Chickweed has been used as food in salads and as a medicine for a wide range of conditions. In Chinese herbal medicine, it is taken as a tea to treat nosebleeds. Chickweed has been touted as healing anything it touches. However, studies of its efficacy for any condition are lacking. It is advisable to consult with your health-care provider before taking chickweed medicinally.
Identification and Dosing
Chickweed is also known as satinflower, tongue grass, Addre's mouth, starweed, and chickenwort. According to Holistic.com, chickweed is most commonly used in ointment form that is applied on the skin a few times daily to relieve inflammatory skin problems. It is also used as a tincture in doses of 1 to 5 ml daily.
Uses
Chickweed is used for treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, cough, the common cold, sore throat, and pleurisy which is a painful inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs. It is also used for arthritis and inflammatory conditions in the stomach and intestines. Chickweed is used topically for skin conditions such as eczema, wounds, burns, boils, inflammation in the eyes, ulcerations of the mouth and throat, swollen testes, cancer, and erysipelas which is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues commonly caused by a bacteria called streptococcus.
Effectiveness
According to Drugs.com, there are no scientific studies that evaluate the effectiveness of chickweed for any condition. However, chickweed is a source of vitamins and flavonoids, which may explain some of its benefits, says Holistic.com.
Considerations
According to Wellness.com, chickweed may cause allergic reactions, particularly in the presence of existing hypersensitivity to plants in the Caryophyllaceae family. It is possibly safe when taken in foods and in non-allergic individuals, says Wellness.com. There have been reports of paralysis from chickweed, but these are not confirmed, states Drugs.com. Avoid using chickweed during pregnancy and breast-feeding, warns Wellness.com.
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