If you live in an area where it grows, you are probably familiar with it wall (Stellaria Media) as one of the “weeds” in your garden. But as with many of our weeds, chickweed is also an excellent medicine and food. So when you take it out, make sure you use it!
Chickweed is native to Europe, but now grows throughout North America. It is a small herbaceous plant, with fine hairs on the stems and small white flowers. It got its common name because it was often fed to chickens, but don’t let that stop you. It’s also a great human food!
Chickweed is one of the first wild plants to emerge in spring. It has a clean, green taste similar to spinach and is rich in nutrients. It’s packed with calcium, magnesium, vitamins A and C and more. Eat it raw in salads, make pesto or throw it into soups. Chickweed is an alternative and helps support body systems that remove waste, including your digestive system, liver and kidneys.
Traditionally it was used as an early spring tonic to assist the body with the dietary changes that come with the seasons. Chickweed can be harvested throughout the season, but if used as a wild green, it is best to harvest it earlier as it becomes more fibrous later in the season. Any of the green above-ground parts (in or out of the bloom) can be used for medicine, fresh or dried.
Chickweed pesto
Ingredients
- 2-4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 cups fresh chickweed leaves
- ¼ cup favorite hard cheese (such as Parmesan or Romano), grated
- Handful of pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor until desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker pesto, add the olive oil in increments until you reach the desired consistency. Enjoy!
WishGarden Herbs’ formulas with Chickweed:
Erin Smith has been working with plants for 25 years and is a medical herbalist and ethnobotanist. She is the creator of Plant Passionate Living, an interactive program designed to help people find greater health and vitality through a deeper relationship with plants. Erin is the founder and director of the Center for Integrative Botanical Studies.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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