Starry white flowers with cleft petals, dainty pairs of fuzzy green leaves and purple stems identify the star chickweed plant, which – along with its relatives common chickweed and mouse chickweed – is a great source of vitamins A, D, B complex and C. It’s also packed with minerals like iron, calcium, potassium and zinc. Chickweed (Stellaria media) has a delicate cornsilk-like flavor when eaten raw, and tastes like spinach when cooked.
Chickweed can also be finely chopped and applied externally to soothe irritated skin. An infusion made by steeping ¼ cup in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes has benefits similar to dandelion root.
Like other edible weeds, chickweed has many health benefits:Kidney And Liver Tonic
Common chickweed has long been used in folkloric medicine as tonic to cleanse the kidney and liver. Chickweed can be eaten raw mixed with salad or prepared and taken as tea.
Treatment Of Skin Problems
Among the many claimed health benefits from chickweed is its ability to heal skin wounds. It is used as a poultice to treat boils, cuts, burns, abscesses and ulcers. Chickweed is also used to treat itchiness associated with eczema and psoriasis.
Anti-Inflammatory And Pain Reliever
Another health benefit from Chickweed is it ability to act against inflammation and pain. It is used to treat rheumatism, arthritis and menstrual pain.
Health Benefits For Stomach Problems
Chickweed is also used to treat constipation, upset stomach and to promote digestion.
Chickweed For Lung Problems
Chickweed is also used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems such as couch and colds. It is believed that the vitamin C in Chickweed can help boost body resistance and can even be used to treat scurvy.
Chickweed Preparation And Dosage:
Chickweed Tea:
Add 1 tablespoon of dried chickweed (2 tablespoon if fresh) for every cup of water. Boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain the herb and take three times a day.
Chickweed Green Juice:
Take a handful of clean fresh chickweed plant and add to a glass of desired fruit juice (pineapple, orange, apple etc,). Use a blender to mix, you can add ice to enjoy a cold drink, can be taken twice a day.
Chickweed Poultice
Fresh chickweed plant are crushed and applied topically on the affected area. Crushed chickweed plant can also be added to a warm bath.
Chickweed Tincture
20-40 drops, 3-4 times daily in water or juice
EDIBLE BACKYARD PLANTS - CHICKWEED
Chickweed Edible Backyard Plants Edible Plants
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