{"id":15452,"date":"2025-01-07T16:09:05","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T16:09:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=15452"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:10:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:10:16","slug":"chickweed","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/chickweed\/","title":{"rendered":"Chickweed"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":15456,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"4c899ce6-3efb-428b-9b0c-69a2026535f0","beyondwords_preview_token":"3981002f-0c8c-4aef-a210-4f60597f5727","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[685,699,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[786,28,527,27],"western_action":[989,992,1824,1132,996,1000,1003,1005,1006,1008,1009,1016,1021,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1382,1488,1495,1494],"writer":[2004],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-15452","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-cooling","sense-mucilaginous","sense-salty","sense-sweet","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antipruritic","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-astringent","western_action-carminative","western_action-demulcent","western_action-depurative","western_action-diuretic","western_action-emmenagogue","western_action-laxative","western_action-stomachic","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-sweet","writer-nik-hiscock","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20260402","herb_author":2004,"banner_text":"Chickweed is known as a useful topical remedy for the relief of itching","latin_name":"Stellaria media<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Caryophyllaceae","herb_summary":"Chickweed is indicated in many conditions associated with inflammation and excessive heat, including those affecting the digestive, urinary and respiratory systems as well as the skin.","key_benefits":"Skin conditions\r\nInflammatory conditions of the digestive system\r\nSore throats and laryngitis\r\nHarsh dry coughs\r\nUrinary system conditions including cystitis and irritable bladder \r\nRheumatism\r\nArthritis \r\nGout","how_does_it_feel":"Chickweed contains constituents called saponins, meaning soap-like, resulting in a silky feeling when the plant is rubbed with a little water between the fingers (1).\u00a0 It has been described as being \u201cas soft as <\/span>slippery elm<\/span><\/a>, as soothing as <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a> and as protective and strengthening as <\/span>comfrey<\/span><\/a> root\u201d (2).<\/span>","hdif_image_1":15460,"hdif_image_2":15457,"hdif_image_3":15461,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/STgEOT6bnoI","sense":[786,28,527,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_15456\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"515\"]\"Chickweed Chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nChickweed can be used for inflammatory skin conditions such as <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a>, urticaria or <\/span>psoriasis<\/span><\/a> (3).\u00a0 It is considered specific for the relief of itching (pruritus), so consequently is commonly used topically (as an external remedy) for these conditions and others that need cooling and soothing, such as bites, stings, splinters, heat rashes, boils and spots (1,3,4,5).<\/span>\r\n\r\n Its vulnerary and drawing actions have also led to its use in the treatment of cuts, wounds, abscesses and ulcers (3,5,6). In addition, chickweed is considered to have a specific affinity for the eyes both as an external remedy for irritated, inflamed eye conditions or, when taken internally to support the eyesight. This is believed to be due to its high vitamin A content, which is seen to be essential to eye health (1,4,7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nChickweed can also be used internally for hot inflammatory conditions affecting organs involved in the processes of absorption and elimination, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, urinary bladder and kidneys (1). With regard to digestive health, this includes acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, <\/span>gastritis<\/span><\/a>, colitis and <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a> (4). <\/span>\r\n\r\nIn urinary conditions, such as <\/span>cystitis<\/span><\/a> or irritable bladder, it is a soothing diuretic herb which helps to ease symptoms (4). However, anyone with symptoms of an acute urinary tract infection (UTI) should seek urgent medical attention from their primary healthcare provider. Other actions on the urinary system include aiding the elimination of waste products and excess fluid through the kidneys, which is beneficial in rheumatic conditions and gout (3,4,5,6).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_15462\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"503\"]\"Chickweed Chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nChickweed is considered to be ruled by the moon and is consequently associated with the element of water. Energetically, it is indicated for thin, dry, brittle people who benefit from this herb's softening and soothing virtues. In contrast, it is not seen as useful for people with more watery or phlegmatic temperaments (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDescribed as \u201csoother of fires\u201d, chickweed is said to have the ability to resolve emotions that are associated with heat and dryness such as deep-seated anger and grudges (9).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a flower essence, it is considered an ally for those who are unable to move forward in life due to carrying too heavy a load of past experiences and emotions yet to be resolved (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a homeopathic preparation, chickweed is also known as <\/span>Alsine media<\/span><\/i>. It is indicated in conditions such as rheumatism, psoriasis, inflamed joints, gout and other hot, inflammatory conditions where there is congestion of the internal organs, particularly when symptoms are worse in the morning or heat and better for cold air, movement and in the evening (11).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_15463\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"509\"]\"Chickweed Chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCulpeper describes the virtues of chickweed as:<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cThe juice, or distilled water, is of much good use for all heats and redness in the eyes, to drop some thereof into them; and it is of good effect to ease pains from the heat and sharpness of the blood in the piles\u2026..it is used also in hot and virulent ulcers and sores in the privy parts of men and women, or on the legs, or elsewhere\u201d (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe English herbalist John Gerard (1545\u20131612), who wrote the book <\/span>The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes<\/span><\/i> (also known as Gerard\u2019s Herbal) in 1597, said of this herb:<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cThe leaves of Chickweed boyled in water very soft, adding thereto some hog's grease, the powder of Fenugreeke and Linseed, and a few roots of Marsh Mallows, and stamped to the forme of Cataplasme or pultesse, taketh away the swelling of the legs or any other part... in a word it comforteth, digesteth, defendeth and suppurateth very notably\u201d(13)<\/span>\r\n\r\nCombined with <\/span>elecampane <\/span><\/a>(<\/span>Inula helenium<\/span><\/i>), chickweed has also been recommended as a specific for hydrophobia, and the juice, taken internally, for scurvy whilst the water was considered an old wives\u2019 remedy for obesity (14).<\/span>\r\n\r\nDioscorides, a first-century CE Greek physician and botanist often referred to as \u2018the father of pharmacognosy\u2019, wrote of crushing chickweed to a paste with cornmeal as a poultice for inflammation of the eye (1).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"SkinSkin health<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nAs an external application, chickweed is considered by many herbal practitioners to be a key herb for relieving the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, pruritus, heat rash, urticaria and boils or spots. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIts cooling, soothing and anti-inflammatory actions are particularly beneficial when heat and itching are primary symptoms of the overall picture, whilst as a vulnerary, it promotes skin healing (3,5,6,15,17).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nTaken internally, the cooling and soothing actions of chickweed make it a beneficial herb in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, including irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, colitis, indigestion and peptic ulcers. Its anti-inflammatory, astringent and demulcent actions promote the integrity of the gut mucous membranes, whilst its mild laxative and carminative actions ease constipation and abdominal bloating. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIt was traditionally used to clear heat in the liver and gallbladder as well as a remedy for obesity. Some modern practitioners continue to advocate its benefits in promoting weight loss through its mild suppressant effects on the appetite if consumed before food (4,15).<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nAlthough less frequently associated with the treatment of conditions affecting the respiratory tract, chickweed is considered to have an affinity with this system. It may be beneficial in situations where the symptoms are presenting as hot, dry and irritated, such as harsh coughs and asthma, sore throats and hoarseness (4,14).<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nThe soothing quality of chickweed combined with its mild diuretic actions make it an ideal herb to include in a herbal infusion for inflammatory conditions of the urinary system including cystitis or irritable bladder. This diuretic action may also relieve fluid retention and associated <\/span>hypertension<\/span><\/a> whilst supporting the kidneys in the elimination of substances, including excess uric acid, which is seen to be a contributory factor in musculoskeletal conditions such as gout, rheumatism and arthritis (4,5,6,14).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_15459\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"515\"]\"Chickweed Chickweed (Stellaria media<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Characterisation in terms of phytochemical content and medicinal potential of the <\/span>Stellaria media<\/span><\/i> plant extract<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA 2023 study explored the potential antimicrobial activity of chickweed on the gram-negative <\/span>Escherichia coli<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>E. coli<\/span><\/i>) and gram-positive <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>S. aureus<\/span><\/i>) bacterium in comparison to commonly used antibiotics. It was found to have antimicrobial properties effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative, although a greater sensitivity was observed in the gram-positive <\/span>S. aureus<\/span><\/i>. It has also been shown to be effective against other pathogenic bacteria including <\/span>Salmonella typhi<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Pseudomonas aeruginosa<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Bacillus cereus<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Klebsiella pneumoniae<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Serratia marcescens<\/span><\/i> (16).<\/span>\r\n

Stellaria media<\/span><\/i> (L.) Vill. \u2014 A plant with immense therapeutic potentials: Phytochemistry and pharmacology<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA review in 2020 examined the secondary metabolites found in chickweed, including the steroid saponin, flavonoid and phenolic compounds considered to be the primary constituents responsible for its pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, anti-obesity and anxiolytic actions. <\/span>\r\n\r\nAs demonstrated in this\u00a0 study, extracts of the herb were seen to have significant inhibitory action against <\/span>S. aureus<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>E. coli<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>S. typhi<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>P. aeruginosa<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>K. pneumonia<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>B. cereus<\/span><\/i> bacteria (17).<\/span>\r\n

Anti-hepatitis B virus activity of chickweed, <\/span>Stellaria media<\/span><\/i> (L.) Vill.<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis earlier research in 2012 into the potential of chickweed against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) was in response to the many disadvantages of current anti-HBV medications including the increasing drug-resistance rate. The study demonstrated that a freeze-dried chickweed preparation with a fresh juice solution had significant efficacy against HBV i<\/span>n vitro<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>\r\n\r\nFurther data suggests this may be due to the action of polyphenol compounds of chickweed on the viral envelope of the virus such as HBV. Other polysaccharide constituents detected in the plant may also have a role to play in this effect through their immune modulating actions (18).<\/span>\r\n

Chemical composition, antioxidative and enzyme inhibition activities of chickweed herb (<\/span>Stellaria media<\/span><\/i> L., Vill.) ethanolic and aqueous extracts<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis 2016 study aimed to justify the traditional use of chickweed as an anti-inflammatory herb in the treatment of skin conditions. It surmised that the anti-inflammatory effects of the herb, when used topically, were as a result of its antioxidant action rather than any modulation of pro-inflammatory enzymes and that this correlated with the flavonoid content of the chickweed extracts used (19).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Many of the common names of this plant including chickweed, birdseed, chickeny weed and clucken wort originate from the fact that chickens seem to have a particular fondness for it as a foraged food and the seed was used as food for chickens and other domesticated birds. An older common name, less used today, was winterweed, in reference to it still being seen at that time of year (20,21).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts Latin name <\/span>Stellaria<\/span><\/i> translates as star in reflection of the appearance of its flowers, which during the summer are said to open in the morning and close again in the evening as the more celestial stars appear in the nighttime sky (20).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has also been said that chickweed can be used to predict if it will rain, and if the flowers are fully open, the weather will be dry for the next four hours (20).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":19792},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Chickweed is a sprawling plant with a slender tap root and procumbent or weakly ascending many branched stems which may reach a length of between 5\u201340 cm. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThese stems are smooth apart from a distinguishing single line (very occasionally two lines) of fine hairs growing down one side. <\/span>\r\n\r\nOval leaves with one strong vein are seen in pairs along the stem.<\/span>\r\n\r\n The small white star-like flowers are deeply lobed with five petals of between 1\u20133 mm long with 3\u20138 red-violet anthers and three styles. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe seeds are red-brown and round with raised bumps on their surface (22,23).<\/span>","common_names":"