Chickweed — FarmPal
Humble garden "weed" with remarkable cooling, anti-itch, and nutritive properties. One of the best herbs for children's skin conditions.
Medicinal Properties
Parts Used
Traditional Uses
- •Eczema and itchy skin
- •Insect bites and stings
- •Diaper rash
- •Minor burns
- •Eye inflammation
- •Nutrient-dense wild food (high in vitamin C)
Preparations
Infuse fresh chickweed in olive oil (solar method 4 weeks). Strain. Add beeswax (1 oz per cup oil).
Dosage: Apply to itchy, irritated skin as needed. Safe for babies.
Mash fresh chickweed and apply directly to affected skin. Cover with cloth.
Dosage: Apply fresh as needed for bites, stings, or rashes
Eat fresh in salads, smoothies, or lightly steamed like spinach.
Dosage: As much as desired highly nutritious. Mild, pleasant flavor.
Harvesting Guide
Timing: Harvest anytime it's green and lush, typically spring and fall.
Method: Cut with scissors above ground level. Grows back quickly.
Drying: Best used fresh. If drying, do so very quickly at 95°F turns black easily.
⚠️ Cautions
- •Virtually no known side effects
- •One of the safest herbs for children and babies
- •Ensure correct identification (look for single line of hairs on stem)
- •Do not confuse with spurge (which has milky sap)