Читать книгу Some Useful Wild Plants - Dan Jason - Страница 19

Chickweed

Stellaria media and Cerastium spp.

Caryophyllaceae

Chickweed grows throughout BC in shaded areas, waste ground, fields, salty or sandy soil, etc. It flowers in early spring in small, white leafy clusters; flowers have five petals, each of which is cleft in two. The stem of many species is weak, reclining and tufted with hairs. Stellaria media has a line of hairs running up one side of the stem; the upper leaves are sessile and the lower ones are stalked. Chickweed often forms a leafy, mat-like growth from three inches to a foot high.

Chickweed can be eaten raw or cooked. It is rich in iron, especially the upper leaf portion. The young tips can be cooked like spinach.

Chickweed is a good healer and soother for all types of external and internal irritations. The bruised leaves in coconut or other oil make a good ointment for skin irritation. Chickweed is considered a remedy for an irritated digestive system, ulcers, internal inflammation, irritated genitals, skin sores and eye sties. It can be used as a tea, a lotion or a poultice held in place by larger leaves such as mullein. It is also useful for coughs, hoarseness and minor lung irritation. Chickweed baths are soothing.

Chickweed