Herbal Profile: Chickweed

Chickweed is one of my favorite plants to forage for in the early spring. Chickweed comes up so early, it can even be found growing under the last remaining piles of snow. Chickweed is also known as Starweed and is found around the world. Chickweed has long been used as a food and medicinal plant by indigenous people around the world. The Indigenous Ainu people of modern day Japan held a sacred creation story that tells us people were created from the earth with willow branches for spines and Chickweed as hair, indicating the importance this plant has held for centuries around the world.

Identification

Chickweed is a low growing, creeping annual with smooth alternate mouse ear shaped leaves. The small white flowers can appear to have ten petals but actually have five deeply cleaved petals. Early spring and fall are the ideal times to find this herb but it grows year round in most places. The best way to differentiate Chickweed from it’s common look-a-likes is by holding the stem up to the light, Chickweed will have a single row of hair running in a spiral down the stem, as opposed to a completely hairy stem.

Culinary Uses

Chickweed is a nutrient dense wild green that is wonderful to use as a replacement for any recipe that calls for greens like spinach. I love to use it in a spring salad, pesto, hummus, and sauces. Chickweed is small and mild enough to use as a hidden green in a lot of dishes for those picky eaters out there. Chickweed is also a delightful tea and a great first meal after a long illness due to the high level of nutrients and the cleansing nature of the plant.

Medicinal Uses

Chickweed is a versatile healer and one that can be indispensable to have in your home apothecary. Look to Chickweed for anything requiring cooling and moistening effects. Topically it is wonderful for things like acne, psoriasis, rashes, bites, eczema, and itching. We often look to Chickweed when someone is recovering for a variety of reasons; it works as a blood cleanser, a detoxifier, is high in vitamins and minerals, fights anemia and eases the symptoms of fatigue. You may find yourself wondering what else could this herb do after this long list but there are more uses; think chickweed for dry coughs, asthma, respiratory infections, constipation, pink eye, and sore throats. This tiny plant packs a big punch.

Magical Uses

Chickweed is associated with the moon and is a peaceful aide when troubled with nightmares and fears. Chickweed is a powerful ingredient in love spells, especially those to boost and maintain a romantic connection that is already established.

As the weather is warming up here in the northern hemisphere, grab your galoshes and hit the trails to find this powerful plant to boost your health and spirit. Get out there. Get wild. Heal.