Chickweed Benefits

The common chickweed (Stellaria media), otherwise known as star weed, star chickweed, chicken wort, craches, maruns or winter weed, is a plant, which is native to Europe. This plant is eaten by chickens and some other caged and wild birds. While, pigs and rabbits love to eat chickweed, goats are averse to it. This plant can be found across the globe, with exception to a very few places. However, these plants are considered as one of the common, invasive garden weeds, that can affect the yield of crops, like barley.

Some Chickweed Facts
There are a number of plants, named as chickweed, the name mainly denotes 'Stellaria media'. Chickweed is a soft plant with delicate stems that trail over the ground. These pale green stems are juicy and have swollen joints. A unique feature of 'Stellaria media' or common chickweed plant is that the stems sport a thin line of hair on one side only. This hairy line ends as it reaches a pair of leaves, to be continued on the opposite side. The smooth leaves are also juicy and grow on the stems in pairs. They are egg-shaped with points on the top and stalks on the bottom. The plants produce small star-like white flowers and the flowering season starts in March and extends all the way to Autumn.

Chickweed Nutrition
Chickweed is very nutritious and is used in salads and soups, in the raw form. Apart from the use of its fresh form as salad green, chickweed can be added to tea or alcohol extract (tincture). It is very delicious and healthy, as it contains many nutrients, healthy components, proteins, fiber, essential fatty acids, etc. It contains saponins, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA is a type of omega-6 fatty acid), coumarin, flavonoids (rutin), hydroxycoumarin, etc. along with a host of minerals and vitamins. It is a rich source of aluminum, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, iron, silicon and zinc. Moderate amounts of vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, chlorophyll, potassium and fiber are also found in this plant. The saponins reduce the thickness of the cell membranes, facilitating the increased absorption of nutrients and also cleanses the body by dissolving the plaque in arteries, fats and other toxic materials. As mentioned earlier, chickweed uses also include its use as a feed for some animals and birds.

Health Benefits of Chickweed
The history of chickweed health benefits can be traced back to the sixteenth century, when people used this herb for soothing inflammations, skin conditions and some other diseases. It is evident from the fact that the seventeenth century herbalist, John Gerard had recommended chickweed as a remedy for mange in humans. However, modern herbalists recommend this plant for the treatment of various medical conditions, even though none of them is scientifically proven. Owing to the popularity of this herb and its health benefits, chickweed is now available in the form of capsules, liquid extracts, crude herb, oils, tea bags, ointments and tinctures, all of which are made of components extracted from the leaves, stems and flowers of this plant. But, the fresh form is considered to be the best. The following are some of the chickweed benefits, that are beneficial for the health of humans.

• As chickweed is a very rich source of nutrients that are necessary for balancing the metabolic functions of the body, its intake lessens mucus buildup. This is one of the many chickweed benefits, that it is beneficial in the treatment of various respiratory diseases, like bronchitis, chronic cough, cold, asthma and allergy symptoms.
• As a poultice, chickweed is used for reducing inflammation of the eyes, in people affected with pink eye or any other eye infection.
• One of the main health benefits of chickweed, that has been recognized for a very long time, is its use in treating bruises, cuts and wounds, skin irritation, eczema, pimples, first-degree burns, open sores, hemorrhoids, swellings, etc.
• Chickweed tea benefits include its use in treating coughs, strep throat, etc. Honey can also be added to it for sweetening.
• Chickweed has diuretic properties, which help the body to flush out toxins through urine and also to reduce fluid retention, weight gain and bloating.
• Maintaining a healthy urinary system is one of the health benefits of chickweed. It is also used for treating urinary tract infections and cystitis, as it purifies the blood and the kidneys.
• Chickweed benefits include its use as a cooling agent in the case of digestive problems. It is also good for easing constipation and is used in treating stomach ulcers and hemorrhoids.
• Joint pain can be eased by adding chickweed infusion to the water, while bathing. This is also good for relieving the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, stiff neck, etc.
• Chickweed benefits include its use for weight loss, which is said to be due to the presence of saponins in this herb. Chickweed for weight loss is getting popular as a method of healthy weight loss.
• It is also used in the treatment of cysts, ovarian cancer and thyroid disorders.

Now, you know about the benefits of chickweed, which is a rich source of nutrients. However, you must make sure that the plant that you are using as chickweed is 'Stellaria media', because most of the chickweed benefits are unique to this plant. This plant may sometimes cause side effects, like, headaches in some people, who are allergic to this plant. If there are any such side effects, stop its consumption immediately. Above all, consumption in large amounts is also not recommended. Always stick to the doses prescribed by your herbalist. It is also advisable to seek the opinion of your general practitioner, before resorting to this herbal treatment.