Not Just A Weed - The Many Uses and Benefits of Lamb's Quarters
Lamb's quarters has got to be one of the fastest growing and prolific "weeds" in our area. It is always the first thing to pop up in the spring, and it grows so quickly that it is nearly impossible to manage. But the good news is that not only is it edible and medicinal, it is delicious and so easy to incorporate into many different kinds of recipes!
Also known as fat hen, pigweed, and several other names in various other countries, lamb's quarters is a member of the amaranth family or goose-foot family. Orache is a closely related member and looks very similar to lamb's quarter, and thankfully, is also edible and just as tasty.
Lamb's quarters has quite an impressive history in civilization; some experts believe that it has been growing and thriving on earth for millions of years, and there is evidence to suggest that it has been a source of food for humans for as long as we have existed.
While considered a weed in many parts of the world, lamb's quarters is actually cultivated in India and some other parts of the world for food.
Did you know?
Lamb's quarters is allelopathic, meaning it can suppress the growth of competing plants, both farm crops and other weeds.
How to identify lamb's quarters
Lamb's quarter can be identified by its uniquely and inconsistently shaped leaves. Leaves tend to be triangular or oval shaped, similar to a goosefoot (hence the name), and grow opposite each other from tall thin stems. There are over 70 different varieties and each has slightly different leaf shape, but conveniently all are edible, so there is no need to worry about poisonous lookalikes.
Lambs quarters and orache have very similar leaf shape and growing patterns, and the best way to tell them apart is by their flowers. Orache flowers have diamond shaped braceteoles, while lamb's quarters have round flowers.
What are the benefits of lamb's quarters?
Highly nutritious
Lamb's quarters is truly both nutritious and delicious. It is a great source of vitamins A, B-2, and Niacin. It also contains minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It was used to treat scurvy and other malnutrition issues.
Toothache relief
A decoction made of lamb's quarters leaves can be used as a mouthwash to relieve mouth pain and promote good dental health. Leaves can be chewed raw as well to calm inflammation and relieve pain, as well as to treat bad breath.
Skin healing
A lamb's quarters poultice can be applied to burns, bites, eczema and itchy or swollen skin to help relieve skin irritations. If fresh leaves are not available to make a poultice, a decoction can be made from the dried leaves and applied to affected areas as well.
Pain from arthritis and gout
As a strong anti-inflammatory, lamb's quarter poultice can be helpful in relieving pain from arthritis and gout.
Digestive issues
The leaves from lamb's quarters are high in fiber which can help to treat or prevent constipation. It can also help to relieve stomachaches and gas.
How to use lamb's quarters
- As a leafy green - lamb's quarter can be used to replace spinach in any recipe. It can be eaten raw or cooked, however smaller quantities are recommended when eating raw because, similar to spinach, it contains oxalic acid. If you are looking for a simple and delicious way to incorporate lamb's quarters into your diet, try this lamb's quarter quinoa bowl!
- Poultice - a poultice can be made by chewing or crushing the raw leaves and applied to the affected area
- Decoction - make a lamb's quarters decoction by placing fresh leaves into a pot and covering with water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Use equal parts of plant to water, for example 1 cup of fresh leaves and 1 cup of water. Strain and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Warnings: As mentioned, lamb's quarters does contain oxalic acid (as with most leafy greens), which should be limited in people who are susceptible to kidney stones. It also contains small amounts of saponins. Both can be broken down by cooking. It should also be noted that lamb's quarters can accumulate nitrates from the soil, so it is important to avoid harvesting from roadsides or fertilized areas like farmer's fields.
I hope you learned something new about lamb's quarters today, and I hope you feel inspired to go out into your yard or out into nature and see if you can find this wonderful plant. And if you feel so inclined, perhaps you might feel inspired to harvest some of the leaves and try a new recipe with them. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Happy Wednesday <3