Benefits of Chickweed

Chickweed (Latin name Stellaria media) is a medicinal herb that flourishes throughout the world. Eaten fresh and drunk as a tea for its nutrient content, it is used topically to heal conditions of the skin and eyes, and is also a common ingredient in herbal weight-loss preparations.

Plant Facts

• Chickweed is a fast-spreading plant that is found throughout the U.S. It is a member of the Caryophyllaceae, or Pink family. Usually thought of as a weed, the herb grows through sidewalk cracks and on the sides of highways as readily as in lawns, gardens and fields. The name chickweed comes from the plant's use as feed for wild and domesticated birds. Other common names for this plant are starweed and star chickweed, references to its tiny, star-shaped flowers.

Benefits

• Chickweed has many medicinal uses, with recorded use dating back to at least the 16th century. Its main benefit is as a nutrient herb, and is also used topically to heal and soothe skin conditions and inflammations of the eye. Finally, there is a history of use for weight loss.

Nourishing Chickweed

• Chickweed is high in minerals and vitamins. According to Susun Weed in her book, "Wise Woman Herbal", the herb contains significant amounts of iron (253 milligrams per 100 grams chickweed), magnesium (529 mg/100g), calcium (1200 mg/100 g), and potassium (1840 mg/100 g). Chickweed is 15 to 24 percent protein, and is a good source of vitamin C (375 mg/100 g, as ascorbic acid). Chickweed can be eaten fresh as a salad green, or made into a tea or tincture (alcohol extract). The usual dose for tea is two teaspoons per eight ounces water, one to three cups daily. The dose for the tincture is 1/4 to one teaspoon, three times daily (dosages may vary, so consult a qualified practitioner to learn more).

Healing Chickweed

• The high nutrient content of chickweed helps heal skin conditions of all kinds; the herb is especially useful for eczema and other rashes, minor wounds, pimples and first-degree burns. Used as a poultice, in a salve, or in a bath, chickweed soothes inflamed conditions and prevents the spread of infection. Salves containing chickweed are available through herbalists and at natural food stores. To use the dried herb in the bath, infuse a few ounces of the herb as though you were making a cup of tea, and add the liquid to the bath; another way is to place dried leaves in a clean sock or large tea bag, and float it in the hot water.

Chickweed for the Eye

• The plant can be used as a poultice to reduce inflammation of pinkeye and other minor eye infections. The easiest way to do this is to make an cup of chickweed tea, allow it to cool, dip a clean cotton ball in it and apply to the closed eye. A teabag containing the herb can also be steeped, then allowed to cool and applied to the closed eye. Do NOT apply chickweed tea or tincture into the open eye.

Chickweed for Weight Loss

• Chickweed has long been said to assist with weight loss. There is no proof of this benefit; however, the high nutrient value of this herb makes it a good addition to any balanced diet, whether in a salad or as a tea.

Contraindications and Cautions

• -There are no known contraindications or drug interactions for chickweed.
  -Know the signs of spreading infection: if fever or lethargy develops, or if red streaks, warmth, odor or pus appear at the site of a wound, discontinue use of the herb and contact a physician or qualified health practitioner immediately.
  -When working with an inflamed eye, if pain or changes in vision occur, discontinue use of the herb and contact an ophthalmologist, physician or qualified health practitioner immediately.
  -Only sterile preparations should come into contact with the open eye. When applying a teabag or poultice to an irritated eye, take care that the eye stays closed. If any non-sterile substance comes into contact with the eye, irrigate immediately with sterile saline solution.