Early spring in particular—nature is begging you to stop, look down, and maybe consider that the plant you’re about to walk by, or weed from your garden, has arrived at the edge of your lawn, on your walk, or on your path for a reason. Red Deadnettle, Chickweed, Lamb’s Quarter, Mustard Garlic, Wild Onions, Ramps, Mugwort, and Wild Violets are erupting across my yard and along my hikes. But one family tradition my kids and I love at this time of year is making Dandelion tea and pesto pâté. Here are our rules of foraging these incredible medicinal plants: 1. Ensure you’re in a pesticide-free zone 2. Never harvest near roadways 3. Ask your neighbors before picking 4. Leave some for the bees The entire Dandelion plant is medicinal—we harvest the leaves, flowers, and roots. Each part offers something distinct: the leaves are mineral-rich and support kidney function, the flowers contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and the roots are prized for liver and digestive supp...