Chickweed Poultice

Adapted from Weed Wanderings with Susun Weed

• *Apply the fresh herb, washed, directly onto sores, closed eyes, wounds.
• or *Cook the greens and stalks, especially when using older plants or treating deeply; cool somewhat before applying.
• or *Simmer chickweed in half water, half vinegar for about five minutes, cool and apply.

Then cover chickweed with a cotton towel or a thin layer of clay, and poultice for five minutes to three hours. Replace when poultice feels hot to the touch and oozes.

Relief often begins within a few hours of the initial application, with pain and swelling diminishing steadily as treatments continue.

Poultices used on infections, such as pinkeye, must be thrown away after use. Poultices used on clean wounds and unbroken skin can be reused several times if chickweed is in short supply.

Chickweed Eye Lotion

• 4 oz/125ml distilled water
• 4 oz/125ml witch hazel
• 1 Tbs/15ml chickweed tincture

Combine all ingredients in a clean dispenser-top bottle. Shake well.

To use: Wet a cloth or cotton ball with lotion and apply to closed eyes for 3 minutes. Discontinue if eyes are sensitive.

How to Get Rid of Chickweed

Chickweed is shallow rooted, so although it may look like a green carpet, it's much easier to remove. If it has not yet flowered, The Gardener's Weed Book recommends tilling it under as green manure (once it flowers, this is not generally recommended, as the plant will continue to mature and set seed even after it has been pulled from the soil).

Have you been able to use chickweed for its medicinal properties?

Article Source: Common Sense Home