Chickweed

Scientific Name(S): Stellaria media (L.) Villars. Family: Caryophyllaceae

Common Name(S): Chickweed, Mouseear, Satinflower, Starweed, Starwort, Tongue Grass, White Bird's-Eye, Winterweed

Chickweed is a plant native to Europe. It grows across North America as a common weed. The parts used medicinally are the leaves, stems, and flowers. Chickweed, rich in potash, is helpful for undernourished children and adults.

Botany: Chickweed is a common plant, particularly throughout Europe and North America. This low-growing annual has a thin hairy stem with pointed oval leaves. It produces small white star-shaped flowers throughout much of the year.

History: The whole dried plant has been used in the preparation of infusions. Chickweed extract has been used internally as a demulcent, but is more typically used externally for the treatment of rashes and sores. The young shoots are edible and have been used as salad greens. In homeopathy, the plant is used to relieve rheumatic pains and psoriasis.

Uses of Chickweed

Chickweed is believed to sooth and heal anything it came in contact with, use for inflammation, irritated skin, cuts and wounds, constipation, and as a substitute for spinach. Internal uses also include helping with Bronchitis, Arthritis, and cold symptoms.

Side Effects of Chickweed

Ingestion of large amounts may be toxic.

Common Doses

Toxicology: Grazing animals have experienced nitrate poisoning secondary to chickweed. Although poorly documented, human cases of paralysis have been reported from large amounts of the infusion. However, there is no overwhelming evidence to suggest that chickweed possesses a significant toxic potential.

Summary: Although chickweed is ubiquitous and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, there is no evidence that it offers any significant therapeutic activity.