Cabbage White Butterfly On Mullien
with a wonderful shadow.
Cabbage White Butterfly On Lavender
Cabbage White Butterfly
(Pieris rapae)
on All Heal Flower (Prunella)
surrounded by yummy Chickweed (Stellaria media).
Chickweed is an annual wild edible and as hardy as it is, chickweed is quite delicate. Chickweed grows in a unique, intertwined manner, and it has small white star-shaped flowers hence its Latin name, Stellaria media. Chickweed's presence decreases insect damage to other plants. This edible plant has a lot of health benefits and is full of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients and is medicinal as well. Chickweed actually has several traditional uses both internally and externally:
Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever It’s a traditional remedy for rheumatism, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other issues associated with inflammation. Chickweed poultice can also be used in relieving eye inflammation and conjunctivitis.
Digestive and intestinal support Chickweed’s high fiber content and its reputation for improving the absorption of nutrients makes it an old stand-by tonic for gut health.
Functions as an expectorant. Chickweed may help ease respiratory conditions, such as tuberculosis, whooping cough and the flu. It soothes the bronchial tubes and the lungs to help expel mucus or phlegm.
Skin treatment Chickweed is cooling and drying so it has a long history of use in treating skin afflictions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, minor burns, boils, cuts, and insect bites. It’s also good as a compress for soothing hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Kidney support As a mild diuretic, chickweed tea is traditionally administered to flush and clean the kidneys.
Astringent Aids in wound healing. This herb has been used to promote wound healing and prevent infections through its antiseptic and antifungal properties. A compress, tincture, or fresh juice of chickweed is used to draw out splinters.