If you’re looking for an immune boosting weed near your home in central Florida, look for Bidens Alba. Bidens Alba can be found throughout the state, and it is everywhere. Our golden doodle’s legs get covered in the little seeds, nicknamed beggarticks, anytime we go for long walks down our street. While the the seeds are difficult and tedious to remove, there’s good reason to keep these beneficial plants around. The plant has several herbal uses and can be eaten raw. I’ve harvested and tossed in salad on a handful of occasions. It’s another one of the beautiful greens that God plants for me year after year. Typically, just before we mow the law, I harvest from large patches around the yard and toss them in the dehydrator. Then I blend it up in the food processor and keep it in a mason jar to sprinkle on foods when cooking just for an extra nutrient boost. However, I did recently learn that this plant my lose some of its medicinal benefits when dried or heated. Still, I love to add the fresh leaves to my elderberry syrup or teas I make throughout the weak . I find it a bit bitter when raw and you should go for young leaves, which typically taste better if you’re eating it fresh. Regardless, it’s always fun to find little treasures in the yard that we can use to better nourish our bodies and enjoy medicinal benefits. Always be mindful of where you pick plants in the wild, as roadsides contain additional contaminants, and unfortunately many parks use harmful herbicides.
-Leah
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