Chickweed Herb Profile

Also known as

Stellaria media, and Stellaria spp, Mouse-ear, Adder's Mouth, Tongue Grass, Alsine, Chick Wittles, Satinflower, Winter Weed, and Star Weed.

Introduction

Chickweed is an English herb easily recognized by its straggling, succulent stems bearing paired leaves and white star shaped flowers. It is said that there is no part of the world where chickweed doesn't grow; it is even found in the North Arctic regions.

Constituents

Coumarins, rutin, B vitamins, iron, saponins, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C.

Parts Used

The entire aerial part of plant.

Typical Preparations

Most often used as a tincture or ointment. Can be encapsulated or taken as a tea. For external applications it may be used in salves, infused in oil, or ointments.

Summary

Precautions

Excessive doses have in rare occasions induced vomiting and/or diarrhea.