Chickweed (Stellaria media), also known as starweed or starwort, belongs to the Caryophyllacae family. it is a very common wild plant that grows throughout the temperate regions of Eurasia and North America. Chickweed is a low-growing annual with pointed, bright green leaves and tiny white flowers that ripen into small pods, producing copious numbers of seeds. It prefers moist soil, and will grow year round in regions with mild winters.
Properties of Chickweed Herb
As an edible plant, chickweed is high in nutrients. Some vitamins and minerals include:
- beta carotene
- calcium
- iron
- magnesium
- niacin
- riboflavin
- thiamine
- vitamin C
- zinc
Chickweed also contains phytochemicals that provide a number of health benefits, including gamma linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid, and rutin, an antioxidant bioflavonoid.
Medicinally, chickweed has cooling demulcent, antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties. It has mild diuretic properties and has been used to relieve water retention, and it has traditionally been used as a remedy for rheumatic conditions.
Uses of Chickweed Herb
Chickweed can be eaten in a similar manner to any green leafy vegetable such as chard or spinach, either raw in salads or cooked by briefly steaming or boiling. It can also be made into a delicious and healthy smoothie by blending a large handful of fresh chickweed with fruit juice.
As a medicinal herb, fresh or dried chickweed can be infused in boiling water and taken as a tea for fever, sore throat, upper respiratory congestion, bronchitis or coughs.
Externally, chickweed can be used to treat minor scrapes, abrasions or other skin irritations. It stops itching due to rashes or insect bites, soothes diaper rash and relieves symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. The fresh leaves can be bruised and directly applied as a poultice to treat skin ulcers or inflammations such as sties, boils or carbuncles. Adding a strong infusion of chickweed to bathwater is useful to alleviate itching.
How to Make Chickweed Salve
A popular use of chickweed is in a soothing salve or ointment for irritated skin, rashes or abrasions. To make chickweed salve, follow these steps:
- Mince two ounces of fresh chickweed.
- Add the chickweed to one cup of olive oil in a non-aluminum double boiler and heat for one hour.
- Strain through a double layer of cheesecloth and return the oil to the top of the double boiler.
- Add the contents of one vitamin E capsule as a preservative if desired.
- Add one ounce of beeswax, shredded or pellets.
- Heat and stir until the beeswax is melted.
- Remove a small spoonful and cool, to test for consistency. If it is too runny, add more beeswax.
- Pour into small containers. The salve will harden as it cools.
- Keep refrigerated to preserve freshness.
To make a simple infused oil without the beeswax, combine chickweed with olive oil and infuse for four days at room temperature, then strain out the herb. It can be used in the same way as the salve.
Sources:
Schwartz, Deb. "Chickweed." kingdomplantae.net
Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Terrie Schultz - Terrie Schultz holds a BS in Biochemistry and an MA in Cell and Molecular Biology. She worked for many years in the biomedical field in ...
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