Chickweed

Description

Dried Chickweed (Stellaria media)

🌿 shade dried

This herb is very nutrient dense having 6 times the amount of vitamin C, 12 times more calcium and 83 times more iron than spinach.

For hair care, chickweed helps to soothe the hair and scalp as well as hydrating them. It also brings many needed vitamins to the hair, such as vitamin C.

👍 It contains saponins which are soap-like. Saponins emulsify and increase the permeability of cellular membranes so when we consume chickweed those saponins increase the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

This herb can be applied as a poultice on sore muscles or irritated skin, and relieves fragile, superficial veins or itching skin conditions.

Chickweed aids in digestion and weight control. The functions of chickweed are both mildly laxative and diuretic, helping the body rid itself of toxic substances. In traditional Indian medicine, it is used as a preventive measure for obesity. Studies show that the intake of chickweed had positive effects on food consumption behavior, adiposity index and body weight in mice….

💡 My daughter uses it on her skin to improve and prevent acne. It is a common cosmetic ingredient for skin conditioning.

It has been used to promote wound healing and ease infections through its antiseptic and antifungal properties.

Ways to Use Chickweed

🌿 Compress – apply aerial parts of the plant to aching joints and muscles to relieve pain.

🌿 Decoction – a decoction can be used to help with constipation.

🌿 Infused oil – chickweed oil can be added to bathwater to help alleviate the symptoms of eczema. It can also be used topically for insect bites and other skin conditions to help minimize itchiness.

🌿 Poultice – the herb can be crushed and directly applied to bruises and aching body parts to help ease tension or lessen inflammation.

see Chickweed for more information on the nutrient dense powerhouse of an herb.