Table of Contents
- Edible Uses of Pineapple-weed
- Medicinal Uses of Pineapple-weed
- Alternative Uses of Wild Chamomile
- Growing Matricaria Discoidea
Pineapple-weed (Matricaria discoidea) is an easy to identify introduced edible “weed” that locals have probably noticed in their driveways if not paved. It’s also called wild chamomile, which is more alluring on the medicinal side of naming. I suppose “pineapple” triggers a thirst for learning about its edible qualities.
I would rather have titled this one Wild Chamomile, but I’m using the common names as seen in our local guidebook Haliburton Flora. Eventually, we will cover the popular German chamomile. But for now, this wild relation is almost its twin for uses!
Edible Uses of Pineapple-weed
The flower heads, stems, and leaves are all edible as bitter greens. Add them to salads or anything else you might put greens in.
The fragrant flowerheads can also be used to make a golden pineapple scented tea. These pretty flowers could be added to baked goods like muffins for a special warm touch. You can try them raw as trail nibble, but avoid picking them where traffic, spraying and other pollutants are in play.
Medicinal Uses of Pineapple-weed
Pineapple-weed is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
- Nervous
Medicinal tags include Antispasmodic, Analgesic, Carminative, and Nervine. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes as a gentle nerve soothing tea or tummy soothing digestive. Its uses are almost the same as the more familiar German chamomile, except it’s not known as an anti-inflammatory (I believe it lacks “azulene”, which is present in German chamomile). Otherwise, it’s our wild local substitute.
Pineappleweed is one of the many plants you can use a poultice or spit poultice for insect bites, stings, wounds and other astringent uses like as a gargle.
As for German chamomile, again, I do plan to feature more exotic plants once I have completed the local list (there should be 200+ of those first! I’m heralding out of Ontario, Canada, East of the Rockies). Everyday chamomile will be one of the first on that list. It’s one of the first herbal medicines I used regularly, for anxiety in my case. I’m glad I can use a local plant for that instead!
Alternative Uses of Wild Chamomile
It’s a pleasant smelling insect repellent.
Growing Matricaria Discoidea
I usually see it growing in peoples driveways. Although not native, it’s a pleasant smelling candidate for sowing seeds in your garden footpaths or driveway where not much else will grow. It’s an annual but appears to have no problem reseeding itself up here. Even better it could be grown and kept in your herb garden for food and medicine.
WARNINGS
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Matricaria discoidea de Candolle – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
The Good Living Guide to Natural and Herbal Remedies: Simple Salves, Teas, Tinctures, and More
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use