared from chemical eradication!