Weeds are what humans have dubbed “undesirable” plants. Humans decide if a specific species of plants is a weed based on of whether the species produces too many seeds, grows too quickly, causes harm to animals or humans, has a twisted root system that disables other plants from growing close to the species, or reduces crop growth. But, from nature’s standpoint, there is no such thing as an “undesirable” plant, plants just grow where they can grow. But there are some weeds that can be harmful.
There are a few ways people control weeds: Mechanically, chemically and biologically. Mechanically controlling weeds means either using hands to pull out each individual weed or using tools such as the knife and the hoe to get rid of weeds. Tillage, which is the preparation of soil for agriculture, was also done in a way to control weeds. Crop rotation, usage of weed free seeds, and mulching were also an additional way to control weeds.
Chemicals such as sulfate, nitrates of copper and iron and sulfuric acid were found to be effective in getting rid of weeds. Diesel oil was used as a general herbicide and Sinox was used as a selective plant killer in the 20th century. Sinox was developed in France in 1896 and new herbicides were developed during World War II.
There are two types of herbicides: Selective and nonselective. These two categories can be divided into two subcategories: Foliage-applied and soil-applied. Foliage-applied is when the herbicide is directly applied to the leaves of the plants and soil-applied is when the herbicide is applied to the soil (hmm, I would’ve never guessed). There are some plants that have been genetically modified to be resistant to herbicides.
Biological control is a new development. Biological control really means introducing a new species into the ecosystem that will get rid of the weeds. In one case, two different species of insects were introduced and ended up getting rid of Klamath weeds. In another case, many countries utilize sheep and goats to get rid of weeds. In California, geese are used to get rid of weeds in cotton fields.
On the other hand, there are many weeds that have medicinal values. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the god Rama’s brother, Lakshman was badly injured, so Hanuman, a close friend of Rama and Lakshman, flew to a mountain full of weeds that were actually herbs. He carried the entire mountain back and Lakshman was given the herb, sanjeevani. The herb ended up healing Lakshman’s injuries.
Dandelions are a type of weed that are completely edible. You can use the roots to make herbal tea or for coffee. Dandelions can treat liver problems and kidney diseases. They can also be used for heartburn, appendicitis, diuretic (overproduction of urine), and as an appetite stimulant.
Stinging nettle is another weed that has medicinal value. It is a source for Vitamin A, B2 (one of the eight Vitamin Bs), C, D, and K. It is also a source for antioxidants, amino acids (which make up proteins), calcium, potassium, and iodine. Stinging nettle can be helpful in treating urination problems, kidney stones, joint ailments, diuretic, and allergies.
Another weed that can be beneficial is purslane. Purslane looks very similar to poisonous spurge so be careful. Purslane is a source of Vitamin A, C, and E. It is also a source of magnesium, calcium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s can help with mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. They also reduce symptoms of ADHD in children, help the development of the brain during pregnancy and infancy, and can fight autoimmune disorders and inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to being harmed but it can be dangerous if it lingers.
Short-term inflammation (also known as acute inflammation) leads to redness, pain, heat, and swelling. Long-term inflammation (also known as chronic inflammation) can lead to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Pe can be used to treat insect bites, bee stings, and skin sores.
Most weeds are pretty cool and can be very beneficial as long we know which weeds are good and which are harmful.
Vaageesha Das is a sophomore at Morgantown High School. Today’s information comes from: Han, S. (2018, July 27). Understanding and Managing Chronic Inflammation. Retrieved from https://wwsw.healthline.com/health/chronic-inflammation#antiinflammatory-diets; Hayes, B. (2019, September 7). 15 Medicinal Weeds You Can Forage in Your Backyard. Retrieved from https://morningchores.com/medicinal-weeds/; Hjalmarsdottir, F. (2018, October 15). 17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3#section2; Ligenfelter, D. D. (2020, April 25). Introduction to Weeds: What are Weeds and Why do we Care? Retrieved from https://extension.
psu.edu/introduction-to-weeds-what-are-weeds-and-why-do-we-care; Sanjeevi. (2020, April 19). Retrieved from https://en.wiki
pedia.org/wiki/Sanjeevi; Spritzler, F. (2018, December 13). Anti-Inflammatory Diet 101: How to Reduce Inflammation Naturally. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/anti-inflammatory-diet-101#dietary-role; What Makes A Plant A Weed? Characteristics of Weeds and What They Are. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.spring-green.com/blog-plant-characteristics-weeds/
