Medicinal Herbs: The Sow Thistle

It is fascinating to discover that the ‘ordinary’ weed growing along the roads and in our backyard actually has a medicinal effect. Sow Thistle is the topic of this episode!

Please make sure to direct your questions, comments and suggestions to drspodcastshow@gmail.com and don’t forget to rate the show. While you’re at it, check out this awesome salsa recipe below, using Sow Thistle!

Smooth Sow Thistle Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves (2 ounces)
• sow thistle leaves (3 1/2 ounces)
• soaked hazelnuts (1/2 ounce), parsley (1/4 teaspoon)
• Himalayan salt (2 teaspoons)
• Korean red chili flakes (4 tablespoons)
• extra virgin olive oil
• 10 cherry tomatoes (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Soak the hazelnuts in boiling water for one hour. Strain and rinse afterward.
2. At the same time soak the sow thistle leaves in cold water for one hour. Remove the leaf blades from the larger leaves and throw away the stalks.
3. Crush the garlic cloves and let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Add the hazelnuts, sow thistle, parsley, garlic, salt, olive oil and chili flakes in a food processor. Run the processor until all ingredients are chopped and mixed up. Don’t let the food become runny.
5. Chop the tomatoes and place with the sow thistle mixture in a bowl.
6. Fork the tomatoes through the processed sow thistle.
7. Ready to be served.