know to be a potent antibacterial and anti-fungal. It is effective against Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Tuberculosis. Indigenous people from around the world have used Usnea for thousands of years to treat a variety of medical conditions.  Native Americans have used it in compresses for wound care to prevent infections and gangrene. In addition to compresses, it can be consumed as a dry powder capsule, tincture, tea, or used topically as a  medicinal cream.
     As always, do your own research before using plant medicine. Specially if your are pregnant or nursing. Along with the benefits, there are side effects and dangers as well.

     Henbit and dead nettle are not the same plant. However, they are both edible and medicinal. All parts of both plants that grow above the dirt can be eaten raw or cooked, making them both great options to add to soups or salads. With groceries being super expensive these days, anything that can be used to bulk up a dish for free is wonderful. Especially if it's growing in you yard or along the sidewalk near your home.  Just head out the door and pick what's needed when you need it. In addition to being free groceries, both are nutritious and high in iron, vitamins, and fiber. In all the excitement of free and healthy groceries, don't forget the medicinal benefits.
      Henbit has been used for hundreds of years to treat fevers and body aches. Pour boiling water in a cup over a few tablespoons, or small handful, of the henbit stems, leaves, and flowers. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Dead nettle can be chewed up and them put on the affected area of a bug bite or sting as it has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Some even use it as a tincture or tea to treat allergies.
     These herbal plants are another fine example of plants one can grow in their backyard farmacy as nutritional and medicinal plants. But they're only around in the spring. If you want to use them year round, they can be easily dried and saved for later. I like to put them in my dehydrator at 110 degrees F for about 6 hours.