Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) Family: Rosaceaa
The generic name, Potentilla, is derived from the Latin adjective potens (powerful) and the name anserina from Latin anser, a goose, was probably given it because geese were fond of it. Silverweed is very abundant in Ireland. It has a slender, branches root-stock, dark brown outside, which has been eaten in the Hebrides in times of scarcity. The leaves are covered on both sides with a silky, white down of soft hairs. Silverweed has buttercup-like flowers, in bloom from early summer til later autumn. The Silverweed is a favourite food of cattle, horses, goats, pigs and geese. Only sheep decline it.
Health Benefits:
Very rich in Vitamin C. Compared to dandelion with 115 micro-grams per 100g of edible part, silverweed has 402 micro-grams/100g. Compared to vegetables e.g. Swiss chard 39 micro-grams/100g, curly kale 105 micro-grams/100g and broccoli 114 micro-grams/100g
Also very high in minerals and e.g. might be used for brittle nails, which could be due to mineral deficiency.
The whole herb could be used for its mildly astringent and tonic action.
Medicinal action and uses:
Strong infusion externally for bleeding piles, while a herbal tea being taken as a medicine
Herbal tea, which might be sweetened with honey, is an excellent gargle for sore throats.
Excellent remedy for cramps in the stomach, heart and abdomen and as well menstrual cramps. Taken as herbal tea and applies to the affected parts on compresses.
Used as a diuretic
The decoction has been used for ulcers in the mouth, for toothache and preserving the gums from scurvy.
Silverweed has been used to clear eye inflammation
A distilled water of the herb was used in earlier times as a cosmetic for removing freckles, spots and pimples, and for restoring the complexion of sunburn.
Uses in the kitchen:
Silverweed Gnochi
Silverweed Butter Spread
Silverweed Mayonaise (raw vegan), can be used to season and marinate broccoli and cauliflower or mix
Smoothies
Finely chopped in salads
Tip: chop herbs very finely like parsley, for example, and add them to salads, cream soups…You can use any edible weed like this.
In the Western Isles the starchy roots of silverweed were boiled and eaten. Silverweed’s rootstock has kept people alive when nothing else was available to eat (used by Native Americans, Chinese and Europeans for centuries). Silverweed called droma in Tibet is used to a complete protein food for children and generally for the Tibetian diet.