by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP – Living in Natures Love Lifestyles @insideawareness.com
Chickweed
Also known as: Common, Star or Mouse-ear Chickweeds, Winterweed
Uses: Culinary, Herbal, Tea, Medicinal, Poultice, Topical Skin Products, Detox, Laxative, Digestion, Weight Loss, Decoction, Insect Bites, Rashes
Parts used: Flowers, Leaves & Roots
Preparation: Tea, Tinctures, Vinegar,Oil, Flower Essence, Skin Care, Soap-making, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Bathing, Shampoo, Lotions, Ointments, Infused Water
- Symbolizes: Fidelity & Love
- Language of Flowers meaning: Rendezvous (coming together)
- Associated with: Relationships in a Community, Sacral Chakra
- Element: Water
- Governed by: Moon
Culinary
Chickweed can be tossed into salads, grilled in butter, added to eggs and used in your green drinks. It is spinach like and can replace it in recipes. Try it in pesto for noodles or spread. It is nutritious and tasty. Chickweed contain high levels of flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help fight free radicals that cause disease and chronic conditions.
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Health & Wellness
When my children came down with chickenpox I remembered my mother telling me that chickweed would decrease the itching of this condition. I had to go on a hunt in our community to find some. That was the begining of infusing this weed to bath the children. I now pick from a patch planted in our little garden to infuse with water for the cats water. It is useful for cats and hairballs!
It is a healing herb and useful for constipation, wounds, eczema, insect bites, bruises, joints, inflammation and tension.
A cup of Chickweed Tea before meals can slow down the bodies intake of fat so helps with weight loss.
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More recipe ideas:
Traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.
Recommended Reading:
- The Book of Greens: A Cook’s Compendium of 40 Varieties, from Arugula to Watercress, with More Than 175 Recipes Authors Jenn Louis, Kathleen Squires
