Stellaria media / Chickweed Herb Cut

Description

Stellaria media, commonly known as Chickweed, chickenwort, craches, maruns or winterweed, is a cool-season annual plant the family Caryophyllaceae . 

Chickweed is native to Europe and Asia, and is now found throughout the world. It is a common hardy plant that easily grows readily in fallow fields, lawns and gardens and waste areas. It prefers partial to full sun, moist conditions and moderately fertile loam or clay loam soils. It tolerates light shade and temporary flooding, and while it can be found to some extent in natural areas, it prefers areas that have been disturbed.

The benefits of chickweed may in part be due to its high nutritional value. It is particularly high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, the omega-6 fatty acid derivative), saponins, niacin, riboflavin (B2) thiamine (B1), beta carotene (A), magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, selenium and silica.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Anti-Inflammatory – Chickweed is best known for its ability to cool inflammation and speed healing for internal or external flare-ups.

Antirheumatic – Chickweed has a reputation as a treatment for rheumatism and an infusion of the fresh or dried is thought to reduce inflammation caused by rheumatic pain.

Detoxifier – Chickweed is used as a detoxification agent and is considered to be as effective as herbs such as burdock root for its blood cleansing abilities.

Digestive Complaints – A decoction of chickweed is considered a treatment for constipation, kidney complaints and quick relief of pain in the digestive system.

Skin Complaints – Chickweed is well known for its soothing qualities. It is a traditional remedy for all types of skin irritation including, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It can also be used to sooth irritation and itch of urticaria or hives and eases rashes and bites.

Vulnerary – Chickweed has been used traditionally to relieve any kind of roseola and is thought to be effective where there are fragile superficial veins.

Packaging

Product is supplied in Resealable Foil Bags.