Chickweed -- Stellaria Media

Chickweed, Stellaria media, is an annual flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Eurasia and naturalized throughout the world. It is available here in New York most of the year because it can survive frost and actually prefers cooler temperatures. It can keep growing in winter. Chickweed contains; ascorbic-acid, beta-carotene, calcium, coumarins, genistein, gamma-linolenic-acid, flavonoids, magnesium, niacin, oleic-acid, potassium, riboflavin, rutin, selenium, triterpenoid saponins, thiamine and zinc. It is edible and mild-tasting and can be added to soups, smoothies, eggs, dips, pizza, and salads.

Chickweed is laxative, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory. A poultice of it may be useful topically for inflammation, abscesses, eczema, boils, psoriasis, ulcers, and itching. Internally, it's a demulcent and is a gentle laxative and may be soothing to the digestive tract. Chickweed may help protect against diabetes induced cardiac dysfunction, but more research is needed. It is full of antioxidants, which are protective for all of the body’s systems. It contains natural lecithin which specifically aids in fat metabolism. It may help balance beneficial bacteria in the gut, providing the optimum environment for healthy digestion. It is used in tea to help prevent scurvy and to fight upper respiratory illnesses. I am fortunate that is thrives nearby around the edges of a large organic garden.