Chickweed is a medicinal herb prepared from the Stellaria media plant. The young stalks of this plant are commonly used as salad greens, particularly in Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea. Chickweed is rich in flavonoids and vitamin C and is traditionally used as a folk remedy to treat myriad conditions -- from inflammation to blood disorders. Consult a doctor if you have any questions about the safety of chickweed.
Overall Safety
Generally, it is safe to eat chickweed as a vegetable. However, if you experience any unusual health problems after consuming chickweed, seek additional care from your doctor.
Medication Interactions
To date, there are no known drug interactions associated with eating chickweed, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Contraindications
There is no data available evaluating the safety of chickweed consumption during pregnancy. For this reason, do not eat chickweed while pregnant or breastfeeding without first consulting your doctor.
Additional Preparations and Precautions
Chickweed is also available over-the-counter as a medicinal tea, topical cream, dried herb and tincture. Although chickweed supplements are safe for adults to consume orally, the safety of topical chickweed preparations is not known. In one case, a person who consumed more than the recommended dosage of chickweed became temporarily paralyzed, according to the Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Rarely, chickweed may cause a severe allergic reaction in people hypersensitive to this plant. Seek prompt care from a doctor if you develop hives, facial swelling, chest pain or shortness of breath after consuming any form of chickweed.
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