Chickweed
Latin: Stellaria Media
Parts used: Aerial parts
Flavors: Sweet, salty
Energetics: Cooling, moistening
Actions: Alterative, demulcent, lymphatic, vulnerary
Affinities: Skin, respiratory system, urinary system, lymphatic system, digestive system
Chickweed is a premier herb in western herbalism that has cooling, moistening, and demulcent properties. It has been primarily used to relieve hot, dry, and itchy tissue states and conditions like eczema, psoriasis, minor burns, insect bites, stings, boils, and contact rashes. This herb works to passify heat, inflammation, and irritation in the body, and contains mucilage that softens and hydrates dry tissues. As an alterative, Chickweed gently supports fluid movement, lymphatic drainage, and waste elimination. Additionally, it can be used for urinary support, acting as a mild diuretic to flush the bladder and urinary pathways.
It is a nutritive herb, rich in vitamins (A, C, B-complex) and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium), supporting vitality and recovery from illness or chronic stress. For lymphatic and connective tissue support, it assists the flow of lymph and swollen lymph nodes. It can be used topically or internally for benign growths, cysts, and fibroids.
