CHICKWEED (Stellaria media)
Given as a tonic to malnourished children, and regarded as “free-food” in European rural regions.
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Habitat & Cultivation: Native to Europe and Asia. Sun loving, perennial, that will tolerate many weather conditions, may now be found worldwide. Sow seeds at any time directly to soil.
Constituents: Triterpenoid saponins (reducing itchiness), Coumarins, Flavanoids (including rutin), Fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C, Minerals, Mucilage, Silica
Actions: Wound herb, Astringent, Demulcent, Embroilment, mild laxative, Antirheumatic
Parts Used: Aerial parts (fresh/dry)
Traditional Uses: Infused Oil (an alternative to creams), Ointment, Cream, Poultice, Juice, Infusion
Adding juice into cream or ointment: Juice fresh aerial parts of the plant, and mix it into an ointment or cream. – 1 part Chickweed to 5 parts cream or ointment. Apply as needed.
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Eczema: To reduce soreness or itchiness, apply Chickweed Infused Oil, or ointment, or cream, or freshly squeezed juice up to 5x/day. Another option is to make an herbal blend by mixing 2 drops of peppermint oil with 1 tsp. of any Chickweed preparations. Alternatively, add 5 tsp (25ml) to bath water to treat eczema.
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Diaper Rash & Inflamed Skin Rashes: Red, sore and damp baby’s skin causing tenderness and irritation. Apply Infused Oil or an ointment 1-2x/day.
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Nettle rash: Apply cream as required.
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Splinters & Thorns: Make an overnight treatment by putting a small amount of ointment or cream onto the area and cover it with a bandage. The splinter, is usually, found on the bandage pad the next morning.
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Minor Burns & Wounds: Apply an ointment as needed.
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Muscular Rheumatism, Urinary Tract Inflammations: Make a tea by combining 2tsp of aerial parts with a 1 cup of water. Steep it for about 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup up to 3x/day.
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Skin Sores, Gout, Abscesses, Boils: Make a poultice by crushing fresh plant aerial parts and filling a muslin bag or cheesecloth with the mixture –apply to affected area as needed.
