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| Stellaria media |
Also these ones can be found in most parts of the world, sprinkled over grass fields with their little cute flowers. It is available all year round in regions of mild winters. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads and smoothies. The cooked leaves function very well as spinach replacers in recipes.
It is rich in beta carotene and vitamin C and it contains also rutin, para amino benzoic acid (PABA), niacin, riboflavin (B2), thiamin (B1), magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, selenium, and silicon.
Its richest part though are the seeds, containing 17.8% protein and 5.9% healthy fats. Very rich in GLA (gamma linolenic acid), a fat acid that is suggested to help relieve many conditions such as skin problems, hormonal imbalances, inflammatory diseases and rheumatic complaints. The seeds can be ground into a powder and used in making bread, pancakes or to thicken soups.
It is also a superb first aid plant, being used to treat cuts, wounds, and even to relieve the itching of bites and of psoriasis and eczema. It is also famous to help in weight control and water retention, probably by regulating thyroid function and balancing the metabolism. It is also known as liver tonic and it is said to reduce the negative effects of alcohol abuse.
Want to learn more about Chickweed? Here are some videos and links with more info:
Edible plants: Chickweed
Feral Kevin on Miner's Lettuce and Chickweed
Stellaria Media - Chickweed - Survival Plants Memory Course
Chickweed - Weekly Weeder
Chickweed - Wild Food and Medicines
Chickweed: a mid winter hero, from Return to Nature
Chickweed is a Star, by Susun Weed
5 Facts about Chickweeds - by JustBotanics
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