The first plants to appear during the spring are some of the most medicinal; dandelion, yarrow, comfrey and mint are just a few I have seen popping up around my yard. Chickweed is among those first spring greens that get labeled as a "weed" but one you will come to love, once you get to know her.
Stellaria media
Chickweed has very tiny flowers that close when overcast. It is one of the first plants to appear in early spring and full of nutrients and first aid healing properties. She is also known as Starweed because of her beautiful tiny, and I mean tiny, white flowers that resemble little stars.
Herbal Actions and Properties
- emollient
- demulcent
- mucilaginous
- emulsifier
- nutritive
- mild diuretic
- toning
- cooling
- drawing
- spring tonic
Medicinal Uses
- Canker, mouth sores and abscesses
- Sore Throat - gargle
- Lung support - aids in healing respiratory conditions, bronchitis, asthma and dry coughs
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – poultice, compress, salve can even be rubbed around outside of the eyelid
- Eye inflammation and sties - same as above, can be used cooled or warmed
- Tired, sore, dry, irritated eyes
- First aid – cuts, scrapes, abrasions, wounds, bruises, splinters - can be used immediately as an emergency herb by chewing up or crushing with hands and placing over wounds.
- Burns, including sun burn
- Skin ailments – eczema, psoriasis, dry, chapped, itchy skin, rashes, boils, sores, irritation - use both inside and out
- Blisters and warts
- Diaper rash
- Hives and heat rash
- Chicken pox and shingles - bath/salve
- Bug bites and stings
- Sore and tired muscles – bath
- Inflammation - both internal and external
- Kidney, liver, gallbladder support, aids the body to heal blocks and inflammation
- Internal healing and support for ulcers, urinary tract, stomach and intestines
- Constipation - especially for children due chickweed's gentle nature
- Nutrient dense - high in Vitamins A and C, saponins (increase absorption on a cellular level) lots of minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium to name a few.
- Stimulates metabolism which can help in weight loss
- Fresh herb contains saponins which give it a soap like quality, rub in your hands with a little water and hands will be cleansed and moisturized.
Methods of Use
- Poultice/Compress
- Herbal Infusion (tea)
- Bath
- Tincture
- Herbal Infused Oil
- Salves, Ointments, Balms
- Can be frozen for future use
- Consuming fresh leaves - add to salads, smoothies, pesto or wherever else you would use greens (has a spinach like flavor so this is not a bitter one like most spring greens.
In the Yard
- Most people don’t go planting chickweed in their gardens (except maybe this chick), they are usually trying to eradicate it, so go for a search around your yard or neighborhood. We found some growing under the plant tables at our local nursery in which case I asked if I could have it and brought it home to plant in my yard, yes I got some very weird looks - but I'm used to that!
- Likes shady, cool areas so look under shrubs and bushes in the spring.
- Because of the shallow roots chickweed can actually provide a living type of mulch for your garden, in fact if you have chickweed growing it usually indicates fertile soil.
- Chickweed is actually an annual plant but self seeds readily which is how she comes back year after year.
- Aerial parts can be harvested anytime, both leaves and flowers.
- If you search for chickweed and still can't find her anywhere Mountain Rose Herbs does sell seeds or the dried herb.
Recipes
Chickweed Salve
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Resources
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Chickweed Benefits by Dr. Axe
Edible Wild Food - Chickweed
Mountain Rose Herbs - Chickweed Seeds
Herbal Roots Zine - March 2009 Issue - Chickweed
Edible Wild Food - Chickweed
Mountain Rose Herbs - Chickweed Seeds
Herbal Roots Zine - March 2009 Issue - Chickweed
Shared On: Wildcrafting Wednesday, The Art of Homemaking.
