What it looks like and where it grows
Chickweed is an annual that only lives for 4 weeks. But since this plant multiplies quickly, 3-4 generations are replaced during the summer season.
The ground where the colony grows is covered with a green carpet until the snow falls. In the southern regions, where negative temperatures are rare, woodlice breeds all year round.
What does it look like
Chickweed is a low plant. The thin stem, covered with single-row villi, stretches up to 10 cm. The villi grow in the internodes of the stem. Woodlice leaves are juicy, bright green, oval (ovoid) in shape, with a sharp tip. The lower leaves grow on petioles, which allows them to stretch upward and receive more light. The upper ones are located directly on the stem. The leaves grow opposite each other.
Woodlice blooms with small white flowers. Against the background of dense deciduous greenery, they look like stars, which is where the botanical name of this herb comes from - “chickweed”. Flowers appear quickly, immediately after the leaves appear. The first flowers can be seen in May, the flowering period ends in August.
The duration of flowering and fruiting depends on the climatic conditions of the region. Long pedicels end in a white corolla, consisting of strongly dissected, separated petals. Each flower has three to five long stamens with purple, dark red anthers. The pistil has 3 columns, the ovary of the future box is formed at the top.
Woodlice is pollinated by bees and other insects, but if this does not happen, self-pollination occurs. This plant is a honey plant. The fruits are small brown boxes (round or ellipsoidal). The seeds of the plant are very small, kidney-shaped.
Interestingly, chickweed does not go into a dormant period in winter. So, in autumn, snow covers green plants covered with flowers. In the spring, soon after the snow melts, flowering continues, the capsules ripen and drop seeds into the still cold ground. At the same time, biologists do not find any features that prevent the death of chickweed at sub-zero temperatures, as happens with other herbaceous plants.
Fruiting continues throughout the entire period of above-zero temperatures. Up to 2500 seeds ripen on one plant. Dry seed remains viable for 2–5 years. Woodlice quickly reproduces not only by seeds, but also vegetatively, from the roots.
Note! You need to know that in nature there is a related plant called chickweed lanceolate. This herb is also called woodlice, but you need to be careful and extremely attentive - it is poisonous!
Where does it grow
Woodlice loves acidic soils and grows well in open areas and in partial shade. This plant is widespread in North America and the temperate zone of Eurasia.
Woodlice can be found in damp meadows, along roads, on low banks of rivers and lakes, and in landfill areas. Chickweed is a weed that infests unkempt areas in gardens, parks and vegetable gardens. The midge does not like desert areas and highlands; this plant is not found there.
Collection and storage
The above-ground part of the herb is harvested for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. This is done in dry weather, from May to August, but it is best to collect in the last month of spring. At this time, the plant is full of strength, and the tender greens are filled with juices.
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Raw materials are cut with sharp scissors or a knife. Freshly picked woodlice is juicy, its greens are oversaturated with juices. Therefore, the grass is first kept in the sun for at least 4–6 hours. Then dry out of direct sunlight, under a canopy, in the attic or veranda.
The grass is laid out in a thin layer and turned over often. The ambient temperature should not exceed 40–45 degrees. If you use a dryer for vegetables and fruits, you should choose the most gentle mode. As a result of drying, the weight of fresh grass is reduced by 80%.
Dried raw materials are stored in a cardboard box, paper bag, or chintz or canvas bag. Plastic containers and plastic bags are not suitable, since without air access an unpleasant odor may appear, and if there is still moisture left, the raw materials will become moldy. The maximum shelf life of dry chickweed is 1 year (according to other sources - up to 2 years).
Trachelipus rathkei
This species does not have a Russian name, but this does not mean that it is not found in Russia.
It can be seen quite often in central Russia. According to statistics, they appear in large flocks precisely in those places where there are a lot of buildings and buildings. They adapt quite quickly to their habitat and are not very picky about the conditions in which they find themselves. This type of crustacean is quite difficult to catch, since it is at the bottom of their body that the shell expands slightly, which complicates the catching procedure.
Trachelipus rathkei can be found in large quantities not only in Russia, but also in the United States, Europe and Canada.
Composition plays an important role
As already mentioned, ascorbic acid is considered the most valuable component of the plant. According to various estimates, fresh greens contain about 65-114 mg of organic compounds.
The indicators largely depend on where and in what conditions the woodlice plant grows. The salad crop is a climbing stem (up to 35 cm) with small leaves. Thanks to the presence of small fibers, the grass accumulates moisture, which is how it deserves its unusual name.
In addition to vitamin C, chickweed contains a high percentage:
- organic acids;
- tocopherol acetate;
- provitamin A (23 g);
- sinapic acid (in leaves);
- flavonoids;
- nicotinic acid;
- routine;
- vitamins B1 and B2.
The ground cover weed is famous for its high content of triterpene saponins. These low molecular weight substances are distinguished by unique surfactant properties.
This list also includes alkaloids, tannins and lipids. In addition, the annual plant accumulates many different microelements (iron, magnesium, iodine), including zinc and potassium compounds. For this reason, the woodlice plant as a medicine has unsurpassed healing properties. For best results, it is recommended to use fresh herbs.
What other arthropods can woodlice be confused with?
In general, it is quite difficult to confuse wood lice with any other arthropods, but sometimes people still manage to do this. Quite often, woodlice are confused with silverfish, although they have nothing in common in appearance at all.
The woodlouse armadillo can easily be confused with the centipede Glomeris marginata, because in appearance they are quite similar.
Medicinal properties of woodlice herb in folk medicine
Woodlice can often be found in preparations intended for the treatment of gynecological and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it can be used as an independent remedy for the overall health of the body.
Chickweed is useful for the following properties:
- disinfectant effect;
- expansion of the vascular cavity;
- pain relief;
- activation of immune defense;
- removal of mucus from the respiratory organs;
- laxative and diuretic effects;
- increased blood clotting;
- toning muscles;
- acceleration of regenerative processes;
- starting metabolism;
- treatment of skin diseases;
- increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
The healing properties of woodlice herb for joints
According to statistics, woodlice grass effectively treats joint diseases. It helps restore bone joints and relieves swelling of tissues. Woodlice is prescribed in the presence of pronounced pain and inflammation. Direct indications for its use include gout and the postoperative period.
Treatment of joints is carried out using tincture of medicinal herbs. Compresses are prepared from it and applied to the problem area.
During flowering, the grass is covered with small white flowers
For the thyroid gland
The medicinal plant chickweed is especially popular in the treatment of the thyroid gland. It contains iodine and useful elements necessary for its absorption.
The herb is often used to eliminate hyperthyroidism. The disease is accompanied by a lack of iodine due to impaired absorption. The components in woodlice improve the functionality of the organ and eliminate the accompanying symptoms of pathology. To do this, take 1 tsp of herb juice. 1 time per day. Take before meals. Treatment lasts at least 3 weeks.
For children
Woodlice helps children cope with urinary incontinence during sleep. In this case, they practice taking a herbal decoction or putting steamed herbs in socks.
For bruises and sprains, the herbal paste is applied to the problem area in the form of a compress. This helps relieve pain and eliminate swelling. However, this treatment method is contraindicated for open wounds.
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Professional disinfection
To carry out professional removal of wood lice, you must contact the sanitary service, which will treat the premises and eliminate not only the insects, but also their eggs.
Also, many organizations use special barriers that block the appearance of fleas and woodlice for a long time.
Let's celebrate! The room is treated with a special fog, which quickly eliminates infection and parasites and does not harm human health. After disinfection, a person can observe the result of the procedure in a short time.
Chickweed in folk medicine
It is thanks to its beneficial properties that the woodlice herb has found its well-deserved place in folk medicine and has long been used by healers to treat many ailments. The juice of the plant contains vitamin E, which rejuvenates the body, cleanses blood vessels, improves blood and removes harmful substances and toxins from the body.
Woodlice is used fresh, as well as in the form of infusions and decoctions of leaves, flowers and grass stems. For example, chickweed infusion is good for treating eye diseases. Its infusion is also used to treat stomach ulcers, coughs, colitis, scurvy, heart, lung and kidney diseases.
For skin rashes, ulcers, festering wounds and scrofula, use woodlice infusion externally, in the form of baths.
Healing tea
Has a general strengthening and calming effect on the body: 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of herbs into a glass of boiling water, leave under the lid for 5 minutes. Drink the resulting healing drink, like regular tea, half a glass, three times a day.
Infusion of woodlice herb for the eyes
To prepare, take fresh herb - 1 tbsp. spoon, pour boiling water over it - 1 cup. Leave the infusion for one hour without shaking. Then strain the prepared infusion and instill 1-2 drops into the sore eye, three times a day.
Woodlice juice for eyes
The juice of the plant, which is just squeezed from fresh grass, is used as medicinal drops for various diseases of the retina and cornea of the eyes - fresh juice is instilled 1-2 drops, 4 times a day.
Juice preparation:
Take fresh chickweed grass - 500 grams, rinse it well with water and squeeze out the juice with a juicer or crush the grass with a masher and squeeze out the juice through cheesecloth. Then pour into a bottle and store in the refrigerator, but no more than 2 days. The squeezed juice is suitable for treating eyes, treating long-term non-healing, purulent wounds.
For tired legs
A very simple and effective recipe, which is often used by summer residents. To relieve pain and fatigue from your feet, you need to pick fresh woodlice grass and put it in your shoes instead of insoles.
Woodlice infusion for stomach pain
To prepare the infusion, take wood lice - 1 tablespoon and pour it with pure vodka - 300 milliliters. Let's leave it to infuse in a dark place for two weeks.
The tincture should be taken diluted, before meals - 20 drops of tincture per 1 glass of water.
Woodlice for lactation
Take fresh grass juice - 1 teaspoon, mix it with honey - 1 teaspoon.
Take this remedy before meals, three times a day, 1 teaspoon.
Chickweed decoction for erosion, fibroids and cysts
Take the herb - 2 tablespoons, pour boiling water - 500 milliliters. Pour everything into an enamel saucepan and place in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain the broth and add boiled water to its original volume. The resulting medicine should be taken before meals, 4 times a day, 50 milliliters. This decoction is also taken to treat weakness, anemia, and dizziness.
Help with skin diseases
You need to take a decoction of woodlice and soak pieces of gauze in it. Apply woodlice lotion to the problem area of the body. This needs to be done several times a day.
Woodlice for tumors and breast cancer
For treatment, you need to take fresh chickweed grass and make a compress from it, this compress is applied to the sore chest and kept for 20 minutes. These treatment procedures are carried out 3 times a day.
Strengthening the nervous system
The finished infusion of woodlice should be taken in 50 milliliters, 4 times a day.
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Infusion for treating eczema, ulcers, poorly healing wounds
Preparation: In order to prepare the infusion you need to take 1 tbsp. spoon of wood lice grass (fresh or dried) and pour boiling water - 1 cup. Leave covered for 4 hours, then strain through cheesecloth.
Application : For external use: wash wounds with this infusion, and also make compresses on the affected skin. For internal use for joint pain: drink a quarter glass 4 times a day, before meals. Chickweed infusion for kidney and gastrointestinal diseases
If you suffer from kidney disease or problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then use this recipe as an antiseptic: woodlice - 1 tablespoon, pour boiling water - 1 glass and leave covered for 1 hour. Then strain.
Drink a quarter glass of infusion before meals, three times a day.
Woodlice decoction for skin diseases
For the treatment of dermatological diseases, the following decoction is prepared:
Woodlice grass - 4 tbsp. spoons, add 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Then leave for 2 hours and strain. Use the resulting medicinal decoction in the form of compresses for skin diseases.
Vodka infusion for stomach pain
For diseases and problems of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, you need to prepare and use the following infusion:
Dry chickweed herb - 1 tbsp. spoon, pour vodka - 300 grams. Leave in a dark place for 2 weeks. Then strain. Take once a day - 15 drops per glass of water.
Woodlice juice for acne
To cure teenage acne, you need to use the juice of a fresh plant:
Fresh grass - 500 grams, you need to wash and squeeze the juice out of it using a juicer or through cheesecloth.
Apply fresh juice to pimples and affected skin 4 times a day.
Chickweed herb infusion
This healing infusion is used for many health problems. If you have problems sleeping, then you need to prepare the medicine according to this recipe: Take fresh chopped herb 15 tbsp. spoons and pour boiling water over it - 1 liter. Leave covered for 8 hours. Then strain. Ready-made infusion to drink for insomnia, a quarter glass.
To improve lactation, half a glass.
This infusion can be used to make compresses for swelling.
For mastopathy
The herb is doused with boiling water, cooled and applied to the sore chest.
For women's health
It is recommended that women take a decoction of woodlice 10 days before menstruation, then there will be no delays or severe pain. For female diseases: cysts, fibroids, erosions, you need to make a cotton swab, soak it in a decoction of herbs and use it at night (insert the swab into the vagina).
You need to do the procedure for 5 days, and then take a break for 5 days and repeat this procedure again and do such cycles until complete recovery.
Who are they?
Anyone who has ever seen a woodlice will say that it is an insect. Actually this is not true. These arthropods belong to the family Crustacea and the order Isopods. Over many centuries, this creature has adapted to live on land, but at the same time continues to breathe using gills.
It chooses a place to live that is humid and warm and where it is possible to eat. Most often they choose places near water bodies, in forests, groves and plantings. However, they can be seen in apartments and other residential premises.
Most often in an apartment they can be found in the bathroom because it is here that the humidity is higher than in other rooms. They can also be seen in bags of vegetables or in flower pots.
Wood lice feed on plant foods. Roots, leaves or fruits are suitable for this. They also choose living and dead microorganisms as food. Organic waste, house plants and pantry supplies are also suitable food sources for woodlice.
They are very afraid of bright light, which is why they are nocturnal.
Woodlice do not pose any danger to human life and health. They do not bite and do not spoil food. However, it is worth remembering that on their legs they are capable of carrying viruses and fungi, which is why they are considered spreaders of many diseases. If at least one individual is found, it is necessary to get rid of them immediately.
Contraindications, possible harm
There are the following contraindications to the use of woodlice:
- Allergy to plants of the Clove family. In case of pathology, it is also not recommended to use the herb externally.
- Individual intolerance to substances contained in the plant.
- Hypotension. Chickweed can reduce blood pressure to a critical level.
Depending on the type and concentration of the medicinal product, the dosage differs. It is recommended to drink tea 2–2.5 cups per day, infusion up to 300 ml per day, decoction – 1–1.5 cups.
In case of overdose, the following consequences are possible:
- nausea;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- dizziness;
- a sharp decrease in pressure.
