Chickweed Herb

( Western Herb )

Stellaria media

The Chickweed herb is also known as Starweed, Starwort, Tongue-grass and Winterweed.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Chickweed herb is an annual with long sprawling branches that trail to the ground.

It is often thought of as a weed instead of a herb. It has pale green leaves and small, white, star shaped flowers.

What is chickweed? It is often despised by gardeners, but is not troublesome because it is very easy to pull up by the roots. The plant is found all over the world in gardens, fields, lawns, waste places, and along roadsides. The herb can be used fresh or dried.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* rheumatism

* nasal congestion

* sore throat

* coughs and colds

* bronchitis

* stomach ulcers

Apply externally for:

* eczema

* psoriasis

* warts

* rashes and itches

* conjunctivitis (redness in the eyes)

* boils

* carbuncles

* bites from mosquitoes and other insects

* skin ulcers

* scalp conditions

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter: The herb is available in dried bulk,tincture, capsules, powder, oil, and ointment in health food stores.

At home:

Tea or Infusion: Pour one cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of dried herb and steep for five minutes. Drink a cup of tea three times a day.

Bath: A strong infusion may be used as a skin wash or bath additive to soothe I itching and inflamed skin.

Cool drink: Combine a handful of fresh herbs with some pineapple juice, process in a blender and then strain. This can help relieve skin irritation and rheumatism.

Ointment: Add marsh mallow root to chickweed herb and juice, then blend.

Parts used: Leaves, stems, roots

Collection: This is a common weed in gardens and can be collected all year long.

Constituents: Saponins, inositol, rutin, silicon, biotin, potash salts

Actions: Anti-rheumatic, vulnerary, emollient, astringent, demulcent, expectorant, alternative, carminative, pectoral

Combinations: Chickweed combined with Marshmallow makes an excellent ointment.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious:

* When taken in recommended doses this herb is generally safe.

* Using this herb in excess can cause diarrhea and vomiting.