গিমা
/ Gima / Indian Chickweed / Bitter Cumin / carpetweed
গিমা Stellaria
media, chickweed, is a cool-season annual plant native to Europe, but
The anthraquinones emodin, parietin (physcion) and questin, the
flavonoid kaempferol-
Chickweed is a plant. The leaf is used to make medicine. People
take chickweed for constipation, stomach and bowel problems, blood disorders,
asthma and other lung diseases, obesity, a vitamin C deficiency disease called
scurvy, a skin condition called psoriasis, rabies, itching, and muscle and
joint pain.
Other Names: Alsine media, Capiqui, Fleur en
Satin, Herbe de Langue, Hierba Gallinera, Morgeline, Mouron des Oiseaux,
Pamplina, Star Chickweed, Starweed, Stellaire Intermédiaire, Stellaire Moyenne,
Stellaria media.
What is chickweed herb good for?
The young shoots are edible and have been used as salad greens. In
homeopathy, the plant is used to relieve rheumatic pains and psoriasis. ? Chickweed
is noted as a folk remedy for many conditions, including asthma, blood
disorders, conjunctivitis, constipation, inflammation, dyspepsia, skin
ailments, and obesity.
Is chickweed edible?
Chickweed Herbal, Edible and Medicinal Uses. Chickweeds are
medicinal and edible plants. They are very nutritious, high in vitamins and
minerals, can be added to salads or cooked as a pot herb, tasting somewhat like
spinach.
Is HENBIT an herb?
Edible parts: Henbit can be consumed fresh or cooked as an edible
herb, and it can be used in teas. The stem, flowers, and leaves are edible, and
although this is in the mint family, many people say it tastes slightly like
raw kale, not like mint. Henbit is very nutritious, high in iron, vitamins and
fibre.
What is the herb coltsfoot used for?
The buds, flowers, and leaves of coltsfoot have been long used in
traditional medicine for dry cough and throat irritation. The plant has found
particular use in
Chickweed is used medicinally and as a food. It is valued for its
nutritional content and fresh chickweed is typically eaten as a salad green. In
traditional herbal medicine, chickweed is taken by mouth or applied to the skin
to treat a long list of health problems such as obesity. However, it is not yet
clearly established how chickweed works in the body. Consult with your health
care provider before using chickweed medicinally.
Other names for chickweed include starwort , chickenwort, star
chickweed and
Generic - Fresh Wild Chickweed
Per Cup
Calories 96
Total Fat 1
g
Saturated 1
g
Total Carbs 15
g
Polyunsaturated 0 g
Monounsaturated 0 g
Dietary Fiber 8 g
Protein 6 g
Sugars 0 g
Cholesterol 0
mg
Vitamin A 4%
Vitamin C 0%
Iron 0%
Potassium 0
mg
Sodium 0
mg
Calcium 0%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily
values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Uses
What Are the Health Benefits of Chickweed?
woman holding chickweed lotion Photo Credit
OlgaMiltsova/iStock/Getty Images
Chickweed is taken by mouth to treat stomach problems, intestinal
complaints such as constipation, disorders of the blood, arthritis, lung
diseases including asthma, kidney disorders, inflammatory conditions of the
urinary tract, rabies, and scurvy or vitamin C deficiency. It is also used to relieve
extreme exhaustion. Chickweed is applied on the skin relieve various skin
conditions such as skin wounds, ulcers, burns, arthritis pain and symptoms of
eczema.
Blood Creatinine
How to lower high blood creatinine without dialysis and
transplant? New remedy!
kidneydoctors.org/Kidney+Disease
Effectiveness
What Are the Health Benefits of Chickweed?
chickweed on counter Photo Credit Santje09/iStock/Getty Images
There is still not enough scientific proof that chickweed is
effective for any of its current medicinal uses. However, chickweed’s
effectiveness may be partially due to its nutritional content. Chickweed
contains minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium,
silica, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. It also contains vitamin A,
vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, niacin, and vitamin C. Nevertheless, the amount of
vitamin C in chickweed is too small to be effective for treating scurvy, says NMCD.
Nutritionally, chickweed contains 0 calories, 14.5 grams of protein, 64 carbs
and 21 grams of fiber in a 0.40 cup serving of dried leaves, according to the
Plants For A Future database, or PFAF. Although 21 grams of fiber is
significant -- nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of 25 grams
for women and 2/3 of the recommended intake of 38 grams for men -- chickweed is
not consumed in such a high dose all at once.
Considerations
What Are the Health Benefits of Chickweed?
fresh chickweed in grinder Photo Credit S847/iStock/Getty Images
Chickweed is generally safe when taken by mouth in recommended
doses, notes the NMCD. However, chickweed can cause allergic skin reactions,
particularly in those who are allergic to the daisy plant family. A few reports
of paralysis from chickweed have been reported but are unconfirmed, notes PFAF.
Chickweed should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is
currently not enough information to assess the safety of chickweed when used on
the skin.
Wild Chickweed Benefits
Powerful Lymph Cleanser
As an edible vegetable, chickweed benefits the body as a cooling
and cleansing herb traditionally used by herbalists around the world to treat
inflammation and purify the blood and lymphatic system.
Chickweed contains a compound called coumarin, which is being
reviewed as a potential medical treatment for asthma as well as lymphedema or
"lymphatic obstruction", a condition caused by a compromised lymph
system. (Source)
The lymph system is very important for the proper functioning of
the immune system and its attack against harmful pathogens. Lymph nodes
throughout the body, containing lymph fluid and various kinds of immune cells,
like lymphocytes, help to filter out waste byproducts and toxic substances.
A congested lymphatic system promotes the accumulation of cellular
wastes and toxins, potentially causing enlarged lymph nodes, recurrent sore
throats and difficulty recovering from illnesses. This condition can occur if
you tend to sit for long hours or don't get regular exercise as aerobic movement
and stretching helps to keep the lymph fluid actively moving throughout the
body.
Foods like chickweed, and also fenugreek sprouts, are known to
stimulate and clear the lymph and can be used in addition to physical activity
to promote increased lymphatic response.
Properties as an Antiviral
The nutritional compounds found in wild chickweeds were studied in
2012 for their effectiveness as an antiviral agent helpful in the treatment of
the hepatitis B virus. The results concluded that chickweed effectively
suppressed the secretion the hepatitis B surface antigen after 6 days of
treatment. These antiviral activities were believed to be the result of
different constituents like flavonoid C-glycosides, protein and certain
polysaccharides. (Source)
Cleansing Benefits to the Skin
Chickweed is an excellent medicinal and nutritious food for
clearing up skin issues and has been used by herbalists throughout history,
either consumed internally or applied topically directly on the skin. It is an
often used ingredient for its emollient qualities in commercial herbal salves
for this reason. The additional GLA or gamma-linolenic acid content in wild
chickweed benefits also as a nourishing fatty acid nutrient for clearing as
well as beautifying the skin.
Periodic use of chickweed extracts as well as the fresh pressed
juice can be implemented as a natural remedy for many skin conditions and
rashes like eczema, acne, psoriasis and poison oak.
The cleansing effects of chickweed are due in part to its demulcent
nature as well as its high amounts of chlorophyll which naturally purify the
blood and help the liver eliminate toxins. Many chronic skin ailments are often
considered a result of liver toxicity and lymph stagnation. The plant also acts
as a gentle laxative for alleviating constipation and promoting the elimination
of undigested waste material.
How to Enjoy Chickweed
Chickweed leaves can be steamed or added raw to salads. You can
also make a tea from the leaves by steeping them in a cup of boiling water for
ten minutes.
Stellaria-media-wild-chickweed-benefits
Soothes Inflammation
Chickweed is an exceptionally beneficial wild green for cooling
heat conditions and soothing inflammation in the body, especially in the
joints. These effects are most immediate when it is consumed internally as a
concentrated juicing liquid or tinctured extract.
Specific components found in the plant, such as triterpenoid
saponins and rutin, are known to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory actions.
Rutin is an antioxidant similar to quercetin that helps decrease inflammation
and improves circulation.
In a 2014 study, triterpenoid saponins from another plant species
were also analyzed for their properties as an anti-inflammatory agent with
results suggesting its usefulness as an effective bioactive component for
reducing inflammation. (Source)
Additionally, chickweed is an age old folk remedy for lung
inflammation and associated disorders, like bronchitis.
Acts as a Diuretic
The wild plant is also a mild diuretic, which promotes the flow of
urine and is cleansing and soothing to the kidneys and urinary tract, relieving
conditions like bladder infections. Unlike the more concentrated pharmaceutical
diuretics, it doesn't deplete the body of minerals.
Helps Clears Mucus Conditions
Wild chickweed benefits as an expectorant and demulcent herb
helpful for softening and expelling mucus and phlegm from the body. It is
especially useful for sinus and respiratory problems that directly involve the
mucous membranes.
Other Chickweed Nutrients
Besides triterpenoid saponins, rutin, coumarin and other
flavonoids, chickweed is also rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, oleic acid and
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) as well as various vitamins and minerals such as
selenium, iron, potassium, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, niacin, thiamin and
zinc.
Helpful for Weight Loss?
According to the Modern Herbal, "Chickweed water is an old
wives' remedy for obesity."
In a 2012 published study entitled "Quality assessment and
anti-obesity activity of Stellaria media" is was concluded that chickweed
"may prevent high-fat-diet induced fat storage in adipose tissue by
inhibiting the intestinal absorption of dietary fat and
carbohydrates."
Vitamins and minerals: Fresh chickweed contains high amounts of
vitamin C, as well as vitamins A, D and B. Iron, calcium and potassium can also
be found in chickweed.
Weight loss: Chickweed has traditionally been
said to aid weight loss. This weed both curbs appetite and acts as a diuretic,
helping its eaters to lose water weight.
Respiratory ailments: Chickweed can soothe mucus membranes and
help relieve many respiratory conditions, including asthma, allergies and
bronchitis, as well as itchy, inflamed eyes. Research has even shown that
chickweed can prevent the growth of bacteria that leads to tuberculosis.
Skin care: Chickweed’s soothing properties also extend to skin
care. Chickweed can soothe inflamed and irriated skin conditions such as acne,
eczema, rashes and burns, as well as heal cuts.
Common chickweeds are edible and considered very nutritious. The
common name came from the herb's appeal to fowls, particularly to chickens.
Common chickweed is used as leaf vegetable in salads.
Active constituents that are found in Chickweed include the
following: Saponin glycosides, Coumarins and hydroxycoumarins, Flavonoids,
Carboxylic acids,
Kidney and Liver Tonic. Common chickweed has long been used in
folkloric medicine as tonic to cleanse the kidney and liver. Chickweed can be
eaten raw mixed with salad or prepared and taken as tea.
Treatment of Skin Problems. Among the many claimed health benefits
from chickweed is its ability to heal skin wounds. It is used as a poultice to
treat boils, cuts, burns, abscesses and ulcers. Chickweed is also used to treat
itchiness associated with eczema and psoriasis.
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Reliever.
Another health benefit from Chickweed is it ability to act against inflammation
and pain. It is used to treat rheumatism, arthritis and
Health Benefits for Stomach Problems. Chickweed is also used to
treat constipation, upset stomach and to promote digestion.
Chickweed for Lung problems. Chickweed is also used to treat
asthma and other respiratory problems such as couch and colds.
It is believed that the vitamin C in Chickweed can help boost body
resistance and can even be used to treat scurvy.
Chickweed Green Juice:
Take a handful of clean fresh chickweed plant and add to a glass
of desired fruit juice
Chickweed poultice
Fresh chickweed plant are crushed and applied topically on the
affected area. Crushed chickweed plant can also be added to a warm bath.
Chickweed tea or decoction.
Prepare about a teaspoon of dried Chickweed leaves (2 teaspoon if
fresh) for every cup of water.
Boil for 10 to 15 minutes
Let it steep and strain
Store in a glass jar for later consumption
Drink 1 cup, twice to three times a day after meals.
You can add other herbs or honey to improve the efficacy and taste.
Chickweed Salad:
6 c leafy (as opposed to stemmy) herb, rinsed, and chopped very
finely (¼ inch lengths) across the stem
1-2 c sweetly ripe autumn olives, redbud flowers, locust flowers,
or dried cranberries
½ c queso fresco or soft goat cheese
¼-3/4 c black walnut pieces, roasted sunflower seeds, or soaked
and roasted pecans
Dressing:
1/3 c fresh basil or monarda spp (bee balm, etc) leaves
1 c olive oil
1/8 c honey
1 ½ t salt
Chickweed Pesto:
6 c packed fresh herb
5-20 cloves garlic (depending on size and intensity of garlic
clove and your personal taste)
1 c olive oil
1 T sea salt
1 c toasted black walnuts, sunflower seeds, english walnuts, or
pecans
zest from 1 lemon (make sure it is organic because you are using
the skin)
Harvest chickweed with knife to avoid dirt, rinse and swing to
dry.
Make pesto in batches; add half of olive oil first to food
processor or blender, then add garlic, then salt, and finally the greens.
Eat fresh, store at room temp for up to a week, or freeze for up
to 4 months.
Freeze in ice-cube trays, and empty into ziploc bags so that you
can defrost just the right amount of pesto.
No comments:
Post a Comment