CHICKWEED

Latin Name: Stellaria media

Alternate Names: Starwort, Stitchwort, Adder's Mouth

Family: CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Demulcent, Discutient, Emollient, Febrifuge, Laxative, Nutritive, Refrigerant, Respiratory Tonic, Vulnerary, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bladder Irritation, Bronchitis, Constipation, Cough, Eczema, Laryngitis, Mouth Sores, Obesity, Rheumatism, Throat Ulcers, Thyroid Irregularities, Ulcers

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Chickweed is soothing and helps to dissolve mucus, warts and cysts in the body. It is an herb traditionally given to strengthen the frail. Chickweed's natural lecithin content, which helps the body metabolize fats, may be why this herb has long been used as a remedy for obesity.

Topical Uses: Burns, Conjunctivitis, Diaper Rash, Itchy Skin, Mouth Sores, Nettle Sting, Psoriasis, Varicose Veins

Topical Applications: Use as a bath herb, compress, poultice, salve. Used especially for burns, itchy skin, diaper rash, nettle sting, psoriasis, varicose veins, and eczema. Fresh juice is applied to eyes in cases of infection such as conjunctivitis. Gargle for mouth sores.

Culinary uses: Salad, soup, stir-fry dishes

Energetics: Sweet, Salty, Moist, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, copper, saponins, coumarins, mucilage, linoleic acid.

Contraindications: Excess use may cause diarrhea.

Comments: The genus name Stellaria is derived from star, which refers to the shape of the flower. The presence of Chickweed indicates fertile soil, and the plant helps the soil retain nitrogen. It makes an excellent ground cover as it grows outward, not upward. This is a wild green that keeps very well.

Feed your songbirds chickweed as a tonic to keep them healthy. During Elizabethan times, it was an important food for falcons. More than 30 species of birds are known to regularly consume it.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), April 02, 2002

Answers

Just a quick thank you for your efforts here Phil. Been meaning to tell you how much I enjoy these threads when I get over here!!!

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), April 02, 2002.