When suffering from stomach inflammation from injury, infection, ulcers or medications, consuming chickweed can have a beneficial effect on your symptoms. Chickweed, also known as Stellaria media, is a creeping herb that grows wild in many parts of the world, and has been used in traditional herbal medicine for gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, dermatitis, rheumatism and wound healing for centuries. Herbal medicine is not intended to be a replacement for standard medical care, so check with your physician before purchasing chickweed products.
Chemistry
Chickweed contains a wide spectrum of chemistry and nutrition to support its traditional usage in treating gastrointestinal problems. According to Susan Weed, author of "The Wise Woman Herbal," chickweed contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, sterols, carotenoids and oils. In addition, the leaves and flowers carry nutrients that are important for forming new connective tissues and healing wounds, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, silica, iron, calcium and copper. While clinical studies investigating the use of chickweed in gastrointestinal problems is lacking, the presence of these nutrients may help to support overall nutrition and tissue healing.
Gastrointestinal Inflammation
Traditionally chickweed is used for all hot, inflamed conditions of the connective tissues, where healing and cooling is required. According to Kerry Bones, author of "The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety," chickweed is a demulcent, refigerant, astringent and anti-ulcer herb, able to coat tissues and reduce inflammation. Chickweed is specific for gastrointestinal inflammation, with a special affinity for healing and protecting stomach ulcers. Infusions, decoctions, glycetracts and salads containing fresh chickweed are recommended, as alcohol-based tinctures may cause further discomfort if there is damaged to the digestive tract.
Antioxidant
Chickweed's medicinal actions to reduce inflammation and improve tissue healing may be explained by the presence of natural antioxidants. Similar to green tea and olive leaf, chickweed contains phenol chemicals, in addition to flavonoids and carotenoids, that may play an important role in reducing inflammation. In a study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2002, researchers from the University of London tested the antioxidant effects of chickweed along with a number of other common herbs. Chickweed was found to be significantly antioxidant, inhibiting an enzyme called xanthine oxidase that creates free radicals in the body. Further research is still required to confirm these results in human patients.
Safety and Toxicity
Chickweed is safe and well-tolerated by the majority of the population when taken as recommended by a doctor or registered medical herbalist, though large doses have resulted in reported cases of paralysis. In addition, some may people experience allergies to chickweed. According to a study published in "Contact Dermatitis" in 2004, researchers from the University of Novi Sad discovered 28.6 percent of people with dermatitis were allergic to topical chickweed. Check with your health care provider to decide if chickweed is right for you.
References
- "The Wise Woman Herbal"; Susan Weed; 1989
- "The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety"; Kerry Bones; 2005
- "Wild Drugs"; Zoe Hawes; 2010
- "Drug Information Online": Chickweed
- "Phytotherapy Research"; In vitro antioxidant activity of non-cultivated vegetables of ethnic Albanians in southern Italy.; A. Pieroni, et al.; 2002
- "Contact Dermatitis"; Sesquiterpene lactone mix patch testing supplemented with dandelion extract in patients with allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and non-allergic chronic inflammatory skin diseases; M. Jovanovic, et al.; 2004
