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Chickweed
Stellaria media
Family: CAROPHYLLACEAE
This lovely low-growing, trailing weed is delicious, the whole herb is used in salads, soups or stir frys and as a herbal tea.
Chickweed is very high in Protein and minerals. It is very high in Vitamin C and is excellent for helping to dissolve fats in the body. Helps to liquify and remove mucous from the Respiratory tract. Is used to stop bleeding and inflamation from the lungs, bowels and stomach.
Used as a poultice it is wonderful for rashes and sores and a great scrub for acne.
Is excellent for weight reduction, particularly in discouraging fat retention.
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Chickweed - Stellaria media |
Chickweed - with flower detail inset |
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Description
Chickweed is an annual herb which grows to about 30-35 cm high; chickweed typically develops a sprawling mass of intertwined stems up to 70 cm in length.
Each stem node grow pairs of oval leaves that vary in size up to 15mm long. When blooming (throughout the year) the plant displays white flowers, 7 mm across, with usually five, two-parted petals that are shorter than the sepals, are followed by oval seed pods.
A line of hairs runs up one side of the stem changing to the other side when it reaches the leaf node.
At Middle Path, Chickweed is a welcome winter friend which we see starting to sprout around April / May.
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Vitamins
Chickweed contains vitamins A, B and C
Minerals
Chickweed contains Chromium, Molybdenum, Sodium, Selenium, Silicon, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Sulphur, Silica, Manganese, Zinc, Cobalt and Phosphorus.
Constituents
Saponins, Mucilage, fatty acids, fibre, protein (15-20%)
Properties
Antibiotic, alterative, carmitive, emolient, anti-inflammatory, digestive, diuretic, laxative, nutritive tonic.
Uses
We have found these conditions respond very well to Chickweed
- Acne
- Boils
- Obesity
- Skin Problems
These other conditions have also responded well to treatment with Chickweed:-
- Allergies
- Appetite imbalance
- Asthma
- Blood Poisoning
- Bronchitis
- Burns
- Cancer
- Canker
- Circulation
- Cleansing
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- Colon
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Frigidity
- Hay Fever
- Hemorrhoids
- Hoarseness
- Impotence
- Inflamation
- Itching
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- Mouth Sores
- Pleurisy
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatism
- Sore Throat
- Sterility
- Swelling
- Turmors
- Ulcers
- Wounds
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Stellaria media (L) Vill. CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Chickweed
Chickweed is this herb's English name, herbe a I'oiseau its French name, Vogelmiere its German, and in medieval Latin morsus gallinae (hen's bite) - all of these emphasizing the association with birds.
It has long been used as a bird feed, and in winter it provides one of the few sources of fresh seed for them. Indeed, it is as a foodstuff for animals and poor country folk that it has received most attention; the ancient writers ignored it and it has few, if any, medicinal applications.
Stellaria is from the Latin stella meaning a star, after the flower shape; while media serves to distinguish this plant fiom both larger and smaller relatives as it means middle.
Description Vigorous annual, but rapidly propagating and found throughout the year. Stems much-branched, decumbent and ascending, very straggly, 10-40 cm tall. Leaves ovate-acute, long-petioled, 3-20 mm long; some leaves ovate and sessile. Flowers small, white, numerous on downwardly pointing stalks. Appearing early spring to mid-winter.
Distribution European native; distributed worldwide, and often naturalized as a weed of importance. On all moist, cultivated land and wasteland to 2000 m altitude.
Cultivation Wild plant.
Constituents Mineral salts including calcium and potassium salts; saponins. Uses (fresh stems and leaves) Vulnerary. The crushed plant may be used in poultices; once rubbed on arthritic joints to relieve discomfort. Used homeopathically in the treatment of rheumatism.
Uses Principally used as a salad herb or may be cooked as a vegetable with a knob of butter added.
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Further Reading
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