Sunflower – Helianthus Annuus: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Sun-facer of Wild Plants

Sunflower – Helianthus Spp.

I haven’t found a word for sunflower in Anishinaabemowin, but *giizis means sun and waabigwan means flower. While most folks know sunflower is edible, did you know it’s a medicinal plant as well? (*The Ojibwe words link to The Ojibwe People’s Dictionary which is the first place I look if Frances Densmore’s book doesn’t include …

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Common Mullein – Verbascum Thapsus: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Coziest Wild Plant

Common Mullein - Verbascum Thapsus

In Anishinaabemowin, mullein is sometimes called Waabooyaanibag (blanket leaf). Its uses are blanketly more medicinal than edible. But you can eat the delicate yellow flowers too! Mullein’s folk names include but are not limited to flannel leaf (leaves stuffed in shoes for warmth), tinder plant/torches/torch-wort, candlewick (dried stems used to be dipped in wax to …

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