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| Chickweed growing next to the sidewalk. |
On my walks this week, I noticed our neighborhood yards are sprouting
chickweed. My friend who lives in the
country reported that she also has lots of chickweed coming up. It’s more of
this herb than I’ve seen around here in years, and I’m excited that Stellaria is back. Mother Nature often brings
herbal remedies just when we need them, so I’m curious what might be in store
this spring with this wild and wonderful herb.
Chickweed has a multitude of uses, both internal and external: soothing pinkeye, dissolving cysts (I’ve successfully used it to resolve benign ovarian and breast cysts for which the doctors didn’t have a treatment), calming irritation, reducing inflammation, cooling hot and aggravated skin conditions, and much more. I use Chickweed in infused oils which I make into salves, and in tinctures. Chickweed is also reported to make wonderful infused vinegar, which brings out her minerals for easy absorption. A welcome addition to salads, fresh Chickweed adds protein, carotenes, vitamin C, minerals, and a bright green springtime flavor.
Chickweed has a multitude of uses, both internal and external: soothing pinkeye, dissolving cysts (I’ve successfully used it to resolve benign ovarian and breast cysts for which the doctors didn’t have a treatment), calming irritation, reducing inflammation, cooling hot and aggravated skin conditions, and much more. I use Chickweed in infused oils which I make into salves, and in tinctures. Chickweed is also reported to make wonderful infused vinegar, which brings out her minerals for easy absorption. A welcome addition to salads, fresh Chickweed adds protein, carotenes, vitamin C, minerals, and a bright green springtime flavor.
Nearly all the Chickweed I’m seeing on my neighborhood walks
is growing in the ‘public space’ between sidewalk and curb – an interesting
placement for a ‘free’ remedy from the Earth. Usually, I spot Chickweed growing on neglected, tired, or unbalanced soil. Perhaps Chickweed's gift to the Earth is restoring balance by covering bare and tired soils with her thick mat of cooling green. Maybe she also helps to improve mineral composition at the soil surface, as this is an annual that quickly goes to seed and decomposes when hot weather arrives.
Sadly, I must be very careful about harvesting from those public spaces in my area since most of my neighbors load their yards with poisonous lawn chemicals. I caution you to know whether your harvest area is safe as well. I’m planning a visit to my friend in the country to take advantage of this Chickweed Spring! I hope you find some Chickweed to enjoy, too. Happy Harvesting!
Sadly, I must be very careful about harvesting from those public spaces in my area since most of my neighbors load their yards with poisonous lawn chemicals. I caution you to know whether your harvest area is safe as well. I’m planning a visit to my friend in the country to take advantage of this Chickweed Spring! I hope you find some Chickweed to enjoy, too. Happy Harvesting!
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