Spring Detox with Pesky Weeds!
by Stephanie Hein-Ripley 

I love this time of year!  Spring is approaching, and with it, green life everywhere is slowly creeping upwards out of the cold grasp of winter.  One of the earliest plants to emerge from winter’s grey world is Chickweed, or Stelleria media. This small creeping plant, commonly mistaken for a pesky weed, is actually quite beautiful in many ways.  Chickweed is also known as Starweed, because its striking small white flowers resemble tiny white stars. Many landscapers and avid gardeners despise this weed and rip it out of the garden because it tends to take over (and in some cases even spray it with nasty herbicides). However, instead of dreading this new Spring arrival and throwing it in the compost pile, these gardeners should start bringing it inside to the dinner table!

Although mistakenly viewed as a weed with little useful value, Chickweed is actually edible and medicinal. It is very nutritious, being high in both vitamins and minerals. The major beneficial plant constituents in Chickweed are Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Coumarins, Genistein, Gamma-linolenic-acid, Flavonoids, Magnesium, Niacin, Oleic-acid, Potassium, Riboflavin, Rutin, Selenium, Thiamin, and Zinc. Chickweed also contains active constituents known as saponins.  These saponins emulsify and increase the permeability of cell membranes, enhancing the absorption of all other minerals.  Saponins also help regulate the breakdown of unwanted matter in the body; from bacteria, cysts, and tumors, to mucous and excess fat cells. 

In earlier times, as a folk remedy, Chickweed was used for weight loss and to increase the body’s metabolism.  This may be due in part to its effect on cleansing the lymphatic system and helping the body to expel waste.  Other than weight loss, Chickweed has been used for conditions such as skin disruptions, rheumatism, liver and kidney disorders, constipation and coughs.

Just as Spring is a time for plants to begin life anew and get their juices flowing, it also creates similar sensations in our bodies and is a time for movement after the stagnation of winter is finally over. Spring is the perfect time to start cleansing and ridding our bodies of waste accumulated over winter.   After being inside for a few months, you’re probably feeling the urge to get out and do something. Some people may experience slight depression, anxiety, and irritability, as great changes are taking place both inside and around us. These feelings are normal, but also a sign that we need to concentrate on helping to make the seasonal transition as fluid as possible.

What a great joy that at this time of year we are blessed to have plant allies to help us and our bodies to transition into the new season! Look around this Spring season, what your body needs may be just out your front door! Take the time to properly identify your local plants and their uses. A nice plant field guide is a good place to start.  Chickweed is just one of many cleansing and detoxifying Spring weeds popping up in abundance right now, so do your research and take advantage of these wild edibles. They are much more nutritious then anything you will find in the grocery store and Free!

What can I do with Chickweed?

First, start by identifying it if you are using it straight from your yard. Fresh Chickweed is always best, but make sure there is no chemical residue in the area if you live in the city or use chemicals to treat your lawn (and if you are, Please Stop!).
Chickweed can be added to salads or lightly sautéed, tasting somewhat like spinach.
Eat it liberally as a snack or mixed with other fresh greens with a light dressing.   

Chickweed Pesto:
Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups fresh harvested Chickweed                                                         
• 3-4 tbsp. Olive Oil (To Desired consistency)                                                         
• 2-3 tbsp. Hemp Seed Oil                                                        
• ½ Cup Sunflower Seed, Hulled Hemp Seeds, and/or Pine Nuts                                                         
• 1+ Clove of Garlic to taste                                                         
• 1+ tsp. Sea Salt to taste

Add all ingredients except Olive Oil and salt into Food Processor. Blend on low setting and slowly add Olive Oil until the desired consistency is obtained. Season with Sea Salt to taste after mixture is correct texture. If desired, you can also add Parmesan Cheese for a more traditional Pesto taste or Nutritional Yeast if you would like to keep the recipe Vegan (we think it is best, and most beneficial, just as it is).           

Use 2 tbsp. in 12 oz boiling water                            
-Cover and let steep for at least 30 minutes                            
- 2-3 cups a day is recommend for therapeutic treatment                         

The mucilaginous greens along with the infused liquid also work great as a poultice for skin conditions or pink eye!  

Stephanie Hein is a Certified Clinical Herbalist and Supplement Coordinator at The Natural Vitality Center.  If you have questions about detoxifying this Spring, feel free to stop by and speak with her.  If you mention this article you can receive 15% off a Detox product of your choice!