Botanical Name: Stellaria media

English: Chickweed, Starweed. Star Chickweed, Alsine media (Linn.). Passerine
Also, Known As: Stitchwort, Scar wort, Satin Flower, Adder ’s Mouth, Star weed, Stellaire, Augentrosgräs, Vogelmiere, Stellaire, Pamplina, Fran-lü. Alsine media, Capiqui, Fleur en Satin, Herbe de Langue, Hierba Gallinera, Morgeline, Mouron des Oiseaux, Pamplina, Star Chickweed, Starweed, Stellaire Intermédiaire, Stellaire Moyenne, Stellaria media, Field chickweed, summer morgeline, mirror of time, menuchon, scarlet pimpernel, Mouron des champs, morgeline d’été, miroir du temps; menuchon, and scarlet pimpernel

Origin: Bulgaria

Harvested: Wild

Part used: Whole Plant

General Information:

Several plants have been named chickweed, one of them a plant belonging to the Purslane family and four species of Cirsium – the Mouse Ear Chickweeds – but the name especially belongs to the plant in question. Chickweed is a most variable plant. Gerard enumerates no less than thirteen species, but the various forms are nowadays merely considered deviations from one type. The Chickweed is also an instance of what is termed the ‘Sleep of Plants, for every night the leaves approach each other, so that their upper surfaces fold over the tender buds of the new shoots, and the uppermost pair, but one of the leaves at the end of the stalk is furnished with long leaf stalks than the others, so that they can close upon the terminating pair and protect the tip of the shoot. The young leaves when boiled can hardly be distinguished from spring spinach, and are equally wholesome. They may also be used uncooked with young Dandelion leaves to form a salad. The whole herb, collected between May and July, when it is in the best condition, and dried in the same manner as Groundsel. It is used both fresh and dried.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup of the teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Chickweed Herb Cut