Chickweed Extract

Species name: Stellaria media

Also known as: Common chickweed, chickenwort, star weed, stitchwort, Indian chickweed, white bird's eye, winter weed, tongue grass, star chickweed, satin flower, maruns

This plant, native to Europe, is also found growing in North America. It has white flowers, is edible and can grow rather quickly.

It can be compared to alfalfa sprouts and is great washed and served fresh with other salad greens.

A favorite of chickens, hence the name chickweed, its medicinal value is up for argumentation. There are some that give it no real medicinal value and think of it merely as a weed while there are others who give it more credence.

As an herbal remedy it can be purchased in capsules, oil or extract (tincture) form, topical ointment/cream or as a dried herb that can be used as a tea.

Home Remedies using Chickweed Extract

•    Salves made by mixing the chickweed with virgin olive oil, that has been warmed over medium heat with beeswax, can be used for skin ailments.
•    A tea can be made using the dried herb (will need to be strained) or tincture (extract) and steeped 20 minutes for dipping clean cloth or cotton balls into before applying to the affected (closed) eye.
•    Tea can also be used as a mild astringent, for coughs, bronchitis or problems in the digestive tract.
•    Chickweed extract can be taken three times a day in doses of 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoons for constipation, asthma and some blood disorders where it makes a good blood cleanser in cases such as tetanus and/or blood poisoning.

Benefits and Uses of Chickweed Extract

Chickweed has a history with the Native Americans as well as the Europeans—where recorded documents date it back to the 16th century, as a general tonic to keep one healthy. This could be because it is full of healthy assets.

Nutritional

Chickweeds nutritional value cannot be denied. Nutritionists state that it is a good source of vitamins, minerals and the flavonoid, rutin.

The high nutrient content of chickweed:

  • iron
  • potassium
  • calcium
  • copper
  • zinc
  • manganese
  • sodium
  • phosphorous
  • silica

It also contains other essential vitamins such as A, D, C and the entire B complex.

Relieves pain and inflammation

Used as a demulcent (a substance that coats and soothes a mucous membranes), it relieves minor pain and inflammation. For hundreds of years, chickweed has been used for relief of inflamed mucous membranes and is beneficial for all types of rashes and sores.

Skin Applications

An ointment or poultice can be applied externally to all types of abscesses, boils, piles and ulcers as well as preventing the spread of infections that can occur. Chickweed helps in conditions like eczema, first-degree burns and other minor wounds as well as ordinary pimples.

Fresh juice or extract can be used to aid in warts and other skin growth removal and for the distress of nagging or chronic itching.

Topical  Applications for Eyes

It can be applied topically for conditions of the eyes including pinkeye, as an aid in the treatment for ophthalmia (eye inflammation) and for conjunctivitis (eye infection) as well as for various skin ailments.

Weightloss

It is also a used in standard herbal preparations for weight loss 

Side effects of Chickweed Extract:

•    Because chickweed contains nitrates in uncertain amounts it should not be used by those who are pregnant or breast-feeding and it could be responsible for miscarriage or birth defects.
•    If allergic to the Dandelion family you may be allergic to chickweed.
•    Do not use for those younger than six months of age.