The simple, humble ubiquitous Chickweed (Stellaria media),
a bane to the unenlightened gardener, but a boon to the
increasing number of informed people who like to take responsibility
for their own health.
In
the Dominion Herbal
College Chartered Herbalist course manual, Dr. Herbert
Nowell, N.D., states that Chickweed "is worth its
weight in gold!"
He goes on to relate the following: "Mr. Hool, a famous
herbal practitioner of England, tells of a boy, four years
old, who was covered from head to foot by one mass of sores.
He was treated constantly by medical men without any help.
Finally the parents were told that there was no cure and
he would have to grow out of it. Bathing night and morning
from head to foot with Chickweed decoction, wiping down
and applying the Chickweed ointment all over after each
sponging, the boy was completely cured. The treatment was
continued for five months and the boy's skin became perfectly
clear. There [was] no recurrence after fifteen years."
The major constituents of Chickweed are: ascorbic acid (vitamin
C), beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), calcium, coumarins
(which soothe the vascular system and may benefit migraine
sufferers), genistein (a potent cancer fighter), gamma-linolenic
acid (GLA - an omega-6 essential fatty acid), flavonoids
(substances found in fresh vegetables and fruits which evidence
suggests confer great health benefits including protection
from heart disease and cancer), magnesium, niacin (vitamin
B3), potassium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), rutin (a bioflavonoid
that strengthens capillaries and is effective for bruises,
varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is also shows antiviral,
anti-microbial and anticancer activity), iron, manganese
(important for protein and fat metabolism and blood sugar
regulation), silicon (an immune booster, anti-aging compound
and promoter of cardiovascular health), thiamin (vitamin
B1) and zinc.
Chickweed grows as a low, loosely tangled mat of bright
green stems and small oval leaves with tiny, star-shaped
white flowers (hence the Latin name - Stellaria). The English
name - Chickweed - is derived from the fact that chickens
love to eat this healthful plant, although it could just
have easily been called rabbitweed or gooseweed. Herbivores
and omnivores know a tasty tonic when the find it.
Herbalists use Chickweed as an astringent, carminative,
demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, refrigerant
(Traditional Chinese Medicine regards Chickweed as sweet,
moist and cool) and vulnerary (wound healing). A decoction
of the whole plant is prescribed for internal use as a post-partum
depurative (purifier), emmenagogue (promotes menstruation
- because of this British medical herbalist Andrew Chevallier
advises against taking Chickweed during pregnancy), galactogogue
(promotes milk flow) and circulatory tonic. Chickweed tea
may also be drunk to relieve bronchitis, coughs, hoarseness
and other chest ailments.
Topically, Chickweed is primarily used to treat eczema,
minor skin wounds and rashes and varicose veins. It can
be applied as a decoction or juice or made into an ointment
or cream. As a poultice or an infusion added to the bath
it has also proved effective in combating rheumatism.
Chickweed does not dry well and when dried it loses many
of its therapeutic qualities. For a medicinal tea, pour
one cup of purified or boiled spring water over two Tbsp.
of fresh Chickweed. Steep for 10 minutes.
When making Chickweed ointment or cream, the herb is particularly
effective when combined with Marsh Mallow. Unfortunately
this herb is not easy to find and only easy to grow if you
live where the plant flourishes, which is primarily in a
salt marsh or another damp spot close to the sea or an estuary.
The following easy recipe will make an effective skin treatment
cream for eczema and other skin problems:
Chickweed Plus Herbal Ointment
· 1 Tbsp. of fresh Chickweed
· ½ Tbsp. of fresh, Calendula petals
· ½ Tbsp. of fresh, crushed Chamomile flowers
· 2 cups of distilled or purified water
· 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
· 1 ounce of beeswax, grated or finely chopped
· 15-16 drops of Fryer's Balsam (tincture of benzoin)
· 6 drops of lavender essential oil
Make
a decoction of the herbs by simmering them in the water until
it has been reduced to half a cup. Strain out the herbs in
a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Allow any sediment in
the decoction to settle before decanting and straining again
to ensure no sediment gets into your ointment. Melt the beeswax
in the olive oil in a double boiler. Add the herbal decoction
to the olive oil and beeswax and continue to slowly stir until
all the moisture has evaporated. This is evident when the
spluttering stops. Test the consistency by pouring a small
amount of the mixture into a jar. If it doesn't solidify when
cool, you need to add a little more beeswax. When you're happy
with the consistency, add the Fryer's Balsam and essential
oil. Mix well before pouring into small, darkly-tinted glass
jars. Allow to cool and solidify before placing lids on the
jars.
Another method - and preferable for retaining active ingredients
in my opinion - is to make an infusion of the herb directly
in the oil using a hot pot. This method is more complex, messy
and better when using dried herbs. When using either method
it is vital to ensure that all moisture has been cooked out
of the concoction to prevent the development of rancidity
and mold.
In the kitchen, fresh Chickweed is a nutritious and delicious
addition to salads (it tastes a little like spinach). It can
also be added to soups and stews. Throw some in a blender
with your favorite juice (or even soy or nut milk) for an
inexpensive and healthful green drink.
Finally, when harvesting Chickweed - or any other wild herb,
ensure that the area has not been sprayed with herbicide or
pesticide. Also, don't be greedy. Don't pull the herb up by
the roots and always leave enough for the plant to regenerate
and re-seed.
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