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Botanical illustration of Chickweed
MedicinalSourced entry

Chickweed

Stellaria media

A wild weed found worldwide, eaten as a leafy green and traditionally used for skin problems such as burns, cuts and scratches. It hasn't been studied in people.

What is Chickweed?

Plant family
Caryophyllaceae, the pink and carnation family
Parts used
The above-ground parts
Where it grows
Widespread in all parts of the world
Genus
Stellaria
Species
media

Also called

Common Chickweed

Traditionally used for

  • Burns
  • Cuts
  • Skin ailments
  • Food

Traditionally described as

  • Soothing (traditional)

Health topics

Where Chickweed appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.

What does the research say?

Traditional use

These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.

  • Chickweed is eaten as part of the diet and traditionally used for breathing problems and skin ailments such as burns, cuts and scratches. It has also been used for tension and for inflammation of the kidneys and the digestive, reproductive and breathing systems, and for joint inflammation and wound healing.[1]

Laboratory & animal research

Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.

  • In lab tests, chickweed extracts, which contain flavonoids such as apigenin, showed antioxidant activity. Earlier studies reported effects against inflammation, fungi and bacteria.[1]

In short

No studies in people have tested its safety or effects.

Sources

  1. [1] Small Steps to the Big Picture for Health-Promoting Applications Through the Use of Chickweed (Stellaria media): In Vitro, In Silico, and Pharmacological Network Approaches — Food Science & Nutrition · DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4505Peer-reviewed study

This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.