Chickweed
Also called starwort or chickenwort, chickweed can be harvested first around May and again in late summer/early autumn, when most of the heat has dissipated. Chickweed as a wild edible is a bit like Watercress but less peppery. It also happens to be an effective wild medicinal too. Native to Europe, but naturalised throughout much of the world now, archaeological evidence would suggest its history of use goes back to before the Neolithic period. In folk magic it was used in love potions or the herb was sometimes carried, or worn, to either attract a lover or to keep the one you already have.
- Used extensively in many cultures for treating all types of respiratory conditions.
- Very high in vitamin C. In the past, sailors used it as an antiscorbutic (prevents scurvy) when no limes were available.
- Soothes digestive disorders and promotes healthy gut bacteria.
- Potent anti-inflammatory properties combined with antifungal action.
- Helps to draw out splinters, and can be used to treat the wound afterwards.
- Has mild laxative and diuretic properties, which aids the removal of toxins.
- Supports healthy thyroid function, improving overall metabolism.
- Often a go to herb for treating skin complaints such as itching, bites, stings, cuts, burns, heat rashes etc.
- Very nutritious and tasty in salads or used as a potherb in soups and stews. It makes a deliciously refreshing infusion and can also be made into tinctures, ointments and salves.
- Its gently astringent, cooling and drying action has shown promising anti-cancer potential (Prajapati, Rakesh P. et al., 2011, Triantafillidis, John K et al., 2022).
- Famous 17th century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, recommended chickweed for internal bruising.
*Please Note:
Chickweed has a reputation as being one of the safest, most benign herbs, for most people, most of the time, with no contraindications known. Although it’s always prudent to exercise a bit of caution when thinking of adding any new herb to your diet, it would be extremely surprising if anyone reported a bad reaction to chickweed.
