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Information about the herb Chickweed
Stellaria media , also known as Adder's Mouth is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family. It
is found throughout temperate areas of North America Europe, Chickweed's native
homeland, but has naturalized itself wherever the white man has settled.
Botanical Name: Stellaria media
Plant Family: Caryophyllaceae
Common Names: Adder's Mouth, Alsine media, Birdseye, Chickweed, Indian Chickweed, Passerina, Satin Flower, Star Chickweed, Starweed, Starwort, Stitchwort, Tonguegrass, Vogelmiere, Winterweed
History: Culpepper stated: 'it is a fine, soft, pleasing herb, under the dominion of the Moon'
Tradition: Chickweed was carried and/or used in spells:
- to attract love
- to maintain a relationship
Plant Constituents of Chickweed
Contains:
- B vitamins
- iron
- potash salts
- various minerals
Action:
- anti-irritant [relieves irritation]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
- emollient [an agent used externally to soften and soothe]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- laxative [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels; a mild purgative]
- refrigerant [an agent that lowers abnormal body heat, relieves thirst and gives a feeling of coolness]
- soothing
Medicinal Parts Used: Herb
Chickweed is used for:
Blood Conditions
- blood builder
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- palsy
- paralysis
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- colitis
- chronic constipation
- coughs and hoarseness
- flatulence (gas/wind)
- inflammation of the bowels
- inflammation or weakness of the digestive tract
Genitourinary Conditions
- kidney disorders
Inflammatory Conditions
- rheumatism
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- asthma
- bronchitis
- colds
- coughs
- hoarseness
- inflammation of the lungs and bowels
- internal consumption
- pleurisy
- relieves catarrh of the chest
- relieves cramps
Other
- for under-nourished children to gain strength
- obesity
- peritonitis
- scurvy
Externally it is good used in an ointment, poultice or wash for:
- bruises
- carbuncles
- eczema
- external abscesses
- hemorrhoids
- inflammation
- itches
- old ulcers
- ophthalmia
- psoriasis
- reducing enlarged joints
- rheumatism
- skin diseases
- skin rashes
- skin ulcers
- soothing and healing for damaged skin
- soothing skin irritations
- sores
- swollen and inflamed tissue
Other Uses:
- Birds and chickens are very fond of the plant
- Can be eaten like spinach or raw in a salad
Caution:
- Should not be taken in large doses
Global Herbal Supplies has Chickweed available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
