Chickweed
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a dainty herb that grows prostrate and often in dense pads.
Small, ovate, pointed, dark green leaves grow opposite on strongly branched, rounded stems.
The small, star-shaped white flowers with 5 deeply lobed petals sit at the top of the single-rowed hairy stem.
Chickweed
Image source: S. Geiberger
Family and collection time
Chickweed belongs to the clove family.
Parts of the plant used: Leaves and flowers
Collection time in detail:
- Flowers and leaves: In good conditions all year round
Healing effect and application
Therapeutic properties:
Blood purifying, diuretic, cooling, expectorant, antipruritic, astringent.
Application in naturopathy:
respiratory diseases, intestinal diseases, kidney weakness, gout, rheumatism, skin problems, injuries, spring fatigue.
Ingredients: (selection)
- Saponins
- Potassium
In the kitchen
: mix leaves and white flowers in the herb curd
Recipe for the kitchen: chickweed pesto
- 100 g fresh chickweed
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 50 ml olive oil
Put all ingredients in a blender and pour into a screw-top jar. If necessary, add a little more oil so that the pesto is completely covered.
References:
Beiser, Rudi: Our edible wild plants. Kosmos Nature Guide 2018
Bühring, Ursel: Praxis-Lehrbuch der modernen Heilpflanzenkunde; Grundlagen – Anwendung – Therapie. Sonntag Publishing House Stuttgart 2005
Pahlow, M. Pharmacist: Medicinal Plants. Bechtermünz Publishing House Augsburg 2001
Schneider, Christine: Finding wild herbs. Ulmer Publishing House Stuttgart 2017
Recipe by Dr. Markus Strauß www.dr-strauss.net
