Herbs - Chickweed - Ailments / Situations Where Used

As a vegetable, chickweed is a good source of vitamins A, B, and C, calcium and iron. It can be included in many summer meals.

Medicinally, chickweed is listed as a vulnerary, which is an agent that promotes the healing of cuts and wounds, and is always used with great service in such conditions internally and externally. Chickweed helps alleviate discomfort due to mosquito bites, eczema, dandruff, and many other troublesome skin disorders and is quite remarkable for relieving the itch in these conditions.

As a poultice or ointment, it is very useful for inflammatory conditions such as boils, abscesses, ulcers and carbuncles.

Chickweed is also a very good expectorant. It is very soothing to any irritated or inflamed tissues, especially the lungs, bronchi, bowels and stomach.

Saponins in the plant promote bile secretions, resulting in a mild laxative effect. In Europe, chickweed is a traditional folk remedy taken internally as a cleansing diuretic. It is also used as a tonic for rheumatic pains and weak conditions. In China, the root is used as a cooling herb in inflammations and fever, and to stop excessive discharges. It is also given as a tonic to malnourished children.