Chickweed Herbal Medicine
Chickweed Herb Uses, Health Benefits and Side Effects
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| Chickweed.is an edible herb traditionally used as medicinal herb for skin problems, kidney and liver tonic and as pain and inflammation treatment…(more) |
What is Chickweed? Chickweed is a medicinal herb native from Europe used for many health benefits it can give….(more)
Chickweed Preparation Chickweed are harvested and prepared as tea by boiling 1 tbs of plant parts for every cup of water…(more)
What isChickweed
Scientific Name : Stellaria media, Stellaria pubera,
Other Names: stitchwort, starwort, white bird’s eye, chick wittles, satin flower, adder’s mouth, mouse ear, starweed, passerina, tongue grass, winter weed, Capiqui, Hierba Gallinera, Mouron des Oiseaux, Pamplina, Star Chickweed, , chickenwort, craches and maruns.
Chickweed Plant Description
Chickweed (Stellaria media ) is a member of the Caryophyllaceae, or carnation, family Chickweed is native to European regions but has long been widely available in the wild and cultivated in other temperate locations.
The Stellaria media or common chickweed belongs to about 25 species including some native varieties in North America, growing abundantly in the wild which are closely related to but lacks the nutritional value and medicinal effectiveness of the common chickweed.
Chickweed is an annual herb, widespread in temperate regions, growing in large, dense patches. Chickweed grows only a few inches from the ground creeping and forming dense mats. The creeping stems have pubescent or hairs only on one side alternating after every node. When the stem is broken it has no milky sap unlike its relatives where the stems are completely covered with hair and has milky sap. The roots are shallow and fibrous. Chickweed leaves are bright green, opposite, simple, broadly oval, about an inch apart in the stem and usually less than 1 inch long. Chickweeds have small, white, 5 petal star shaped flowers that bloom during spring.
Chickweed Uses
Common chickweeds are edible and considered very nutritious. The common name came from the herb’s appeal to fowls, particularly to chickens. Common chickweed is used as leaf vegetable in salads.
Chickweed Nutritional Value and Constituents
Nutritional Value of Chickweed
Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Coumarins, Genistein, Gamma-linolenic-acid, Flavonoids, Hentriacontanol, Magnesium, Niacin, Oleic-acid, Potassium, Riboflavin, Rutin, Selenium, Triterpenoid saponins, Thiamin, and Zinc.
Other Chemical Constituents
Saponin glycosides, Coumarins and hydroxycoumarins, Flavonoids, Carboxylic acids, Triterpenoids, Vitamin C, about l50-350mg per l00g.
Chickweed: Folkloric Health Benefits
Kidney and Liver Tonic
Common chickweed has long been used in folkloric medicine as tonic to cleanse the kidney and liver. Chickweed can be eaten raw mixed with salad or prepared and taken as tea.
Treatment of Skin Problems
Among the many claimed health benefits from chickweed is its ability to heal skin wounds. It is used as a poultice to treat boils, cuts, burns, abscesses and ulcers. Chickweed is also used to treat itchiness associated with eczema and psoriasis.
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Reliever
Another health benefit from Chickweed is it ability to act against inflammation and pain. It is used to treat rheumatism, arthritis and menstrual pain.
Health Benefits for Stomach Problems
Chickweed is also used to treat constipation, upset stomach and to promote digestion.
Chickweed for Lung problems
Chickweed is also used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems such as couch and colds. It is believed that the vitamin C in Chickweed can help boost body resistance and can even be used to treat scurvy.
Chickweed Preparation and Dosage
Chickweed Tea:
Add 1 tablespoon of dried chickweed (2 tablespoon if fresh) for every cup of water. Boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain the herb and take three times a day.
Chickweed Green Juice:
Take a handful of clean fresh chickweed plant and add to a glass of desired fruit juice (pineapple, orange, apple etc,). Use a blender to mix, you can add ice to enjoy a cold drink, can be taken twice a day.
Chickweed poultice
Fresh chickweed plant are crushed and applied topically on the affected area. Crushed chickweed plant can also be added to a warm bath.
Chickweed is available in most health stores and online at amazon such as the Chickweed Herbal Tea Bags
Chickweed Side Effects and warnings
Chickweed is considered safe for most adults when taken by mouth,
No sufficient studies have been made to determine potential side effects.
Use during pregnancy and breast feeding is discouraged.
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