#theresnosuchthingasweeds

— Fernanda Botelho and Nuno Antunes

Exhibition

An exhibition that aims to create a movement in support of those little-loved “weeds”.

Fernanda Botelho, aided by the photographic work of Nuno Antunes, calls our attention to the importance of classifying and gaining knowledge about these plants and their various species which, besides being beneficial for pollinating insects, can also be used as culinary herbs and may have medicinal properties.

— Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage gives courage. Its oil is very rich in omega 3. It can be used for therapeutic and healing purposes.

— Herb-Robert (Geranium robertianum)

Very valued in the middle ages as a wound healer. In Portugal it is used to treat digestive problems.

— White Clover (Trifolium repens)

“To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee.” — Emily Dickinson

— Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)

Honeysuckle with its Intoxicating fragrance is useful in gargles and to treat mouth inflammations or sore throats.

— Echium (Echium plantagineum)

Echium, also known as viper’s bugloss, was traditionally used to treat snake bites.

— Common poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

Its petals, dried or fresh, and also the seeds can be used in the kitchen.

— Calendula (Calendula arvensis)

Used in gargles to strengthen the gums and relieve sore throats. Weed or medicinal herb?

— Myosotis (Myosotis sp.)

Also known as forget-me-not, it has medicinal properties and edible flowers.

— Wild oats (Avena barbata)

Used in the past to fill the mattresses of nervous people or those suffering from insomnia.

— Wild carrot (Daucus carota)

Its leaves, seeds, and roots can be used as diuretic teas.

— Mallow (Lavatera cretica)

It treats conjunctivitis, skin irritations and inflammations. Weed or useful plant?

— Campion (Silene longicilia)

Edible flowers, leaves, stems and roots. Weed or edible plant?

— Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

From its root you can make a roasted beverage. Weed or an alternative to coffee?

— Nettles (Urtica sp.)

There is a Portuguese expression to send someone to the nettles which holds negative connotations, however we should remember nettles are a superfood.

— Common vetch (Lathyrus clymenum)

Fodder plant is used frequently as green manure. It is edible and also attracts bees.
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