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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Chickweed
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedThe herb Description of Plant(s) and CultureAn annual or biennial prostrate weed; the usually creeping, brittle
stems grow from 4-12 inches long and bear opposite, entire, ovate
small yellowish-green leaves. The small, white flowers can be found
blooming all year long in terminal, leafy cymes or solitary in the
leaf axils. Petals are 2-parted, shorter than sepals. March to September.
The taste is slightly salty. The seeds are eaten by poultry and birds. Where FoundFound in abundance all over the world in gardens, fields, lawns,
waste places, and along roadsides. A common European weed. Medicinal PropertiesAlterative, antioxidant, astringent, antirheumatic, carminative, demulcent, emollient,
expectorant, laxative, refrigerant, mucilaginous, pectoral, discutient Biochemical InformationAscorbic acid (vitamin C), biotin, choline, copper, inositol, PABA, fatty acids, mucilage, minerals, phosphorus, potash salts, rutin, silicon, sodium, and vitamins B6, B12, and D. A recent study published describing extraction of compounds contained in chickweed is summarized on the web site for the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Five compounds were isolated and identified as apigenin 6-C-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-8-C-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1), apigenin 6-C-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-8-C-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2), apigenin 6-C-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-8-C-beta-L-arabinopyranoside (3), apigenin 6-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-8-C-beta-D-galactopyranoside (4), apigenin 6, 8-di-C-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (5). Legends, Myths and StoriesThere are about 25 species native and naturalized on the American continent. The Native Americans used native Chickweed for many years, but also adopted naturalized species. Considered a great nuisance by gardeners, but it can be used as a
food like spinach. It may be used fresh, dried, powdered, in poultices,
fomentations, or made into a salve. UsesFor serious constipation, take a decoction of chickweed. For other internal uses indicated by its by its properties, chickweed is not one of the more valuable plants. The fresh leaves can be crushed and applied directly or made into an ointment with lard or vaseline for bruises, irritations, and other skin problems. Chickweed can also be used as a vegetable, like spinach. Chickweed is said to cure convulsions. Aids in digestion, stomach ulcers, and all forms of internal inflammation. Reduces mucus build-up in the lungs. May be effective to treat asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, coughs, itching, colds, bronchitis, pleurisy, hoarseness, inflammation, rheumatism, gout, scurvy, skin diseases, tumors, cancer, and blood disorders. One of the best remedies for external application to inflamed surfaces, boils, scalds, burns, inflamed sore eyes, blood poisoning, erysipelas, itch, piles , swollen testes, ulcerated mouth, and all kinds of wounds, bruises, and sores. Use as a vitamin C supplement; rich in minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and potassium. This herb helps carry toxins from the body. Dissolves plaque in blood vessels. Heals and soothes anything it comes into contact with. Said to curb obesity. Culpeper states that chickweed, “boiled with hog’s grease applied, helpeth cramps, convulsions and palsy.” The herb may be taken raw, if available, or else in an infusion. The same infusion refines the texture of the skin when applied as a face lotion. Scientists have not yet thoroughly researched chickweed. Formulas or DosagesChickweed can be used fresh or dried. Infusion: steep 1 tbsp. herb in 1/2 cup water. Take 1/2 to 1 cup a day. Decoction: boil 3 heaping tbsp. herb in 1 qt. water until a pint of liquid remains. For constipation, take a cupful warm every 3 hours, or more often, until the bowels move. Tea: to be taken internally, steep 1 heaping tbsp. in 1 cup boiling water for 1/2 hour. Take 3 or 4 cups a day between meals, a swallow at a time, and take a cup warm upon retiring. Juice: take 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp., 3 times a day. Capsules: take 1 capsule for up to 3 times daily. Nutrient ContentAscorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins
B6, B12 and D. How SoldCapsules, powder, ointment
Resource LinksLiveStrong.com: Chickweed Help LiveStrong.com: What Is Chickweed Used For? University of Maryland Medical Center: Eczema PubMed.gov: Studies on chemical constituents from stellaria media. Health-Care-Tips.org: Chickweed -Uses and Benefits Bibliography
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Adder’s
mouth
The Herb Book
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.