What are "Weeds"?

[decolonizingweeds]

Decolonizing the Language We Use

Alt-Text: Banner reads "Abolition, Decolonization, Liberation" held by protestors on the steps of a courthouse.

Attribution: activist group "Decolonize This Place"

Photo Description: Women standing on the steps of a courthouse holding a red banner encouraging the abolition, decolonization, and liberation of the systems in the United States (the protest took place in New York City).

Decolonizing language requires reflection on why we use the words we do when we do. Consider words that are now considered to be derogatory where they "didn't use to be," where language, particularly English, is a colonizer language that is continuously used to oppress and use stereotypes to limit groups of people.

How does the way we talk about our environment adjust the way we treat it? How would it change if instead of using ableist language we used inclusive language, free of judgment?

These are questions we need to be asking ourselves to be good allies, yes, but also to change the continued white supremacist system which only lends itself useful to the upper-class white men that continue to rule over society.

Alt-Text: Woman wearing a mask holding a sign that reads "Only Insecure Men Control Women's Bodies" with skyscraper buildings seen in the background.

Attribution: Katie Godowski

Photo Description: Resist the systems that control women's bodily autonomy

Decolonization can take place in many ways, and it must. I'm emphasizing the decolonization of language because it is a step most people can take without having to leave the comforts of their home, but I encourage participating in courses like "How to be Anti-Racist," reading on the topics from people who experience these oppressions.

Here is a list of recommended reading:

How to Be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde

21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown

A Beginner's Guide to Building Better Worlds: Ideas and Inspiration from the Zapatistas by Levi Gahman et al.

The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book by Gord Hill

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

The Feminist Killjoys blog by Sara Ahmed (https://feministkilljoys.com/)

A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

These are only some of the books I've read on my journey, and there are always more to come. These provide a good starting point for research if you want to learn how to decolonize your language, your thoughts, and your land.

[decolonizingweeds]

What's Desirable?

We as a society have a list of things that constitute desirability, but how many of them are based on the idea of control? "Weeds" has gained a negative connotation in the English language as something that cannot be controlled, it might not look "beautiful" to societal standards (also seen in women's beauty, cleanliness, and ableist culture). Many plants that do not suit this idea of "perfection" or "nice to look at" are treated as something to be rid of, just as often as people are treated. How often are teen girls objectified? What is the basis in society for what is "desirable"?

Alt-Text: image reads - “Those of us who stand outside the circle of this society’s definition of acceptable women; those of us who have been forged in the crucibles of difference - those of us who are poor, who are lesbians, who are Black, who are older - know that survival is not an academic skill. It is learning how to stand alone, unpopular and sometimes reviled, and how to make common cause with those others identified as outside the structures in order to define and seek a world in which we can all flourish. It is learning how to take our differences and make them strengths” -Audre Lorde, The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House.

Attribution: Audre Lorde, Kaeli Wolf

Here are some noticeable elements to the treatment of plants, primarily, what constitutes something that is wanted (vs. unwanted).

A "good" plant is:

controllable;

amenable;

and willing.

A "weed" or a "bad" plant is:

uncontrollable;

grows in uninhabitable conditions;

unwilling to give up;

thrives despite society (weed killers) telling it not to.

We often put too much value in what others think of us, plants have been bred to look more "beautiful", more fruitful, are changed into something different to suit the capitalist regime. What can only be created in certain conditions, something that cannot be accessible to the poor? What about cities purposefully planting male trees to avoid easy access to free fruit? What does the governing structure do to keep the poor poor? Perhaps they would alienize differences or convince us that "weeds" need removal.

We all need to take a lesson from "weeds" and choose to thrive because we are different, and thrive despite the hate.

Resources:

Lorde, Audre. "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House," Sister Outsider, Crossing Press, pp. 110-113, 2007.

[decolonizingweeds]

Plantain

How many of you truly know what a plantain is? And no, not the banana-looking fruit (?) that often comes up when doing a quick search. This is one of the most common weeds, one which most of us probably tore from the ground to tear the strings from the leaves (or at least this was common practice for me).

Alt-Text: A lush plant with tall, slender flower spikes thrives in a garden bed, surrounded by leafy green plants and rich soil.

Attribution: Elena Rodalis

Photo Description: In the wild tangle of nature, the plantain rises, unapologetic and defiant. Its sturdy leaves speak of resilience, challenging the norms that dictate worth based on "beauty". Amidst the riot of colours, it stands as a symbol of rebellion with its simple leaves, encouraging us to embrace diversity and fight for a world where all can flourish.

Uses (MacKinnon 256):

General Effects:

anti-inflammatory

promotes healing of skin cells

helps to stop bleeding

may reduce blood pressure

seeds - help reduce cholesterol levels

natural fibre laxative

As Poultice or Lotion:

insect bites and stings

snakebites

sunburn

poison-ivy

rashes

sore nipples

blisters

burns and cuts

Leaves (heated):

swollen joints

sprains

strained muscles

sore feet

As Tea:

sore throat

laryngitis

cough

bronchitis

tuberculosis

mouth sores

dysentery

diarrhea

intestinal worms

bleeding of mucous membranes

Root:

relieving toothaches and headaches

healing poor gums

Found May to September on disturbed, cultivated, or waste ground in Canada.

Resources:

MacKinnon, et al. Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada, Lone Pine Publishing, 2009.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/plantain-weed

[decolonizingweeds]

Chamomile

From a young age, we are given chamomile when sick, often paired with a spoonful of honey for a sore throat. This plant is quite easy to identify in the wild, and has a myriad of benefits, but is still often identified as something to be destroyed as it grows in harsh conditions despite the wish of the capitalist structure to control.

So, what are the benefits?

German Chamomile (MacKinnon 365):

Alt-text: Blooming chamomile flowers with white petals and yellow, dome-shaped centers, growing closely together in a natural, grassy setting.

Attribution: Territorial Seed Company

Photo Description: Growing closely together in a natural, untamed setting, these flowers symbolize unity and strength. They stand as a metaphor for feminist solidarity and resistance, flourishing boldly and beautifully in the face of adversity.

It is apple-scented, with white ray flowers and yellow disc flowers.

Can be found growing from May to October.

treating nervous tension and irritability

treating a variety of digestive issues (like Irritable Bowel Syndrome [IBS], Crohn's Disease, peptic ulcers, and hiatus hernia)

anti-bacterial

anti-inflammatory

anti-spasmotic

anti-ulcer

antiviral

The Flower (on the skin):

wounds

sunburn

burns

hemorrhoids

mastitis

leg ulcers

Pineapple-Weed (MacKinnon 365):

Alt-text: Close-up of budding chamomile flowers with yellow, dome-shaped centers and feathery green leaves in a natural outdoor setting.

Attribution: K. Chayka

Photo Description: Representing the burgeoning power of collective uprising and thriving through adversity, these flowers symbolize the unyielding spirit and solidarity of resistance, poised to bloom and challenge the status quo.

It is pineapple-scented with yellow disc flowers (no petals) often found on disturbed ground (like roadsides and disturbed sites throughout Canada).

Typically grows from May to September.

The tea is used to:

treat colds

upset stomach

diarrhea

fevers

menstrual cramps

helps to expel gas and soothe muscle contractions in the stomach

relieves heartburn and soothes nerves

Resources:

MacKinnon, et al. Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada, Lone Pine Publishing, 2009.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-benefits-of-chamomile-tea

[decolonizingweeds]

Dandelion

Popularly an "undesirable" plant, it grows where it's not planted, and it thrives where it's least wanted.

Alt-Text: Close-up of a vibrant yellow dandelion flower against a blurred green background.

Attribution: Daniel Absi

Photo Description: Embracing the beauty of simplicity while existing against the system.

Did you know it has medicinal value?

Here's something the capitalist system doesn't want you to know...

The plant itself is highly nutritious, containing many vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Please use the below reference for particular vitamins and minerals. I intend to focus on the ailments the teas can aid, which I've noted below:

Dandelion root or leaf tea (MacKinnon 332)

mild laxative

stimulates urination

stimulates salivation and secretion of gastric juices

improves appetite

helps with liver, urinary tract, and digestive problems

Dandelion root (MacKinnon 332)

lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels

reduces inflammation,

has anti-microbrial effects

aids in weight loss

So, the question is, why do we hate this plant when it has so many benefits for our health? Why were we taught to dislike what grows despite obstacles and continues to thrive in a system bent on destroying it?

Not only that, but it is highly beneficial for bees in the spring, as they come up quickly and provide nectar for the hives straight out of winter.

Can be found May to August on disturbed, cultivated, and waste ground in Canada.

Resources:

MacKinnon, et al. Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada, Lone Pine Publishing, 2009.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits#nutrition