Stellaria Media or Chickweed

By Gillian Leverkus

Spring brings many joys to a herbalist, one of them being the healing powers of the fresh green plants as they emerge from their winter's sleep. Most of you probably look upon chickweed as a bothersome plant in your gardens and strive to rid yourselves of it. Read on and see if I can convince you to keep a patch around!

Chickweed is one of the earliest plants to emerge. Its natural range is worldwide. It likes cultivated, rich, moist soil and a cool shady environment. It can be a useful indicator of fertile, mineral rich soil and when left to grow will help enrich the soil with nitrogen. Chickweed is identified by its pretty white star-like flowers with five petals that grow in a low deep mat of lush green leaves.

This little plant can be harvested all the year round. It can be used dried or fresh. The whole plant is edible. It has many medicinal powers, particularly as an anti-rheumatic, a vulenary and an emollient. It is rich in sapponins, which, among other actions, are powerful, natural anti-inflammatories. Other anti-inflammatory herbs that contain saponins include wild yam, golden rod and figwort. The leaves also contain calcium, potassium, vitamins A,B and C.

Chickweed's most common use is as an external remedy for cuts, wounds and especially for itching and irritation of the skin. If one is having a problem with psoriasis or eczema, a chickweed soak two or three times a day will relieve the condition. Chickweed is also available in the stores in a preparation called a balm. Internally, this plant can be helpful for rheumatism sufferers. It is a diuretic and will ease bladder infections when combined with other related herbs.

To make an infusion to soak in, simply gather up some chickweed and place it in a ceramic or glass bowl. Pour boiling water over the plant and leave to infuse. When the liquid has cooled to the touch, pour the infusion into the bath tub or soak your feet or hands in the bowl for a good 10 minutes. You should start to see an improvement within a week.

Chickweed is delicious to eat and tastes rather like spinach. To cook it just lightly, steam the whole plant. You can also mix it into your salads and eat it fresh.

If you have poultry or caged birds, feed them fresh chickweed. It is a tonic for them. Give this little herb a try before you banish it from your gardens!

John Gerard in 1597 was quoted to have said, "Chickweed in a word,it comforteth, digesteth, defendeth and suppurateth very nobly."

Gillian Leverkus, PhD, RHP, owns the Natural Healthcare Clinic at Valleyview Center, Cobble Hill.

For appointments please call 250-743-6627.