18/04/2024
Chickweed is called ‘poor man’s spinach’ as it tastes very much like spinach cooked. Fresh, she has a delightful taste too so don’t hesitate to throw her in salads, chopped up in dips and steamed in pasta or other dishes. With a list of vitamins and minerals this long, Chickweed should be part of our daily diet whenever it is growing.
We call on Chickweed for many reasons. It is one of the most versatile first-aid plants. It is great for skin ailments of all sorts, including eczema and psoriasis, insect bites, dry, flaky skin, itchiness and more.
A poultice using Chickweed is very soothing for hives. To make a poultice, chop up some Chickweed, pour hot water over and let infuse for a few minutes. Place the chopped up Chickweed on the affected area. You can also simply chew the Chickweed and apply it directly. This is called a spit poultice. You can also dip a clean cloth in to completely soak it and place over the affected area, which is a compress. For hives, allowing the infusion to cool first will be beneficial to easing the pain and itching (as will the Chickweed infusion). If you get chicken pox, try using Chickweed to soothe the oozing bumps. Poultices and compresses will both help to ease the itchiness, cooling the burning and promote healing.
A poultice is also great for helping to draw out splinters and heal infected cuts, sore spots, cold sores, diaper rash, bruises, blisters, pimples, boils, abscesses and so on. Chickweed is one weedy wonder and one I love to combine with Plantain for my all purpose green salve.
