Chickweed – Not Just a Weed!

Chickweed is native to Eurasia but has since become one of the most widely dispersed weeds in the world today!

It loves cooler temperatures and is found more frequently in Autumn, Winter and Spring.  It grows well in damp ground under trees or taller plants.

Having the same growing conditions it is easy to remember that Chickweed is a cooling and moistening remedy.  It makes a wonderful balm to cool inflamed skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis, insect bites, stings and boils.

The fresh plant can be used as a poultice on the eyelids for sore, irritated eyes.

You can eat Chickweed in salads, check out Nikki Brighton’s article about foraging for Chickweed here, or drink it as a tea.  For swollen lymph glands you can both drink the tea and apply the balm, as well as for benign cysts.

As it is used for it’s cooling effects on the skin as a balm, it has the same cooling effects when taken internally.  It sooths inflamed tissues and irritated mucous membranes.  It can also be used for the lungs when there is a dry, irritating cough during a cold or sore, hoarse throat or bronchitis.  To add to these amazing benefits, Chickweed is high in nutrients and a good source of vitamin C.  Additionally it is soothing to the urinary tract too.