Herbs of the Field - Creeping Charlie
Considered an invasive weed that runs every where in your yard! Creeping Charlies was brought to America by the European settlers to use as a ground cover. This is where it gets its other name, Ground Ivy. Creeping Charlies has been used to treat lead colic, usually associated with painters who used toxic lead paint, and developed poisoning from it. Creeping Charlies is extremely rich in vitamin C and historically used to prevent scurvy. In addition, Creeping Charlie contains iron, copper, iodine, phosphorus, and potassium.
Medicinally, Creeping Charlies can be used to help with both internal and external issues. Issues include: inflamed mucous membranes, sinusitis, inner and middle ear remedy, tinnitus, kidney and lung disorders, head colds, congestion in ear tubes, bronchitis, viral pneumonia, coughs, bladder infections, indigestion, heavy metal detoxification, cancer remedies, cuts, sores, and bruises. and headaches.
Identification - Kidney-shaped dark green leaves with scalloped edges, often shiny with fine hairs, can be tinged with purple and in fall a reddish coloring. Leaves range from 1” to 2” across, oppositely arranged on stem. Creeping Charlie has funnel-shaped, bluish-violet flowers that bloom in the spring, provide bees with feeding in early season. Flowers become big green seed pods with 4 brownish seed. Also, known for its long trailing stems of dense mats covering the ground. Creeping Charlie is a member of the mint family, which means it has square stems. Plant dies back when temperatures drop for the winter, but sometimes the green leaves can be found growing under the snow. Creeping Charlie is adaptive, prefers shady, moist soils but grows in the sun and dry soil types.
Harvesting - Creeping Charlie can be picked and tossed into salads, or spring rolls. It is best to use the youngest leaves or tiny flowers. Can also be dried to use as teas. Best time of the year is mid-spring to early summer.
Usage - tonic, teas - infusions, tinctures, poultices. Supports: kidney, bladder, respiratory, lymphatic and digestive systems. Herbal actions: anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant. To make infusion just pick enough Creeping Charlie to loosely fill a jar, wash, place in jar, cover with boiling water, steep for one hour. Remove the plant and drink either hot or cold. Drinking a tea infusion has cooling effects on the body.
Cautions - Seeds may not be usable. Looks like purple dead nettles or henbit, also both of the mint family. Both are also edible but do not have the same properties.