Stellaria media, known as chickweed, grows wild throughout Europe and North America. This low-growing plant has pointed oval leaves and small white flowers. Scientific literature primarily focuses on controlling the growth of this plant as a weed, and no evidence indicates the plant is effective for medicinal uses, according to Drugs.com. Consult with a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.
Skin Disorders
The primary traditional use of chickweed is as a topical treatment for skin disorders, often in a cream, according to Drugs.com. Some people use it to treat eczema, a common skin condition involving scaling, red thickened patches of skin that can be very itchy. Chickweed preparations can be used to treat the red, itchy rash caused by contact with poison ivy and poison oak, and for healing insect stings and bites. Chickweed may be effective for treating these conditions because it contains relatively large amounts of vitamins, including the antioxidant vitamin C, and flavonoids, as noted by the University of Michigan Health System. It also contains the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, which may reduce inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For eczema, rashes and inflammatory skin conditions, apply chickweed cream liberally several times a day to affected areas.
Folk Remedies
Chickweed as an internal medicine has a role in folk remedies for a wide variety of conditions, according to the UMHS. Some of these disorders include asthma, bronchitis, blood disorders, conjunctivitis, inflammation, rheumatic conditions, constipation, indigestion and obesity. Due to its mucilage content, the herb is believed to have demulcent properties that soothe mucous membranes. Homeopathic remedies use chickweed for treating psoriasis and rheumatic pain, according to Drugs.com.
Nutrition
The young shoots of chickweed are edible and make a tasty addition to salads, providing vitamin C and gamma-linolenic acid for nutrition and health benefits. Gamma-linolenic acid is essential for skin and hair growth, bone health, reproductive system function and metabolism regulation, explains the UMMC. LearningHerbs.com notes fresh chickweed as a component of a cream cheese spread that includes basil and thyme, and as an ingredient in lasagna. The website provides a recipe for chickweed pesto using 2 c. of chopped fresh chickweed along with garlic, pine nuts or sunflower seeds, olive oil and Parmesan mixed well in a blender. You can serve this chickweed pesto over pasta, or use it as a dip.
