{"id":6955,"date":"2019-05-29T21:06:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T21:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6955"},"modified":"2021-04-08T18:13:10","modified_gmt":"2021-04-08T18:13:10","slug":"14-medicinal-uses-health-benefits-of-chickweed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-medicinal-uses-health-benefits-of-chickweed\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Medicinal Uses & Health Benefits of Chickweed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Before you head out into the garden with that bottle of weed killer, take a look at the type of weeds you\u2019re intent on destroying. Many yards across the United States have chickweed growing in the grass and flowerbed, and between the bricks in the patio or driveway. However, before you douse it with a weed killer, it may surprise you to learn that chickweed has numerous health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as, \u201cthe snow in the summer,\u201d chickweed earns this moniker due to the white star-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring through to the start of the fall. Chickweed is nutritious and tastes fantastic, which is not what you would expect from a weed growing readily in the garden. This plant is a rich source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, calcium, niacin, selenium and Gamma-linolenic-acid.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing remedies with the weed at home is simple. Here are eight health benefits and medicinal uses for chickweed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.<\/strong> Flu Remedy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from the effects of the viruses that cause colds and flu can benefit from using chickweed as part of their range of home remedies. Chickweed <\/a>contains compounds known as, \u201csaponins,\u201d which assist in relieving the symptoms of inflammation in the sinus and throat, as well as help with the breakdown of secretions from the mucous membranes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickweed is beneficial as an expectorant, helping the lungs expel any pathogens, debris or harmful particles. The expectorant properties also assist with the clearing of mucus in the lungs and airways, easing the effects of congestion in the patient.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, found in chickweed, help to relieve the effects of inflammation while boosting the immune system, helping it to get rid of the infection faster. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickweed dries out the sinus and helps the patient breathe more comfortably while reducing the buildup of fluids in the lungs. These positive effects make chickweed beneficial for a patient suffering from any congestive illnesses, including bronchitis and pneumonia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Inflammation-Fighting Properties<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The anti-inflammatory <\/a>properties of chickweed make it beneficial for treating a wide range of systemic inflammatory diseases. People who are suffering from the effects of arthritis, gout, diabetes, and heart disease can all benefit from including chickweed in their diet and supplement regimen. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that consuming chickweed powder in supplement format increases the strength of the stomach lining and intestinal wall, making it resistant to the effects of inflammation. A study published in the African Journal of Biomedical Research shows that chickweed consumption at 3-grams per day for 12-weeks show that it induces analgesic properties while mediating the release of histamine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickweed stimulates the production of mucosal fluids, reducing inflammation in joints while relieving pain symptoms. Using chickweed in an infused ointment may help speed up the healing process for patients dealing with minor cuts and scrapes. The cream or lotion may also assist with soothing the irritation caused by skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Assists in Weight Loss<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you review the ingredients labels of popular weight-loss products, you might be surprised to find chickweed listed among the compounds in many of the market’s favorite formulations. The addition of chickweed to fat burner supplements comes from an urban legend that the weed can help with people battling obesity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that chickweed has a mild laxative <\/a>and diuretic effect on the body. This effect allows you to clear waste efficiently, increasing your metabolic rate. When the metabolic rate increases, you require more calories to sustain normal body functions. As a result, the body flushes out toxins, and you may find that you start to lose a few pounds on the scale.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that the diuretic effects of chickweed may cause you to lose anywhere up to 5-percent of your body weight in water loss during the first week. After stopping supplementation with chickweed, the water weight will return.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Expectorant Properties<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, influenza<\/a>, and pneumonia, can benefit from adding chickweed to the supplement stack. When the bacteria that cause these illnesses enter the lungs, they start to produce massive amounts of inflammation that affect the airways and bronchiole, the small tubes that carry air to and from the alveoli. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The alveoli are the tiny fluid-filled sacs at the end of the bronchiole. Alveoli are responsible for managing the gaseous exchange in the lungs. When they are inflamed, the patient may experience symptoms of wheezing or shortness of breath. The patient may also notice changes in the color and consistency of mucus, with it turning from yellow to green, and then to brown. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expectorant properties of chickweed help to break up mucus and expel it through coughing. This effect allows the patient to recover faster from the congestive effects of bacterial infections like bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Cleanse the Lymphatic System<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lymphatic system<\/a> comprises nodes spread through the body in clusters. The largest groups of lymph nodes occur in the neck, armpits, and groin. When you get sick, you may notice that the nodes start to swell to the size of a pea, and they may turn pink or reddish in color. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This size and color change is a sign that the lymphatic fluid is trapping pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Consuming chickweed helps to clear the lymphatic fluid and keep it moving through the body, allowing it to collect more toxins, removing them from blood and tissues. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coumarin is the active compound found in chickweed responsible for supporting the function of the lymphatic system. Current research shows that Coumarin may have benefit in treating asthma and lymphedema, or \u201clymphatic obstruction.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consuming chickweed powder in your supplement regimen helps your lymphatic system operate at optimal efficiency, keep waste products out of your body that could lower immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Speeds Up Wound Healing <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chickweed contains compounds with antiseptic <\/a>and anti-fungal properties, making it ideal for treating wounds and cuts. Making a tincture or salve from the weed allows you to concentrate the beneficial compounds into a potent extraction for topical or internal use. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making a salve from chickweed infused oil is an excellent way to improve the skin’s natural defense against bacteria and viruses. Many of these pathogens enter the body through the skin, causing a wide variety of symptoms. For example, people who are dealing with a bacterial Staph infection may notice they start to develop sores on their skin where they came in contact with the bacteria. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rubbing your skin with the salve can protect cuts, scrapes, and burns from infection, while the extra antioxidants and minerals found in the salve help to speed up the healing process. Rub the salve into the affected area of your skin three or four times a day to enhance skin repair.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Relieve Eczema Symptoms<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More than 30-million Americans are living with the skin disorder, eczema<\/a>. This rash produces inflammation in the top layers of the epidermis, resulting in inflamed and irritated skin. These eczema rashes can occur all over the body, with the skin around the joints, hands, arms, and feet most affected. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with eczema struggle to find a remedy to stop the intense irritation symptoms that lead to itching and flaking of the skin. Doctors are still unclear as to the mechanism that causes an eczema outbreak, but some medical professionals think it may be an autoimmune response. In this case, the body mistakes healthy skin cells for invading pathogens and attacks, producing the symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickweed contains saponins that reduce inflammation and irritation associated with an eczema flare-up. Rub some chickweed salve into the affected area of the skin and let it soak. You will experience immediate relief from itching symptoms, and the rash should start to appear less aggressive.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Make A Chickweed Salve to Soothe Your Skin Issues<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ve previously mentioned, chickweed is excellent for treating a variety of skin conditions. However, ingesting the rootstock will not do much to help your situation. For chickweed to benefit the skin, it requires topical administration. You can\u2019t crush up the roots and rub them into your wounds<\/a>, as you won\u2019t get enough active materials to help speed up the healing process. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treating skin conditions requires the preparation of a salve for topical purposes. A balm contains chickweed extract, which has a high concentration of the active ingredients responsible for its medicinal properties.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make the salve, you need to chop up- the roots of the chickweed into a powder using the food processor. Add them to some extra-virgin coconut oil that\u2019s simmering over low heat on the stove. Leave the oil over low heat overnight to allow the compounds in the chickweed to infuse with the oil.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strain the warm oil through a cheesecloth and discard the leftover plant material. Add some lavender essential oil to the mixture, along with some melted beeswax. Pack into jars and let it cool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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