Chickweed is a green plant with small white flowers, originally found only in Europe, but also grown in North America. Chickweed is an annual that primarily blooms in the warm weather. The flowers, plants and stems of the plant, scientific name Stellaria media, are cultivated between May and July. Chickweed carries both medicinal and nutritive properties. The plant can be cooked fresh or dried and brewed into teas or made into capsules.
Nourishment
Chickweed can be used as a green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and other nutrients, according to the Mother Nature online herbal library. The plant contains vitamin C and flavanoids, a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant to protect the body from a type of damage to the cells called oxidative stress. Chickweed is also rich in niacin, zinc and calcium. The leaves and stems are eaten either raw as part of a salad, or as cooked greens, and are similar to spinach in taste.
Skin Soothing
The flavanoids in chickweed can be soothing to people who have skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and may be an ingredient in natural skin care products. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) explains that creams that contain chickweed may be effective in treating the itching and redness associated with eczema and might also reduce inflammation, but not enough studies have been performed on the herb to scientifically prove its effectiveness.
Allergy and Asthma Remedy
Chickweed may act as an antihistamine when taken orally, according to the Alternative Nature Online Herbal library. People with asthma and seasonal allergies might find symptomatic relief through herbal teas made with chickweed--10 g of dried herb steeped in one cup of water--or from liquid tinctures. Allergy sufferers should check with their doctors before using chickweed as a homeopathic remedy. Recommended dosages are three cups of tea daily or 1 to 5 ml of liquid tincture each day.
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