Chickweed (stellaria media)

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Other names for chickweed

chickweed

Synopsis of chickweed

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a delicate, low-growing herb found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, commonly regarded as a weed but long prized in folk and traditional medicine for its soothing, cooling, anti-inflammatory, and nutritive properties. It is especially valued for its use in skin healing, digestive support, and lymphatic cleansing. The aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) are used fresh or dried in teas, poultices, salves, and tinctures.

Chickweed contains:

  • Vitamins A, C, and B-complex
  • Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc
  • Saponins, flavonoids, and mucilage – contribute to its demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and emollient effects

Medicinal actions and benefits:

  • Soothes irritated, itchy, or inflamed skin, including eczema, rashes, cuts, and bug bites
  • Acts as a gentle lymphatic cleanser, supporting detox and immune function
  • Relieves constipation and soothes the digestive tract due to its mild laxative and mucilaginous nature
  • Reduces internal inflammation, particularly in the respiratory and urinary systems
  • Promotes wound healing and draws out toxins when applied topically

Chickweed is commonly used as:

  • Fresh herb or juice for topical poultices
  • Infused oils and salves for skin conditions
  • Herbal tea or tincture for internal cooling and cleansing
  • Nutritive wild green, eaten in salads or soups

Historical Use:

Chickweed has been used in European and Native American traditions for centuries as a “blood purifier” and skin remedy. Medieval herbalists like Culpeper praised it for cooling inflammation and healing wounds and ulcers. In folk medicine, it was often used for eye infections, swollen glands, and joint pain, as well as a nutritious spring tonic to cleanse the body after winter.

In Ayurvedic and Western herbalism, chickweed is considered a cooling, moistening herb, ideal for dry, hot, inflamed conditions both inside and out.

Today, chickweed is a favorite in natural skincare, detox formulas, and nutritive spring cleanses, appreciated for its gentle, nourishing, and versatile medicinal profile.

Chickweed is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abrasions (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Athlete's Foot (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Eyes (red or itching) (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Laryngitis (Traditional)
Lesions (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Scratches and Abrasions (Traditional)
Skin (dry and/or flaky) (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Sunburn (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

chickweed is used to support these body systems

Bladder (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Eyes (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Structural System (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)