Being new to the south and seeing a bunch of beautiful flowers along my drives, I wanted to learn more about them. If you’re new to identifying herbal wildflowers and their uses, there can be some hesitancy or even fear around plant identification regarding what might be poisonous. This shouldn’t be a crippling fear, but an awareness that encourages you to take responsibility for what you put in and on your body, the value system that you’re striving to adopt as a result of switching over to herbal uses, and developing a passion for doing your own research and learning.
What are Herbal Wildflowers?
It may seem kind of obvious to break it down, but you might be wondering what does “herbal” mean and what determines if a flower is a wildflower – aside from being, well, wild?
First, a wildflower is just a flower that is growing in the wild as a result of the right conditions grew as opposed to being deliberately planted. That doesn’t make it “bad”. That doesn’t make it a “weed”. In fact, oftentimes some of these wildflower varieties are so well loved and desired that they are deliberately cultivated in personal backyard gardens. One example of this would be a daisy.
Herbal vs Medicinal
The terms “herbal” and “medicinal” are often used in relation to plants and their applications in healthcare. While there is some overlap between the two concepts, there are distinct differences in their meanings. The main one being that medicinal can refer to having a wider range of sources including synthetic or animal where herbal is primarily plant-based. Medicinal often requires a prescription and can isolate active ingredients while herbal remedies contain multiple active compounds that work synergistically. While medicinal is a term that could be used to describe plants with those qualities, it is not as direct or clear as simply calling it “herbal”.
While it’s helpful to understand the difference between herbal and medicinal, the most important takeaway should be that not all wildflowers are herbal – or medicinal.
False Sunflowers
Prepare an herbal infusion by steeping dried false sunflower leaves or flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink the tea for potential digestive support, immune support, or respiratory health benefits. It can also be used as a mouth rinse for oral health.
False sunflower can be prepared as a tincture by macerating the dried leaves or flowers in alcohol or glycerin. The tincture is taken in small doses, typically a few drops to a teaspoon, as directed by a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional. This method is commonly used for digestive support, immune support, or anti-inflammatory purposes.
COMMON NAME: False Sunflower
ALSO KNOWN AS: Smooth Oxeye, Oxeye Sunflower
SCIENTIFIC NAME: heliopsis helianthoides
PLANT FAMILY: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
EDIBLE PARTS: Flower; Leaves; Stem
EDIBLE USES: The flowers have a mild taste and can be used as a garnish or in a salad.
HERBAL USES:
- Leaves help reduce fevers and loosen phlegm
- Stems have been used to treat Malaria loosens phlegm
Reduce inflammation in the body
Promotes wound healing and soothe skin irritations. It may be applied as a poultice or infused into oils or creams for topical use.
Helps improve digestion and relieve digestive discomfort
Supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms
HOW TO USE:
To promote wound healing, soothe skin irritations, or address inflammation topically, you can create a poultice or use infused oils or creams. For a poultice, crush fresh or dried false sunflower leaves or flowers and apply them directly to the affected area. To make an infused oil or cream, steep false sunflower leaves or flowers in a carrier oil (such as olive oil) for several weeks. Strain the oil and apply it topically as needed
Daisy Fleabane
COMMON NAME: Daisy Fleabane
ALSO KNOWN AS: Philadelphia Fleabane, common fleabane, marsh, fleabane, frost-root, skervish, poor robin’s plantain
SCIENTIFIC NAME: erigeron philadelphicus
PLANT FAMILY: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
EDIBLE PARTS: Flower; Leaves; Stem; Roots
HERBAL USES:
- epilepsy
- headaches
- head colds
- nose and throat inflammation
- break fevers
- skin sores
- dimness of sight
- astringent and diuretic for kidney and gout aid
- menstruation troubles
- hemorrhaging
- heart trouble
HOW TO USE:
- Make a poultice for headaches
- Use the roots to make a tea or chew on the roots to treat colds and coughs
- Smoke from the plant creates an incense that can help head colds when inhaled
- Can be mixed with other herbs to treat inflammation of nose and throat
- Steep the plan in a tea to break fevers
- Plant was boiled and mixed with tallow to make balm for sores on skin
- Plant can be used to make eye medicine that treats dimness of sight
- Boil the roots for a tea to help with menstruation troubles
Common Daisy
COMMON NAME: Common Daisy
ALSO KNOWN AS: Bairnwort, Bellis perennis, Bruisewort, Wild Daisy, Daisy, English Daisy, Herb Margaret, Margarita Común, Pâquerette, Pâquerette Margueritte, Pâquerette Vivace, Perennial Daisy, Petite Marguerite
SCIENTIFIC NAME: bellis perennis
PLANT FAMILY: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
EDIBLE PARTS: Flower; Leaves; Stem; Roots
Did You Know?
Common daisy contains chemicals called saponins. These chemicals help skin cells produce more collagen.
EDIBLE USES:
- Add young flower heads or budgs to salads, soups or sandwiches
- Flower heads used to decorate salad dishes
- Leaves can be mixed in salads or cooked
- Buds can be preserved in vinegar and used in cooking as a substitute for capers
HERBAL USES:
- coughs
- bronchitis
- liver and kidney disorders
- swelling and inflammation
- astringent
- menstruation troubles
- hemorrhaging
- skin wounds and skin diseases
- heal broken bones
HOW TO USE:
- Boil in water to make a tea for fevers
- When added to food or soups, daisies can stimulate bowel movement.
Redring Milkweed
COMMON NAME: Redring Milkweed
ALSO KNOWN AS: White Milkweed
SCIENTIFIC NAME: asclepias variegata
PLANT FAMILY: Apoctnaceae (Dogbane Family) formerly Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
EDIBLE PARTS: None
HERBAL USES:
- Skin conditions: warts, ringworms, and other fungal infections
- Snake bites
HOW TO USE:
- Sap can be applied topically to treat skin conditions
WARNING:
Redring milkweed sap is poisonous and should not be injested. It should be handled with caution if applying topically.
Yellow Crownbeard
For potential wound healing or to soothe minor skin irritations, a poultice or topical preparation can be made using fresh or dried yellow crownbeard leaves or flowers. Crush or grind the plant material and apply it directly to the affected area. Keep in mind that individual sensitivities may vary, so it’s advisable to perform a patch test and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Yellow crownbeard can potentially be prepared as a tincture by macerating the dried leaves or flowers in alcohol or glycerin. The tincture is taken in small doses, usually a few drops to a teaspoon, as directed by a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional. However, it’s important to note that specific dosage guidelines and safety considerations for yellow crownbeard tincture are limited, so seeking professional advice is recommended.
COMMON NAME: Yellow Crownbeard
ALSO KNOWN AS: Stick Weed
SCIENTIFIC NAME: verbisina occidentalis
PLANT FAMILY: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
EDIBLE PARTS: Flowers; Leaves
HERBAL USES:
- Fevers
Digestive support
Supports respiratory health, potentially helping to alleviate coughs, and congestion
Aids in the healing process of minor wounds, cuts, or skin irritations
Reduces inflammation in the body
Diuretic
Immune-boosting properties
HOW TO USE:
Prepare an herbal infusion or tea by steeping the dried leaves or flowers of yellow crownbeard in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion for potential digestive support or respiratory health benefits. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage if necessary. It’s important to note that the safety and appropriate dosage of yellow crownbeard infusion may vary, so it is advisable to consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional for guidance.
Queen Anne's Lace
COMMON NAME: Queen Anne’s Lace
ALSO KNOWN AS:Wild Carrot, Bird’s Nest, and Bishop’s Lace
SCIENTIFIC NAME: daucus carota
PLANT FAMILY: Apiaceae (formerly known as Umbelliferae)
EDIBLE PARTS: Leaves; Roots
EDIBLE USES: The young roots and tender leaves of Queen Anne’s lace can be used in cooking. The root can be consumed raw or cooked, similar to a carrot, and the leaves can be added to salads or cooked as a potherb.
HERBAL USES:
- Diuretic
- Digestive Aid
- Menstrual Support
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic to promote healing of wounds
Coughs
Loosens mucous
Supports milk production for breastfeeding
HOW TO USE:
Prepare an herbal infusion by steeping the leaves, flowers, or seeds of Queen Anne’s lace in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion as a tea. This method is often used for its diuretic, digestive, and menstrual support properties
A tincture can be made by extracting the active compounds of Queen Anne’s lace in alcohol or vinegar. Follow the instructions provided with the tincture or consult a qualified herbalist for proper dosage and usage guidelines
Create a poultice by crushing fresh or dried leaves, flowers, or seeds of Queen Anne’s lace and applying them directly to the skin. This method is often used topically for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
How Can I Tell Queen Anne's Lace from Poison Hemlock?
One of the biggest hesitations of gathering Queen Anne's Lace is not knowing how to tell the difference of it from Poison Hemlock. Poison Hemlock as you guessed it from the name is poisonous and unfortunately it looks a lot like Queen Anne's Lace since they are both part of the carrot family. You can differentiate them because Queen Anne's Lace has a flatter floral top with one tiny little purple flower in the middle and a hairy stem. You can remember this by thinking of Queen Anne's skirt having purple flowers and underneath her skirt is a hairy leg.
Black Eyed Susan
Create a poultice or salve by crushing fresh or dried Black-eyed Susan flowers or leaves and applying them directly to the skin. This method can be used for wound healing, soothing skin irritations, or promoting skin health.
Make a tincture by extracting the active compounds of Black-eyed Susan in alcohol or vinegar. Follow the instructions provided with the tincture or consult a qualified herbalist for proper dosage and usage guidelines.
Black-eyed Susan can be incorporated into various herbal preparations such as herbal capsules, oils, or creams. These preparations are often used for specific herbal uses or targeted applications.
COMMON NAME: Black Eyed Susan
ALSO KNOWN AS:Brown-eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy, and Yellow Ox-eye
SCIENTIFIC NAME: rudbeckia hirta
PLANT FAMILY: Asteraceae (aster family)
EDIBLE PARTS: Leaves; Roots
EDIBLE USES: The young roots and tender leaves of Queen Anne’s lace can be used in cooking. The root can be consumed raw or cooked, similar to a carrot, and the leaves can be added to salads or cooked as a potherb.
HERBAL USES:
- Supports Immune Systems
- Anti-inflammatory
- Heals wounds, cuts, bruises, skin irritations
- Antimicrobial
- Digestive Suppose
- Alleviates coughs and congestion
- Supports eye health
- Supports urinary system
- Helps acne and eczema
HOW TO USE:
Prepare an herbal infusion or tea by steeping the dried flowers, leaves, or a combination of both in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion for immune support, anti-inflammatory effects, or respiratory support.
Butterfly Milkweed
COMMON NAME: Butterfly Milkweed
ALSO KNOWN AS: Orange milkweed and Pleurisy root
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asclepias tuberosa
PLANT FAMILY: Apoctnaceae (Dogbane Family) formerly Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
EDIBLE PARTS: Leaves; Roots
EDIBLE USES: The young roots and tender leaves of Queen Anne’s lace can be used in cooking. The root can be consumed raw or cooked, similar to a carrot, and the leaves can be added to salads or cooked as a potherb.
HERBAL USES:
Relieves respiratory congestion, coughs, and bronchial irritation
Digestive aid
Immune support
Anti-inflammatory
Promotes sweating and assisting in the body’s natural detoxification processes
Relieves muscle spasms and cramping
Antioxidant
Menstrual support
Antimicrobial
HOW TO USE:
- Prepare an herbal infusion or tea by steeping the dried leaves or flowers of butterfly milkweed in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion for respiratory support, digestive aid, immune support, or menstrual support.
- Make a tincture by extracting the active compounds of butterfly milkweed in alcohol or vinegar. Follow the instructions provided with the tincture or consult a qualified herbalist for proper dosage and usage guidelines.
- Create a poultice, salve, or herbal oil by crushing fresh or dried butterfly milkweed leaves or flowers and applying them externally to the skin. This method can be used for soothing skin irritations, promoting wound healing, or addressing muscle spasms.
Red Clover
Red clover can be prepared as a tincture by macerating the dried flowers or leaves in alcohol or glycerin. The tincture is taken in small doses, typically a few drops to a teaspoon, as directed by a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional. Tinctures are commonly used for hormonal balance and menopausal support.
Red clover can be used in topical applications such as creams, ointments, or infused oils. The infused oil can be made by steeping dried red clover flowers in a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil for several weeks. The oil can be applied directly to the skin as needed.
COMMON NAME: Red Clover
ALSO KNOWN AS: Beebread, Cow Clover, Meadow Clover, and Wild Clover
SCIENTIFIC NAME: trifolium pratense
PLANT FAMILY: Fabaceae (the legume family)
EDIBLE PARTS: Flowers; Leaves
HERBAL USES:
Supports hormonal balance, particularly in women. It contains compounds known as isoflavones, which are believed to have estrogen-like effects in the body.
Menopausal support
Helps soothe skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rashes
Alleviates coughs, and promotes bronchial comfort.
Detoxification support
The isoflavones present in red clover may have a positive impact on bone health and density
Promotes healthy circulation and supporting optimal cholesterol levels
Digestive aid
HOW TO USE:
Use dried red clover flowers or leaves to make the tea. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried red clover in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink the tea. This method is commonly used for hormonal balance, menopausal support, respiratory health, and detoxification support.
As with any plant with potential medicinal properties, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek advice from qualified professionals such as herbalists, naturopaths, or healthcare providers with expertise in botanical medicine. They can provide accurate guidance, considering your specific health circumstances and potential risks associated with the use of plant species and herbal wildflowers (or do the research, learn, and make the decision for yourself).
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