I want to introduce to you a plant that is growing right now in your area that is edible and full of nutrients, can be used medicinally in many conditions, can help with weight issues, and can help prevent allergy symptoms. Chickweed has a mild green flavor that is added to salads along with other spring greens to help balance the bitter taste. You can also use it in soups, stews, casseroles, dips, stir fries, and smoothies to take advantage of the nutritive value of this “little star” (the meaning of Stellaria media).
This little annual beauty can be found lying prone to the ground and spreading out in almost any disturbed area very early in the spring. It is native to Europe, but is now found throughout North America and other northern temperate zones. This plant prefers moist and shaded areas, but can grow just about anywhere. Chickweed also spreads quite aggressively because one plant can produce up to 25,000 seeds in one season! The stems are either green or purple with small white hairs on one side only. This is how you can determine that your plant is true Stellaria media. Other plants called “Chickweed”, or similar plants do not have these hairs growing in a row up one side of the stem. The leaves are tiny at only ¼ inch long and are positioned opposite on the stem. The small, white flowers are very noticeable because of its “star” shape. There are only five petals, but it looks like there are ten because each petal is deeply cleaved in two which gives the appearance of more petals. Chickweed is considered a “spring tonic” because of the high content of vitamins and minerals. It contains a large amount of Vitamin B. It also contains Vitamins A, C, and D. Some of the main minerals are magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, potassium, sodium, selenium, and phosphorus. When cooking with it (or using it raw), cut them up into small pieces to avoid the “stringy feeling” of the stems when chewing.
Chickweed is healing for many different afflictions. It contains mucilage which soothes inflammation or irritated skin and can be used both internally and externally. It can provide benefits for rashes, skin eruptions, burns, hemorrhoids, itching, ulcers, sore throats, hoarseness, gout, bursitis, and arthritis (well, you get the idea). That same mucilage content also gives Chickweed an expectorant action helping to expel mucous from the lungs. It is a good choice in cases of coughing, asthma, bronchitis, or pleurisy. It is also considered a very good alterative (blood purifier) and is beneficial to the liver, skin, kidneys, colon, and lymphatic/endocrine system. Chickweed contains the flavonoid Quercetin, which helps to prevent allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamine. It works best when eaten daily before allergy season instead of taking it when you are currently suffering from the symptoms. It also contains saponin glycosides that help the body to absorb nutrients while dissolving and breaking down bacteria, excess mucous, and excess fat cells. The nutrients work to help stimulate and increase the function of metabolism while getting rid of mucous and toxins quicker. Of course, diet and exercise are important as well. In a study done in 2011, the whole plant was used to test the anti-obese effect and was found beneficial in reducing fat absorption. (PubMed) There is no need to take an diet pill, just look in your backyard!
It is best to use Chickweed fresh because it can lose some of its potency once dried. However, you can make an infusion with the dried or fresh herb (anything above the soil) by pouring one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of Chickweed and steeping thirty minutes. Harvest the herb just before and during the flowering stage for drying. You can preserve the fresh herb also by juicing the herb and then freezing it in ice cube trays. There are no reports of health hazards with this herb and no contraindications. Dosages are up to 4 cups daily of the infusion, and ½ teaspoon of the fluid extract or tincture when needed. You can eat Chickweed daily by adding it to one meal a day or mixing it with your next smoothie.
Spring has arrived and I am looking forward to the growing season. There are many plants available in nature to supply you with all of your needs. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air when you can, and don’t forget to look down. You just might find your own “little star”!