Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust · CC BY 4.0
- Skin
- 1 condition
- Licensed photo
Overview
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a low-growing, sprawling plant, typically reaching about 6 in (15 cm) high. It has softly hairy stems, oval leaves, and small, starlike white flowers. Known for its soothing, mucilaginous quality, chickweed is sometimes taken as a mild appetite suppressant (when consumed 1 hour before meals). It is often applied topically as a poultice or in salves to relieve skin irritations and reduce itchiness. The tea can be used as an eyewash and may help with mild weight management by breaking down fats.
Traditional uses & properties
Demulcent & Emollient: Soothes inflamed tissues, helps ease skin irritations, and calms itchy, irritated areas. Nutritive & Mild Diuretic: Offers valuable minerals (like potassium, calcium, iron) and may help with mild fluid retention. Cooling & Balancing: Helpful in reducing heat and inflammation both internally and externally.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Fresh leaf (1:2, 95% alcohol); recently dried leaf (1:5, 50% alcohol); 2-5 ml (0.4-1 tsp.) as needed
1,000-2,000 mg, 2-3 times daily
6-12 ounces up to 3 times daily
Apply a compress, oil, or salve as needed.
Safety & precautions
Excessive Doses: May cause diarrhea and vomiting. Pregnancy: Best avoided or used with caution during pregnancy. General Safety: Typically safe in small to moderate amounts.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Originating in Europe and Asia, chickweed is now widespread across much of the world, often considered a common weed in moist, disturbed ground. It is harvested during summer, when growth is at its peak.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Chickweed (Stellaria media) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Chickweed (Stellaria media) as follows: Demulcent & Emollient: Soothes inflamed tissues, helps ease skin irritations, and calms itchy, irritated areas. Nutritive & Mild Diuretic: Offers valuable minerals (like potassium, calcium, iron) and may help with mild fluid retention. Cooling & Balancing: Helpful in reducing heat and inflammation both internally and externally.
How is Chickweed (Stellaria media) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. TINCTURE: Fresh leaf (1:2, 95% alcohol); recently dried leaf (1:5, 50% alcohol); 2-5 ml (0.4-1 tsp.) as needed CAPSULE OR POWDER: 1,000-2,000 mg, 2-3 times daily STANDARD INFUSION: 6-12 ounces up to 3 times daily TOPICAL USE: Apply a compress, oil, or salve as needed.
What safety cautions apply to Chickweed (Stellaria media)?
Excessive Doses: May cause diarrhea and vomiting. Pregnancy: Best avoided or used with caution during pregnancy. General Safety: Typically safe in small to moderate amounts.
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