That Dratted Dollar Weed.....or.....That Helpful Herb!

  Now go figure!  It seems that I learn something new everyday.  Today's item could possibly become a favorite tidbit if the results are what is purported.  Dollar Weed seems to be the bane of a lot of gardeners. Personally, I just let it grow as it does not bother me in the least to have the round, silver dollar sized leaves peeking out between the squash plants or tumbling over top of the lawn.  Who cares?  Green is green whether it be blades of grass or leaves of a Dollar Weed.  I am just not that persnickety or perhaps I am just too lazy to fret over some small weed that never gets too intrusive.  Still, Mark and I have always commented that there has to be some fantastic use for these plants.

  Today, I found such a use.  It seems that all of the dozens or so types of Dollar Weeds are edible.  I seem to have more of the Hydrocotyle bonariensis type of Dollar Weed.  This is the one that thrives in wet areas such as the Bayou.  Not only are the leaves and stems edible but they are supposedly used as medicine.  In Asia, the plants have been used for centuries to lower blood pressure.  Not bad! If this honestly works, it is too bad that modern medicine does not let us know.  Yeah, I know that it would be bad for business but think of how many folks could receive help.  Many people cannot afford the unreasonably priced medicines so they just do without.  If the Dollar Weed truly helps it would be a boon to folks as the stuff grows everywhere!  

  Now while my blood pressure is not high, I am still highly interested in the plant and will be trying a bit of it as a remedy.  This, when used as a tea, seems to help with arthritis and I am not happy to report that I do, indeed, have that.  Tomorrow, a gathering of Dollar Weed shall take place and drying shall proceed.  If after a trial period, my arthritis is relieved, I will spread the word!  How easy (and how much healthier?) would it be to gather something in the yard instead of popping expensive pills.  Ok, arthritis!  We are having a showdown!