Herbs of the Field - Chickweed
It’s spring again, and many plants are growing… so are the weeds! But wait! Don’t pull and toss or spray to kill… there is so much we can do with these herbs of the fields!
This plant is a rich source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, calcium, niacin, selenium and Gamma-linolenic-acid. Chickweed contains saponins which help to reduce inflammation in the throat and sinuses, by reducing the secretions of mucous membranes. Chickweed makes a great expectorant, helping the lungs to eliminate particles. While chickweed helps with inflammation, it boosts the immune system, speeding the processes within the body to eliminate the infection.
Chickweed is also great for arthritis, gout, diabetes and heart disease, when added to the diet. The consumption of chickweed helps to strengthen the intestinal wall by making it resistant to inflammation affects. Infusing chickweed in an ointment helps speed healing of cuts and scrapes, plus soothing irritations caused by skin disorders like psoriasis or eczema. The best reason to use chickweed is it is a lymph system cleanser. The lymph system swells when you get sick, in the neck, armpits, or even in the groin. The lymph’s job is to trap the viruses and bacteria thus removing it from the body. Chickweed helps to clear the lymph of those items allowing it to work to collect more toxins, or invaders from the blood and tissue.
In addition, chickweed works as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiviral, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, nutritive, aids digestion, help suppress appetite, aids blood cleansing, breaks down cellulite, releases boils and burns, helps with eye inflammation, and other skin irritants.
Identification: Chickweed is a cousin to the mint family. Easy to identify by their squarish stems. In addition, when you gently break the stem, there is a connective tissue that holds the stem together. The look-alike does not have this. The plant grows from 2 to 20 inches in height. In the spring, it has flowers that are white and star-like shaped. The leaves are oval with cup-like tips, and the edges are smooth with slightly feathered.
Harvesting: early in morning or late in evening. Snip off the upper branches. Use fresh or dry for the future.
Usage: decoction, poultice, tea
Warnings: should not be used when pregnant or nursing. Some may be allergic.