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In this article I want to introduce you to Chickweed a lovely little wild weed that grows effortlessly here in NZ.
Chickweed used in weight loss, as a high nutrient pick-me-up, a remedy for cuts, bruises and many more applications, Chickweed could quite well become as good a friend to you as it has been for me.
With a variety of uses this little star flower is about to expand your horizons read on…
Chickweed – My Little Star Lady
Chickweed stellaria media
Chickweeds Botanical name is Stellaria media which means little stars.
Chickweed is at her best in Spring and Autumn.
Three step identification:
No milky sap in the broken stem
Fine line of hairs on its stem.
Has an inner stem when separating stem the inner stem is slightly elastic.
See the inner stem. Important identifier for Chickweed.
The heat of summer will find her in the cooler places hidden under and between other plants.
In New Zealand Chickweed can be found in grassland, roadsides and cultivated land. It is frost resistant and drought tender.
Her job is too cool things down like inflamed tissue and dissolve bacteria and waste.
She energizes, strengthens and helps us absorb nutrients especially minerals.
Rich in Iron, Copper, Calcium, Sodium, Manganese, Phosphorus and Zinc. With Vitamins: B complex, C (150-350mg per 100g) and D
Chickweed is loved by chickens which is why it was given its name.
Chickens love chickweed
Chickweed contains Saponins which are soapy substances that increase the permeability of cellular membranes increasing our ability to absorb these nutrients.
Saponins also breakdown unwanted matter including mucus in the respiratory tract, digestive system, cysts and excess fat cells.
Another substance, gamma-linolenic acid or (GLA) for short, is an essential fatty acid is great for itchy skin and many other skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, wounds, bruises, cuts, boils, abscesses, carbuncles and eye inflammation.
And as a remedy for “pink eye” chickweed excels.
Crush the fresh herb about a handful, until juicy place on the infected closed eye and leave until it’s warmed up. (see below)
GLA is useful for hormonal imbalances, PMS, reduces water retention, controls obesity, acts as a liver tonic and reduces the negative effects of alcohol.
She really is a star.
Chickweed herb for weight loss
Throw out all the bottles of weight loss supplements and take a handful of chickweed, place in a sterilized jar and pour over a litre of boiling water.
Infuse for 4 hours.
Strain and remove plant material.
Drink a cup a day.
I like it with fresh lemon juice, banana and a little Manuka honey.
Uses in the Kitchen
add to any soups
Chickweed can easily be added to soups, stews and can be cooked like spinach. They each have a similar taste.
All parts of the plant, leaves, flowers, stems and seeds can be eaten.
Combine with any lettuce salad greens in a fresh salad. Make sure to chop stems sometimes they can be stringy.
added to tasty salad greens
Warning: Avoid if sensitive to the daisy family.
Choose as a pick-me-up. Juice with 50/50 apple juice. Chickweed is a great herb for weight loss.
Chickweed for weight loss, a pick me up Nutrient rich drink Bruise the leaves and place on any itchy, hot surface
Make a cream with equal parts of the juice and aqueous cream blended together.
Keep in fridge.
For cuts, itches etc.
CHICKWEED TABOULI
A handful of mint leaves
500mls boiling water
2 cups Bulgar
Finely chop fresh mint leaves and stir into Bulgar. Pour 500ml of boiling water and allow liquid to be completely absorbed. Stir and fluff.
Finely dice
1 tomato
½ cup Cucumber
½ cup Red Capsicum
Set aside.
Finely chopped equal parts of Parsley, Chives and Chickweed to make 1 cup.
¼ cup Olives
½ cup of corn
Add all ingredients to Bulgar and mix in dressing.
Dressing
Blend together
A dash of Piripiri seasoning
1 clove of garlic
50ml Olive oil
50ml Lemon juice
Salt and Black pepper to taste.
Serve Chilled.
TIP:
Treat Chickweed as you would parsley and add to all salads, stews, soups, potato salad, pasta salad, omelettes and stuffed eggs.
Chickweed Pesto
1 cup fresh Basil
1 cup fresh Chickweed
2 cloves garlic
½ cup hard cheese grated
½ cup pinenuts
½ cup olive oil
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
This is fabulous with pasta or as a vegetable dip.
Mild Curried Chickweed
50ml Olive Oil
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Tumeric
Heat oil add seeds and cook two minutes. Cool. Toss in 4 cups of freshly chopped Chickweed.
Pour over juice of ½ a lemon and 1 tbsp Tamari. Toss together. Serve chilled.
Chickweed Poultice
Eye Poultice
Apply the fresh washed and bruised, Chickweed directly onto wounds, sores, burns and closed eyes.
For more intense treatment, infuse chickweed in 50/50 boiled water and organic apple cider vinegar. Cool and apply.
Chickweed will heat up as it absorbs heat from the injury. Reapply cool poultice as required.
Relief can be found after just one application.
As treatment continues infection, pain and swelling will be relieved.
It is recommended a treatment for pink eye should be discarded after use.
However it is fine to reuse the herb when applying to wounds, burns and sores.
Chickweed Eye Lotion
150ml distilled Witch hazel (from pharmacy)
150ml Boiled Water
30ml Chickweed tincture – Heat tincture to almost boiling to evaporate alcohol.
Pour into sterilized jar and shake before use. Refrigerate and use as required as an eye lotion.
To Use: Wet gauze or cotton ball with lotion and apply to eyes for 3 minutes or until it heats up.
TIP:
This lotion also makes a refreshing facial spray toner that is packed full of Nutrients.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins...
Do you have any uses for Chickweed?
We would love to hear from you, share your recipes, ask me any questions, and if you like this article don’t forget to share this posts with your friends
