Chickweed

Stellaria media (Starweed, Satin flower, Mouse-ear, Chicken wort, Winterweed)

Health Benefits Summary

• High in nutrients – Chickweed is high in many nutrients, including vitamin C
• Weight loss – It contains natural lecithin, which aids fat metabolism. Saponins in chickweed create a soap-like foam when mixed with water & and emulsify “trap” circulating fat cells, including cholesterol and flush them from the body. It supports healthy thyroid function, which is essential for a healthy metabolism.
• Respiratory system – It treats coughs, colds & flu. It helps to clear mucous & ease congestion in the lungs.
• Digestive system – Soothe the digestive tract & increase the permeability of mucous membrane & increase the absorption of nutrients.
• Liver – It is traditionally used to protect the liver by fighting the hepatitis B virus.
• Skin therapeutic – It has a cooling and drying effect on wounds. It alleviates skin problems, speeds up wound healing and reduces irritations and itchiness. It is used for burns, contact dermatitis, diaper rash, eczema, insect bites, itchy skin, psoriasis, rashes, wounds, splinters, rabies & joint pain.
• Skincare – It rejuvenates the skin naturally.

Composition & Character

Characteristics: Chickweed grows erect to prostrate and sometimes is matlike. Stems are mostly forked with a line of hairs down either side and produce small, star-shaped, white flowers. Leaves are broadly egg-shaped, have a pointy tip, and are primarily hairless or have hairy margins at the base. The leaves are spaced evenly and are opposite one another along the stem.

Properties & actions: Alterative, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, lymphatic, nutritive, vulnerary.

Nutritional value: High in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.

Phytochemical compounds: flavonoids, isoflavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and anthraquinone are present in chickweed.

High in nutrients

High in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.

Respiratory system

Chickweed shows great promise in the treatment of coughs, colds & flu. It helps to clear mucous & ease congestion in the lungs. Chickweed contains saponins that can alleviate inflamed mucous membranes and facilitate the breakup of secretions from the membranes. Its demulcent and expectorant properties help to clear mucous and ease congestion in the lungs. Also high in many nutrients, including vitamin C and antioxidants, Chickweed helps to relieve inflammation in the nose, sinuses and respiratory tract whilst helping to eliminate the underlying cause of infection.

Digestive System

The saponins in Chickweed increase mucous membranes’ permeability, increasing the absorption of nutrients and soothing the digestive tract. Its mild laxative and diuretic properties help the body to rid itself of toxins through the kidneys and the bowels. Chickweed also balances the beneficial bacteria in the gut, providing the optimum environment for healthy digestion.