Effect:
cough suppressant, diuretic, healing, expectorant, dissolving, antiviral, heart strengthening
Areas of application:
Cough, blood renewal, as a stimulus for kidney and bladder problems, supports diets, helps with a slimming cure, cleanses internally for some skin diseases, skin diseases that itch, burn and ooze, eczema, dermatitis, varicose veins, hives, shingles rash, healing for liver irritation, jaundice, chronic constipation, lymph gland diseases, pneumonia, poorly healing wounds, arthritis, three-day fever rash, nerve pain, rheumatism, joint pain, inflammation, pain, cramps
Plant parts used:
the whole herb
Collection time:
Spring
To find:
On roadsides, in the forest, on field verges, rubble dumps, fallow land with moist soil, in vineyards, almost everywhere.
Ingredients:
Saponins, vitamins, minerals, potassium, tannins, essential oil
Miscellaneous:
☕ Tea: Pour 1/4 liter of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of herb, let it steep for 10 minutes and drink 1 cup twice a day.
Chickweed is an annual plant and grows to a height of between 5 and 50 cm. Their convoluted growth habit usually covers large areas of the ground. The oval leaves have cup-like tips with smooth and slightly pinnate edges. The flowers are very small, white and star-shaped. They form at the top of the stem. The sepals are colored green.
🛑 Some people are allergic to chickweed. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take the herb without the approval of a doctor. The leaves contain saponins. Although these substances are toxic, they are very poorly absorbed by the body and therefore usually pass through the body without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including some that are often used as food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to consume large amounts of foods that contain saponins.
Chickweed mixed with horsetail and ribwort plantain makes a tea that can work wonders on old, poorly healing wounds, ulcers and rashes, as well as hemorrhoids.
Chickweed is one of the blood-purifying and mineral-rich plants that should not be missing from any spring treatment (with dandelions, watercress and nettle). Eat spinach from these wild vegetables more often.
In the kitchen, the leaves can be made into a salad; they contain a lot of vitamin C and phosphorus. However, chickweed should not be eaten alone, but always mixed with other leafy plants or with tomatoes.