Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | July, 2011


Aside from serving as a vegetable, Chickweed may be effective in the treatment of constipation, bronchitis, rheumatic pains, arthritis, menstrual pain, asthma, colds and pleurisy. It is also believed to aid in the healing of skin irritations like wounds, bruises, boils and burns.


Chickweed

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Stellaria media L.)

Native to Europe and North America, Chickweed is a cool season annual with thick foliage. It has small yellowish-green ovate leaves. Chickweed produces tiny white flowers and seed pods at the same time. To identify Stellaria from other Chickweeds, look for fine hairs on only one side of the plant stem. Chickens and birds love to eat the seeds and the leaves are a nutritious addition to any salad.



Common Names:

Adder’s mouth, Indian chickweed, Chickenwort, Craches, Maruns, Satin flower, Scarweed, Star chickweed, Starweed, Starwort, Stitchwort, Tongue-grass, Winterweed



Uses:

Aside from serving as a vegetable, Chickweed may be effective in the treatment of constipation, bronchitis, rheumatic pains, arthritis, menstrual pain, asthma, colds and pleurisy. It is also believed to aid in the healing of skin irritations like wounds, bruises, boils and burns.


Applications:

Tea:
1 tbsp. fresh or dried leaves per 1-cup boiling water.

Infusion:
1 tbsp. fresh or dried leaves per ½-cup boiling water.

Decoction:
Boil 1 qt. of water with 4 tbsp. fresh or dried leaves until only a pint of liquid remains. Drink a warm cupful every hour until bowels move to alleviate constipation.

Ointment:
Crush fresh leaves with mortar and pestle and add to Vaseline or lard (shortening).


Warnings:

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.