CHICKWEED
(Stellaria media)





  

     

Part used: tops
Properties: antipyretic, demulcent; alternative
What it affects: Blood, liver, lungs, kidneys, and bladder.

Preparation and amount:
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. take 6 oz. 3-4 times daily between meals.
Decoction: 1 oz to 1 2/2 pints boiling water, simmered down to 1 pint. take 3 oz. 3-4 times foe every 2-3 hours when needed.
Tincture: Take 1/2 tsp. as needed
Fluid extract: take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: 
Internally, this common weed is invaluable for treating blood toxicity, fevers, inflammations, and other "hot" diseases. Chickweed relieves nasal congestion. Useful for bronchitis, pleurisy, circulatory problems, bowel inflammations, colds, coughs, skin diseases, and hoarseness. This mild herb is as safe to take as any garden vegetable, and is full of vitamins and minerals. People often eat it as a salad green. Therefore it can be used in high dosages. Because it lowers blood lipids, it is particularly useful in reducing excess fat having both mild diuretic and laxative properties. Drink the tea, to build the blood.

Externally, chickweed can be applied as a poultice to warts, boils, and abscesses. Made into an oil and ointment, it is used for a wide variety of sores and other skin diseases. Add the tea to a bath, to soothe rashes and skin irritations. Make it into a salve for dry, itchy skin. It can also be used for mouth sores.