|
 Stellaria media (Caryophyllaceae)
CHICKWEED, STARWEED
Once used as a vegetable,
chickweed is now applied externally as a herbal remedy for itchy and
inflamed skin problems. The whole herb is also taken internally for
rheumatic diseases.
A ubiquitous herb that has been known since ancient times,
chickweed always grows in close association with human settlements. It is a feed for birds,
as well as for all herbivorous animals, who relish it, and has also been used as a vegetable.
Native to Europe, chickweed is now so widespread that it is naturalized on farmland as well as wasteland, especially in urban areas.
This delicate annual herb spreads vigorously, sending out many branched, delicate stems.
It has small, oval, bright, pale-green leaves and white star-like flowers all summer.
PARTS USED
Whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Saponins; coumarins;
flavonoids; triterpenoids; carboxylic acids; vitamin C.
ACTIONS
Stops itching; promotes wound healing; soothes and softens skin; astringent.
MEDICINAL USE
Applied externally to soothe itchy and inflamed skin diseases such as eczema and related dermatitis.
It is also used as a poultice on skin eruptions and taken internally for rheumatic diseases.
S. alsine is prescribed in Chinese medicine for colds, snakebites, spots, and traumatic injuries.
PREPARATIONS
Poultice, cream, tincture.
|
