Condition
Treatment Support
emollient
Application
fresh leaves externally
Chickweed
(Stellaria media)
Botanical Information
A delicate annual of rich ground and gardens in the Carnation family. It grows to about two feet tall with ovate glabrous leaves and small white starry flowers.
Working with Chickweed
Part(s) Used
Leaf
Herb Forms
Bulk herb.
Chickweed is most often made into a poultice for bruises, boils, psoriasis, and eczema. In the spring, when it is tender, chickweed is a good addition to salads and was formerly used for its Vitamin C content. As a tea, chickweed is drunk to rid the lungs of phlegm and relieve sore throats. Although it has a reputation as an herb that helps to melt off excess pounds in people who are overweight, there is little evidence to support this use. It is considered a very mild thyroid and metabolic activating herb, but the herb is practically useless when purchased in commercial products, because after drying, it probably loses most of its activity. To make use of its weight-reducing properties, it is best eaten fresh in quantity in salads.
Chickweed has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
None noted.
Conditions treated with Chickweed
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
wound healing
Application
fresh leaf poultice
Condition
Treatment Support
soothing
Application
tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
