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Chickweed Herb (dried, cut and sifted, 3 ounces)

Botanical Name: Stellaria media

Family Name: Caryophyllaceae

---Synonyms--- stitchwort, scarwort, satin flower, adder's mouth, starweed

---Part Used--- Herb

Folk History and Use

Chickweed is one of the most common weeds in the world, native to all temperate regions of the world.

Chickweed is largely ignored by early herbalists because of its mild action and availability. Its most popular use is as a poultice on external abscesses and rashes, where it removes the heat of infection, draws poisons and weakens infections.

Internally it has been used as a diuretic, eyewash and as an expectorant in throat lozenges.

The most famous folk use of chickweed is an old wives' remedy for obesity. This is probably due to the diuretic action action of chickweed.

Medical Properties

Probable Action

Digestive aid (saponins)

Diuretic (saponins)

Regulation of intestinal flora (saponins)

Vulnerary (topically)(saponins)

The benefits of viscous fiber

Lowers bowel transit time

Absorbs toxins from bowel

Possible Action

Weight loss aid (?)

Expectorant action (?)

The only known potentially active constituents of chickweed are yet to be characterized - the steroidal saponins. Saponins are emulsifying agents that cause water solutions containing them to foam. They have the ability to increase the permeability of many membranes of the body by partially dissolving them.

The saponins in chickweed are poorly absorbed through the intestinal walls, but apparently increase the permeability of the mucous membranes sufficiently to produce expectorant effects on the throat and increase absorption of nutrients, especially minerals, from the digestive tract.

Chickweed is also a mild diuretic, but the effect is only temporary as the body produces cholesterin to neutralize this effect after about one week.

Externally the saponins of chickweed help solubilize toxins in abscesses and rashes and help increase the effectiveness of bactericides by increasing the permeability of bacterial cell walls.

Typical Daily Usage

Fresh Herb: 1/4-1/2 cup

Dried Herb: 6-12 gm

Extract: 9 gm dried herb, 45 ml alcohol, 45 ml water

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*Note: The descriptions of the products that we sell suggest traditional uses and are not intended to take the place of your Medical Doctor's advice and perscriptions. Many uses of these products are not accepted by the FDA, and not all uses have been scientifically validated. This is intended for educational purposes, and not as a means to diagnose, prescribe or treat disease.

* Note: images might vary slightly from actual product, see product title and description. Some items are available in multiple sizes (see below), the photos might only depict one of the available sizes.

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