Chickweed side effects Do you know the chickweed plant? Here we will explain the benefits and contraindications of chickweed, but first let’s briefly see its botanical aspect.
Chickweed is native to Europe and Asia and is now found throughout the world.
It is a common hardy plant that grows readily in crop and fallow fields, lawns and gardens, areas adjacent to buildings, and in waste areas.
Prefers partial to full sun, moist to mesic conditions, and moderately fertile loam or clay loam soils.
It tolerates light shade and temporary flooding, and although it can be found to some extent in natural areas, it prefers areas that have been disturbed.
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What plant is chickweed
Chickweed is low-growing, with matted, creeping green stems six to fifteen inches long. The branching stems can be green or burgundy in color, are leafy and clustered at the base, often taking root at the leaf junctions.
The leaves are succulent, smooth and oval with a point at the tip. They are ½-1″ long and ¼-1/2″ wide. The older leaves at the base usually have short petioles that are slightly hairy, while the newer leaves are sessile (stalkerless). The stems have a single line of fine hairs along the side, the line changing sides on each leaf.
The five petals of the tiny white flowers are so deeply divided that there appear to be ten petals. The five green sepals are often longer than the flower petals. The flowers close at night or when the sky is cloudy.
The chickweed it is extremely hardy, staying green in winter even in northern latitudes.
It will germinate all year; either as a summer annual or as a winter annual that germinates in fall, overwinters and flowers and sows in early spring.
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Chickweed and its history
Chickweed has a varied and magical history, steeped in folklore and myth. In European folklore and magic, chickweed was used to promote fidelity, attract love, and maintain relationships. Carrying a sprig of chickweed was believed to attract the attention of the desired groom or ensure the fidelity of the couple.
According to the 17th century herbalist Culpeper, chickweed falls under the rule of the moon and is therefore associated with feminine energy, love, and fertility. Due to its presumed ability to attract the perfect mate, it was a common ingredient in love potions.
As a medicine, Culpeper recommended chickweed for cleansing and healing wounds. He prescribed it to be taken internally as a remedy for «internal bruises» and as a cooling diuretic.
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chickweed plant properties
The medicinal actions of chickweed are considered to be antirheumatic, astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, refrigerant, and vulnerable.
The benefits of chickweed may be due in part to its high nutritional value. It is particularly high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, the omega-6 fatty acid derivative), saponins, niacin, riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), beta-carotene (A), magnesium, iron. , calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, selenium and silica.
Chickweed is best known for its calming and healing quality. The high saponin content of this herb is believed to be the reason for its effectiveness in relieving skin problems such as erysipelas and other forms of ulceration, as well as many forms of skin diseases.
Chickweed has traditionally been used as an external remedy for cuts, wounds, minor burns, abscesses, and skin irritations, especially as itchy, dry, and irritated skin due to dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis.
Taken internally as a tea or tincture, chickweed has a reputation as a treatment for rheumatism and an infusion of the fresh or dried leaves added to bath water is believed to reduce inflammation caused by rheumatic pain.
A poultice of the crushed leaves has traditionally been used to relieve any type of roseola and is believed to be effective where fragile superficial veins are present.
Taken internally in small amounts as a decoction, chickweed is considered a treatment for constipationkidney discomfort and rapid pain relief in the digestive system.
Additionally, chickweed decoction has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat cystitis and other related inflammations of the urinary tract.
Chickweed is used as a detoxification agent and is considered as effective as herbs like burdock root for its blood cleansing abilities.
A decoction of the fresh aerial parts is a traditional treatment for the relief of exhaustion and extreme physical fatigue.
Fresh chickweed is deliciously eaten in summer salads. The seeds are a favorite of finches and other seed-eating birds, and the green ones can be fed to pets.
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Dosage and Administration
Taken as an internal remedy, the recommended dose is approximately 1-5 ml of herbal tincture daily.
Taken as a tea, pour a cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of the dried herb and steep for 5 minutes; Do not allow the herb to boil. Let’s see next the chickweed side effects.
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chickweed side effects
Chickweed Side Effects Chickweed can cause contact dermatitis, and people with allergies to the daisy family of plants may also react to chickweed.
Chickweed is generally considered a safe herb, but it should not be used by pregnant or lactating women without consulting a professional health care provider.
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