Can Chickweed Help You Lose Weight?
Chickweed is a small plant that grows across the United States, although it originated in Europe. Gardeners often think of chickweed as a nuisance. The plant grows every year and in very large amounts. It is the first plant to make an appearance in the spring and in the summer can be found in cool, damp areas.
The leaves, stems and flowers of the chickweed are used in botanical medicine. Formerly, it was used as a tea but is more often used as a cream applied to the skin. Chickweed can reduce rashes and help with the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions when used several times each day. People that have eczema have benefited from chickweed by easing their itching and inflammation caused from the condition. Two teaspoons of the dried herb can be used to make a cup of tea (you can drink up to three cups a day). Although a weed, chickweed has been an addition to fresh spring salads to add a wonderful taste.
Chickweed and Weight Loss
Chickweed can help curb the appetite and aid in weight loss. The medicinal properties of chickweed aide the assimilation of other herbs, act as a diuretic, and help process and dissolve fat. It has been used as a natural appetite suppressant and works just as well or better than other over-the-counter suppressants.
There has been scientific evidence supporting the benefits of chickweed and weight loss. As with any aide in weight loss, it needs to be included in a healthy lifestyle that provides proper diet and exercise. The mild diuretic contains saponins which help emulsify fat cells and flush them from the body. It can also help regulate the thyroid, which has an effect on weight, and is excellent for balancing metabolism.
The active properties in chickweed are mainly unknown. It contains increased amounts of vitamins and flavonoids which explain the reason of most of its activity. Although not validated in clinical studies, chickweed has been shown to possibly benefit people that suffer from rheumatic conditions.
Other Interesting Facts About Chickweed
The historical and traditional use of chickweed was used as food. Also, it has a reputation in folk medicine for treating a wide spectrum of conditions such as asthma and indigestion problems to skin diseases. Traditional Chinese herbalists used tea made from chickweed to help suppress nosebleeds. By taking chickweed internally, it helps purify the blood by removing toxins from the body.
No side effects with chickweed have been reported. There are no known drug interactions with chickweed as well.
References
Alternative Nature Online Herbal: Chickweed Herbal Uses and Herbal Remedy for Weight Loss - www.altnature.com/gallery/chickweed.htm
Nutrition for Healthy Living: Benefits of Chickweed Herb - www.healthylivinganswers.com/vitamins/benefits-of-chickweed.html
Disclaimer
Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.