Ø Chickweed:
Chickweed
§ Warning: No known interactions.
∞
Botanical name: Stellaria media (CYRILL.) A Modern Herbal; Stellaria media Wikipedia.org; (Stellaria media) Indian Spring Herbal Encyclopedia.
∞
Chinese Botanical name:
---Synonyms--- Common Chickweed; Chickenwort;
Craches; Maruns; Winterweed; Starweed; Star Chickweed; Alsine media (Linn.); Passerina; (French) Stellaire; (German) Augentrosgräs.
---Description--- 17th century herbalist John Gerard recommended it as a remedy for Mange. Modern herbalists prescribe it for Skin Diseases; Bronchitis; Rheumatic pains; Arthritis; Period Pain; Asthma; Burns; Bruises; Congestion; Carbuncle; Carminative;
Cuts; Demulcent; Diuretic; External abscess; Expectorant;
Heart Strengthener; Indolent Ulcers; Mildly Laxative; Poultice for Inflammation; Tonic; Rheumatism.
Chickweed is similar to soapwort but is safer to use
internally.
---Part Used
Medicinally---The whole
herb.
---Constituents--- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C); biotin; choline; inositol; PABA; fatty acids; mucilage; minerals;
phosphorus; potash salts; rutin; silicon; sodium; and vitamins B6, B12, and D.
Demulcent and refrigerant.
---Medicinal
Action and Uses--- Internally, chickweed has a reputation for treating rheumatism, asthma, congestion, and bronchitis.
An infusion of the dried herb is efficacious in coughs and hoarseness.
A poultice of chickweed can be applied
to cuts, burns and bruises. Chickweed main use is external as a poultice or ointment for skin irritation and inflammation
as well as for skin ulcers, boils, carbuncles, and abscesses response.It has also been used in weight loss and is an
ingredient in some herbal weight loss preparations.
Chickweed can be crushed and applied to wounds and will take away the heat in any inflammation, swelling or skin problem. If the inflammation is intense crush the leaves, attach them to the heated area, and
place a large cabbage leaf or romaine lettuce leaf over this poultice.
For serious constipation, take a decoction of chickweed.
---Nutrient Source--- Chickweed can
be used as a food like spinach for strengthening your heart. It also brings back vigor and strength to those who are recovering
from an illness. Children are given drinks of chickweed to cleanse the system
for a fever.
 ---References--- “Herbal Medicine – The Natural way to Get Well and
Stay Well” by – Dian Dincin Buchman, PhD, Copyright 1979, 1996, ISBN: 0-517-14767-x, Page 32, 264
 ---Reference--- A Modern Herbal
 ---Reference--- Wikipedia.org
 ---Reference--- Indian Spring Herbal Encyclopedia
 ---Reference---
“The Healing Herbs
– The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines” by – Michael Castleman;
Copyright 1991; ISBN: 0-87857-934-6;
Page: 72 – 74
 ---References--- “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008
 ---References--- “Healing Herbal Teas” A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages. By – Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
ISBN - 13: 978-59120-110-6 and ISBN – 10: 1-59120-110-1 Copyright 2006
 ---References---
∞
Recipe: High Cholesterol – Chickweed acts as a natural "fat dissolver” (emulsifier) and
can lower cholesterol levels and it makes a very nutritious wild food.
∞
Recipe: Infusion – Steep 1 tablespoon herb in 1/2 cup water.
Take 1/2 to 1 cup a day.
∞
Recipe: Decoction – Boil 3 heaping tablespoons of the herb in 1 quart water until
a pint of liquid remains. For constipation, take a cupful warm every 3 hours, or more often, until the bowels move.
∞ Recipe: Tea — Steep 1 heaping tablespoon in 1 cup of boiling water for 1/2 hour. Drink 3 or 4 cups a
day between meals, a swallow at a time, and drink a warm cup upon retiring.
∞
Recipe: Ointment – Sore Leg Ointment, 1 handful Chickweed, 1 handful Red Rose leaves,
1 pint Virgin Olive Oil; Cook on medium low heat the chickweed and the Red Rose
leaves together in the Virgin Olive Oil on top of the stove. After one to three
hours, strain out the herbs. Use as liquid ointment on sore legs.
