Young chickens are attracted to the succulent, pale green leaves of chickweed, a plant we often discard from our garden. Chickweed is a common garden weed. It is also a wild vegetable green that can provide a high amount of vitamin C and other nutrients as a food source to humans.
Description
Chickweed grows in temperate and north Arctic regions, and originates from Europe. The leaves are egg-shaped and grow to 1/2 inch in length. Chickweed leaves are considered to be succulent. The white flowers of chickweed are shaped like a star, and open 12 hours each day. According to Botanical.com, the leaves taste similar to spinach. The leaves, flowers and stem of the chickweed plant are all edible, according to the University of Michigan.
Use
Chickweed has been used as a poultice for insect stings, poisoning from plants, dermatitis and eczema, according to the University of Michigan. The plant has also been used in folk medicine for asthma and indigestion. Chickweed can be used as a food source. It has been used in stir-fry recipes, soups or salads. The seeds can be ground to thicken soups or make bread, according to Plants for a Future--harvesting the small seeds is time consuming.
Nutrients
The effectiveness of chickweed as a poultice or salve for skin problems may be because of the high level of vitamin C and falconoid found in the plant, according to the University of Michigan. Falconoid is considered an antioxidant, which may reduce the risk of cancer. Chickweed also contains vitamins B1, B2 and niacin. Carotenoids are also present in chickweed, according to Drugs.com. Carotenoids help to protect cells from free radical damage that can lead to cancer.
Dangers
Chickweed contains saponins, which are commonly found in plants used for soap substitutes. Saponins are considered toxic, but are not easily absorbed by the body, according to Plants for a Future. Chickweed should only be consumed in small quantities. According to Drugs.com, paralysis has resulted from infusions that contained a large amount of the plants. The plants may be more toxic to smaller animals. Large amounts of the plant have been used by Native American hunting tribes to kill or immobilize fish.
Dosage
The University of Michigan has recommended that two teaspoons of dried chickweed, or 10 g, be used in tea up to three times a day. Take tincture of chickweed three times a day at measurements of 1/4 to 1 tsp. Apply cream made from chickweed as needed. Make tea by infusing the dry herb in boiling water for 5 minutes, according to Materia Medica. Use the dried leaves in a bath for skin problems or itching if a cream is not available.
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