Chickweed

Chickweed

Latin Name: Stellaria media
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Part used: The herb
Energetics: Sweet and salty
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Known allergic hypersensitivity, otherwise none known
  • The leaves contain saponins, which in excess can cause vomiting and nausea
  • Use only small amounts in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

ACTIONS

  • Alterative
  • Demulcent
  • Emollient
  • Vulnerary
  • Anti-itch
  • Anti-rheumatic
  • Refrigerant
  • Anti-viral
  • Expectorant
  • Anti-ulcer
  • Mild laxative
  • Nutritive.

Main Constituents

  • Volatile oil
  • Flavonoids (apigenin, genistein)
  • Rutin
  • Phenol
  • Sterols
  • Lipids
  • Vitamins: A, B, C Fe, Mn, P, Zn

Main Uses

Demulcent
Digestive System: Weakness of the stomach or intestine, Peptic ulcers, Colitis, Gastritis, Enteritis
Skin: Dry eczema, Urticaria, Insect stings and bites, Wounds
Eyes: Conjunctivitis
Respiratory System: Respiratory tract infections, Bronchitis
Reproductive System: Scrotal oedema

More About Chickweed

Chickweed helps provide moisture which can help most people who experience extreme hunger or thirst, or in cases of dry hard stools and constipation.
The demulcent effect can help in cases of sore throats and harsh, dry coughs, as well as soothe over-acidity and heartburn.
It can help to reduce inflammation and clear toxins and has a similar drawing effect as Comfrey. It is useful in cases of joint pain by supporting the clearance of acids via the kidneys. This can help in cases of gout and arthritis.
It is very nourishing and can help in cases of anaemia, as well as fatigue due to overwork. One of its best known actions is as an anti-itch herb and can be useful in cases of pruritus and urticaria.
Externally, it promotes skin healing in piles, boils, abscesses, cuts, wounds, ulcers and eczema. It is a fabulous cooling remedy for sunburn, heat rashes and inflammatory skin conditions.

Recipes:


Chickweed Pesto

Ingredients:

  • Aprrox. 118g of walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • Approx. 708g of chickweed loosely packed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Approx. 118g of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method:
Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth. (A blender can be used instead, but the chickweed should be finely chopped first)
If it's too thick, slowly drizzle in a bit more olive oil.
Notes:
Keep refrigerated. Eat or freeze within 3-4 days.

References


Anti-hepatitis B

Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity of Chickweed [Stellaria media (L.) Vill.] Extracts in HepG2.2.15 Cells
The characterization and quantitation of the chemical composition of SM-3 showed the presence of flavonoid C-glycosides, polysaccharides, and protein, which exhibited diverse antiviral activities. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that SM-3 possesses potential anti-HBV activity in vitro.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6268626/

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