In addition, results of research done in animals cannot be assumed to apply to humans. Chickweed is a wild, edible "weed" that pops up in the cool weather of late winter and early spring in our area of Northern California. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. OTHER NAME(S): Alsine media, Capiqui, Fleur en Satin, Herbe de Langue, Hierba Gallinera, Morgeline, Mouron des Oiseaux, Pamplina, Star Chickweed, Starweed, Stellaire Intermédiaire, Stellaire Moyenne, Stellaria media. Chickweed Tincture. It can also be used in a poultice or a hot bath to help relieve painful joints caused by arthritis or rheumatism or simply to help deal with aching muscles at the end of a hard day. People take chickweed for constipation, stomach and bowel problems, blood disorders, asthma and other lung diseases, obesity, a vitamin C deficiency disease called scurvy, a skin condition called … Though recipes vary, many herbalists recommend the following: Alternately, you can add 5 ounces of store-bought chickweed oil to 1 ounce of melted beeswax. Minor burns, lesions, acne, wounds, eczema, insect bites, nettle burns, psoriasis, and gout all bow to chickweed’s soothing hand. Blend two handfuls of freshly chopped chickweed with 1-1/4 cups of olive oil. Guil, J. L., Rodriguez-Garcia, I., and Torija, E. Nutritional and toxic factors in selected wild edible plants. Medicinally, chickweed is most commonly used for skin ailments in which there is inflammation that must be cooled—abrasions, non-serious burns, even acne and psoriasis. When applied topically, chickweed is believed to treat the following skin conditions: However, to date, there is little evidence that chickweed can treat any medical conditions; most of the current research has been focused on chickweed as a weed rather than a medicinal herb. All rights reserved. However, to herbalists and practitioners of alternative medicine, chickweed is a potent and long-standing folk remedy believed to offer significant health benefits. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for chickweed. CHICKWEED HERBAL OINTMENT – formerly SKIN HEALER Traditional Use References Dry or itchy skin conditions. Chickweed is used as herbal treatment for Skin problems like Roseola, Eczema, and Psoriasis. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr. The greater concern arises with the oral consumption of chickweed. People take chickweed for constipation, stomach and bowel problems, blood disorders, asthma and other lung diseases, obesity, a vitamin C deficiency disease called scurvy, a skin condition called psoriasis, rabies, itching, and muscle and joint pain.. Chickweed is sometimes applied directly to the skin for … To this end, it is best to play it safe and avoid consuming chickweed in any form. There are few skin conditions chickweed cannot help. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. The leaf is used to make medicine. Today, chickweed is rarely taken by mouth due to potential toxicities. Saponins and nitrate salts, both found in chickweed, pose a risk of toxicity if eaten in excess. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. FYI, it not chickweed’s for dogs – it’s chickweed This herb has several potential applications because of its high concentration of health properties. … It can be used to treat anything from constipation to itchiness and it can be made into everything from a tea to a salve. This includes nursing mothers who may pass compounds in chickweed to their babies through breast milk. It’s mild astringent properties are even considered useful for drawing out splinters. The water in which the Chickweed is boiled should also be used to bathe the affected part. Combine it with miner’s lettuce, dandelion greens, and maybe some purple dead nettle for a tasty wild weed salad. The Stellaria media or common chickweed belongs to about 25 species including some native varieties in North America, growing abundantly in the wild which are … Chickweed's use in folk medicine has been recorded as far back as the 16th century when it was often used to treat wounds. Over time, it was embraced as a "blood cleanser" or used to treat asthma, constipation, menstrual pain, peptic ulcers, rabies, respiratory illnesses, and scurvy, among other common and uncommon conditions. It reduces itching and irritation. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is an annual plant native to Europe that has become naturalized in North America, where it is mostly considered a weed. Chickweed Salve. Crellin JK, Philpott J. The most important chickweed health benefits include its ability to heal the skin, relieve gastrointestinal distress, aid in weight loss efforts, eliminate inflammation, soothe respiratory problems, and speed up healing, among others. While some people try chickweed for a, The appropriate dose of chickweed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. View abstract. In rare cases, muscle paralysis, convulsions, and coma may occur. That hasn't stopped certain cultures from using it as food, including in Japan where it is widely eaten during the springtime festival Nanakusa-no-sekku. There isn't enough information to know how chickweed might work. Transfer the oil to a bowl and allow it to steep for 24 to 48 hours. How do you make chickweed salve?Chickweed salve, sometimes used to treat burns or draw out splinters, can be made with either fresh chickweed or chickweed oil and beeswax. Today, chickweed is more commonly used in topical ointment form to treat a variety of skin conditions. Topical application, either fresh or as a botanical oil, cools and relieves inflamed areas. It is unknown if chickweed can cause drug interactions. Can Graviola Help Fight Diabetes and Cancer? Lana Butner, ND, LAc, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in New York City. BMC Complement Altern Med. Chickweed is also great for adding into smoothies or turning into a tasty chickweed pesto. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infants under 4 months are at the highest risk of harm from nitrate exposure as are pregnant women at or near the 30th week of pregnancy. Chickweed can also be applied externally to the skin as part of a poultice, a salve or an oil to help relieve itching, treat wounds, abscesses, ulcers or pimples. Stir the rendered oil into 1 ounce of melted beeswax. As chickweed has a bland scent, it’s an excellent choice for adding to the bath water of individuals with perfume or essential oil allergies. The Health Benefits of the Ayurvedic Herb Phyllanthus. Packed with minerals and antioxidants, chickweed can prevent oxidative stress and soothe inflammation from things like eczema, acne… Despite concerns about toxicity, chickweed is not banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although it is included in the FDA Poisonous Plant Database. When used topically, chickweed is generally considered safe and well tolerated. The leaf is used to make medicine. From shop Herbfriend. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Chickweed Salve, 2 Oz Glass Jar, Chickweed Infusion Balm, All Natural Organic Salve, Herbal Salve, Itch Relief, Healing Salve Herbfriend. If you experience dizziness, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, or bluish lips or nails after taking chickweed, call Poison Control at 888-222-1222 or go to your nearest emergency room. Consider this chickweed salve for bug bites, hot rashes, clean wounds, diaper rash, or any itchy skin conditions. Chickweed is not native to the US. Simply put some fresh leaves directly on the wound. The one area in which chickweed has been studied is in the treatment of obesity. Chickweed Salve. Ayu. However, some people exposed to chickweed have been known to develop a mild rash. This is especially true given that chickweed is regarded by most as a weed and, as such, is likely to have been exposed to pesticides, lawn fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals. The most common uses for Aloe would have to be for treating burns, wounds and skin conditions. Chickweed is much prized by the American Indians for swelling of all kinds. Below are various health benefits and uses of chickweed; 1. 1997;51(2):99-107. The leaf is used to make medicine. Much like plantain chickweed can be used to help soothe sunburn and bug bites. As promising as the findings seem, saponin is also one of the ingredients that pose possible health concerns. In modern herbalists chickweed is used to treat joint,eczema, rheumatism, gout, and blood diseases, eye inflammations, and hemorrhoids. Chidrawar VR, Patel KN, Sheth NR, et al. This is a super strong salve made with a delicate plant that brings soothing relief to hot and dry tissues. Chickweed has many uses both internally and externally: Mix fresh chickweed with vinegar to use in bath water to help relieve itchy skin. Its main use is as a natural anti-itch medication, but it is also said to draw poisons out of the skin. Chickweed's use in folk medicine has been recorded as far back as the 16th century when it was often used to treat wounds.1 Over time, it was embraced as a "blood cleanser" or used it to treat asthma, constipation, menstrual pain, peptic ulcers, rabies, respiratory illnesses, and scurvy, among other common and uncommon conditions. Allergic reactions to chickweed ointments are rarely serious and can usually be treated with an oral antihistamine, an over-the-counter 0.5% hydrocortisone cream, or nothing at all. This could be explained by the reflexive effects of saponin on the mucus membranes of the body. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is an annual plant that is quite prevalent in Europe and North America. Chickweed is a plant. Place the mixture in the top of a double boiler, bringing the water to a healthy simmer. This is traditionally used for eczema and/or other skin infections, sores, burning, itchy skin, itchy genitals, inflamed skin, hemorrhoids, swollen testicles, acne, hives, mouth ulcerations, reaction to or symptoms caused by poison Oak and Poison Ivy or Stinging … Saponin, a plant-based compound that creates a soap-like foam when mixed with water, is believed to be responsible for this effect. Usage. The salve does not typically contain chickweed solids, as these are removed before the product is completed. Durham, North Caroline: Duke University Press Books; pp 156-157. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Can Sea Cucumber Treat Arthritis and Heart Disease? Chickweed is best used to soothe itchy and sore skin conditions. If you do decide to take chickweed supplements, tea, or another other oral product, do not exceed the dose listed on the product label. Rather, it was brought over by European immigrants, but can now be found in all 50 … Uses, Dosage and Recipes Chickweed is a fast-growing plant that has been utilized as a folk remedy for many conditions, including arthritis pains, skin conditions, such as rashes and eczema, asthma, constipation, and kidney related issues. People allergic to plants of the daisy family may be at higher risk.