Chickweed, Dried
(also referred to as...)
Adder's Mouth, Indian Chickweed, Satin Flower, Starwort, Star Weed,
Star Chickweed, Stitchwort, Tongue-Grass, Winterweed
Latin Name: Stellaria media
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Description
A nuisance to gardeners and a meal to foragers, this plant has many wonderful uses. The 17th century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, described it as a "fine, soft, pleasing herb" which can be used in place of spinach, added to salads, or fed to the animals who adore it (goats tend not to take interest).
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.
Source
Whole plant.
Preparations
Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb and take 3 times daily.
Use freely as a vegetable.
Apply externally as needed.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
There are no known contraindications.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
By browsing / printing any and all My Best Remedies articles / pages, you agree to the statements above.
