Chickweed
Some of the nutritious, health giving herbs and spices are just sprouting as weeds in your back yard, and not all people are aware of their health benefits. Chickweed is one of such herbs which can be easily found along the sides of gardens and lawns. It is called with different names such as satin flower, winterweed or starweed, because of its star-shaped flowers.
It is not commonly sold in the market, but it grows abundantly in the outdoors and can easily be picked and added to salads. Newly picked chickweed is great for salads because of its slightly salty and bitter taste. It can be eaten raw and is a good source of fiber, proteins and the GLA or gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, which offers the same benefits as omega-6 fatty acid.
Minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium potassium and calcium are also found in chickweed. It is also a good source of the Vitamin B complex, C and A.
Chickweed contains saponins, which help in dissolving plaque buildup found in arteries. Saponins are also proven to be beneficial in helping the body get rid of fatty substances and other toxins. A good way to lose weight will be to include chickweed in your regular diet, either as an herb or a tea, because it can help the body remove excess fat.
Chickweed may also be used as a poultice to treat any painful or burned part of the body. It can soothe inflammation and reduce infection. To use as a poultice, simply boil the chickweed plant, let it cool and then spread on a thin cloth. Apply the cloth with the chickweed on the affected area of the skin. It may also be used for treating eye infections or inflammation, such as sties, or conjunctivitis.
Taking chickweed tea regularly can help cure allergy symptoms, urinary tract infections, coughing and kidney stones. When making tea out of chickweed, it is best to use fresh than dried herbs. Let the herbs steep in hot water for about five minutes and drink at least two cups daily for about six weeks.
Chickweed baths are traditionally given to people suffering from joint and muscle pains, even eczema. The affected area is often soaked in warm water with fresh chickweed in several hours, depending on how serious the pain is.
It is not commonly sold in the market, but it grows abundantly in the outdoors and can easily be picked and added to salads. Newly picked chickweed is great for salads because of its slightly salty and bitter taste. It can be eaten raw and is a good source of fiber, proteins and the GLA or gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, which offers the same benefits as omega-6 fatty acid.
Minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium potassium and calcium are also found in chickweed. It is also a good source of the Vitamin B complex, C and A.
Chickweed contains saponins, which help in dissolving plaque buildup found in arteries. Saponins are also proven to be beneficial in helping the body get rid of fatty substances and other toxins. A good way to lose weight will be to include chickweed in your regular diet, either as an herb or a tea, because it can help the body remove excess fat.
Chickweed may also be used as a poultice to treat any painful or burned part of the body. It can soothe inflammation and reduce infection. To use as a poultice, simply boil the chickweed plant, let it cool and then spread on a thin cloth. Apply the cloth with the chickweed on the affected area of the skin. It may also be used for treating eye infections or inflammation, such as sties, or conjunctivitis.
Taking chickweed tea regularly can help cure allergy symptoms, urinary tract infections, coughing and kidney stones. When making tea out of chickweed, it is best to use fresh than dried herbs. Let the herbs steep in hot water for about five minutes and drink at least two cups daily for about six weeks.
Chickweed baths are traditionally given to people suffering from joint and muscle pains, even eczema. The affected area is often soaked in warm water with fresh chickweed in several hours, depending on how serious the pain is.
erhaps the fact that chickweed is a wild weed and grows anywhere, makes it easy for people to be unaware of its medicinal properties. Look around your garden and discover the benefits of chick weed
Kristine Rigdon
President of NPC
President of NPC
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