Giant Chickweed and Chickweed are in the Pink Family - Caryophyllaceae, along with other opposite and entire leaved plants like Spurries, Sandworts, Pearlworts, Sandworts, Stitchworts, Campions, Pinks, Corn Cockle, Soapwort and other Chickweeds. (Stellaria media is probably the most "official" medicinal species.) Common Chickweed and Giant Chickweed (Myosoton aquaticum) are both very yin herbs. By virtue of its size (everything is relative) Giant Chickweed makes a better food, and as a cooling, moistening vegetable, Chickweed can be considered a superior medicinal food. It can be eaten raw, and in this manner is one of the best Lettuce substitutes; as it is cool, moist, and mild-flavored. As a cooked vegetable it is also very delicious and requires only slight cooking.
|