Cudweed

/ˈkʌdwiːd/ noun

Definition

A plant (genus Gnaphalium) with woolly leaves, traditionally believed to have medicinal properties; also called 'cudwort' or 'liverwort.'

Etymology

From 'cud' (possibly referring to grazing animals chewing it) combined with 'weed,' creating a folk name for a medicinal plant that animals might eat.

Kelly Says

Medieval people named plants after what they thought could heal—'cudweed' was supposed to fix digestive problems because cows chew cud, so it must help digestion.

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