Information on Chickweed
| Latin Name |
| Stellaria media |
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| Affects |
| Endocrine system, Integumentary system |
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| Dosages |
Infusion: 1 cup 2-3 x daily
Fresh Leaves: a handful of fresh herb in salads |
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| Botanical Information |
| A delicate annual of rich ground and gardens in the Carnation family. It grows to about two feet tall with ovate glabrous leaves and small white starry flowers. |
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| Description |
Chickweed is most often made into a poultice for bruises, boils, psoriasis, and eczema. In the spring, when it is tender, chickweed is a good addition to salads and was formerly used for its Vitamin C content. As a tea, chickweed is drunk to rid the lungs of phlegm and relieve sore throats. Although it has a reputation as an herb that helps to melt off excess pounds in people who are overweight, there is little evidence to support this use. It is considered a very mild thyroid and metabolic activating herb, but the herb is practically useless when purchased in commercial products, because after drying, it probably loses most of its activity. To make use of its weight-reducing properties, it is best eaten fresh in quantity in salads.
Chickweed has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COOL. |
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| References |
| McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
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Ailments treated by Chickweed
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