Chickweed
- Stelleria media L.
- Caryophyllaceae
- Pink family
Common Names
 Adder’s
mouth
Indian
chickweed
Satin
flower
Scarweed
Star
chickweed
Starweed
Starwort
Stitchwort
Tongue-grass
Winterweed
Parts Usually Used
The herb
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
An annual or biennial prostrate weed; the usually creeping, brittle
stems grow from 4-12 inches long and bear opposite, entire, ovate
small yellowish-green leaves. The small, white flowers can be found
blooming all year long in terminal, leafy cymes or solitary in the
leaf axils. Petals are 2-parted, shorter than sepals. March to September.
The taste is slightly salty. The seeds are eaten by poultry and birds.
Where Found
Found in abundance all over the world in gardens, fields, lawns,
waste places, and along roadsides. A common European weed.
Medicinal Properties
Alterative, astringent, antirheumatic, carminative, demulcent, emollient,
expectorant, laxative, refrigerant, mucilaginous, pectoral, discutient
Biochemical Information
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), biotin, choline, copper, inositol, PABA,
fatty acids, mucilage, minerals, phosphorus, potash salts, rutin,
silicon, sodium, and vitamins B6, B12, and D.
Legends, Myths and Stories
There are about 25 species native and naturalized on the American
continent. The Native Americans used native Chickweed for many years,
but also adopted naturalized species.
Considered a great nuisance by gardeners, but it can be used as a
food like spinach. It may be used fresh, dried, powdered, in poultices,
fomentations, or made into a salve.
Uses
For serious constipation,
take a decoction of chickweed. For other internal uses indicated by
its by its properties, chickweed is not one of the more valuable plants.
The fresh leaves can be crushed and applied directly or made into
an ointment with lard or vaseline for bruises, irritations, and other
skin problems. Chickweed can also be used as a vegetable, like spinach.
Chickweed is said to cure convulsions. Aids in digestion,
stomach ulcers, and all forms
of internal inflammation. Reduces mucus build-up in the lungs. May
be effective to treat asthma,
gastrointestinal disorders, coughs, itching, colds,
bronchitis, pleurisy,
hoarseness, inflammation,
rheumatism, gout,
scurvy, skin diseases, tumors, cancer, and blood disorders. One of
the best remedies for external application to inflamed surfaces, boils,
scalds, burns, inflamed sore
eyes, blood poisoning,
erysipelas, itch, piles
, swollen testes, ulcerated
mouth, and all kinds of wounds,
bruises, and sores.
Use as a vitamin C supplement; rich in minerals, especially calcium,
magnesium and potassium. This herb helps carry toxins from the body.
Dissolves plaque in blood
vessels. Heals and soothes anything it comes into contact with.
Said to curb obesity.
Culpeper states that chickweed, “boiled with hog’s grease
applied, helpeth cramps,
convulsions and palsy.”
The herb may be taken raw, if available, or else in an infusion.
The same infusion refines the texture of the skin when applied as
a face lotion.
Scientists have not yet thoroughly researched chickweed.
Formulas or Dosages
Chickweed can be used fresh or dried.
Infusion: steep 1 tbsp. herb in 1/2 cup water. Take
1/2 to 1 cup a day.
Decoction: boil 3 heaping tbsp. herb in 1 qt. water
until a pint of liquid remains. For constipation, take a cupful warm
every 3 hours, or more often, until the bowels move.
Tea: to be taken internally, steep 1 heaping tbsp.
in 1 cup boiling water for 1/2 hour. Take 3 or 4 cups a day between
meals, a swallow at a time, and take a cup warm upon retiring.
Juice: take 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp., 3 times a day.
Capsules: take 1 capsule for up to 3 times daily.
Nutrient Content
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins
B6, B12 and D.
How Sold
Capsules, powder, ointment
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