Stellaria Media - Itch Relief and Nutritious Green

Chickweed

Stellaria media 

Chickweed is an annual plant native to Europe and Asia, and has naturalized throughout most of the world. It is commonly found in disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, and roadsides. Chickweed is identified by its long stems that sometimes form a mat, smooth opposite leaves, small white flowers with five petals that split into two tips each, having the appearance of up to ten petals. The main characteristic that differentiates this plant from its look-alikes is a smooth stem with a single row of hairs running along one one side of the stem between petioles. This row of hairs may alternate between sides of the stem between petioles. The flavor of chickweed is light and refreshing, similar to corn silks when they are young. It's versatile flavor lends itself well to many dishes and can be chopped up and used as you would spinach, just with a fresher flavor. I personally enjoy snacking on this "weed" fresh while gardening, and I tend to add the dried herb to my salve recipes.

Stellaria media has been used historically as a pot herb, for treating irritated and itchy skin conditions, and for inflammation of the eye and joints. Today, Chickweed is used as a nutritious wild edible, containing vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, leading us to one of its more contemporary herbal uses of countering anemia. It is still used as a soothing wash or poultice for itchy and irritated skin due to its emollient effect on the skin, Its saponin content may be the reason for its ability to diminish the itching sensation of irritated skin.

Common Lookalikes

Anagallis arvensis, commonly called Scarlet pimpernel, is a non edible, though not particularly dangerous. Its bitter taste is usually enough to deter most from consuming too much of it. This plant looks very similar to Chickweed with its smooth leaves, though it lacks the single row of hairs on the stem and bears a peachy pink colored flower.

Cerastium spp, known as mouse-ears, is a furry weed that can be eaten cooked in moderation. It has an unpalatable texture due to the hairs that cover both leaf and stem.

How to utilize this herb

Poultice: Take a handful of fresh chickweed and either blend it up with a modest amount of water, or mince it. Apply this fresh plant material to the irritated skin and wrap with a breathable cloth such as cotton gauze. Remove before it dries and rinse with clean water.

Juice or tea: Chickweed can be juiced either alone when used as an external wash, or blended with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious juice. The dried herb can be made into a tea for internal use or added to a bath for itchy skin. 

Salve and ointment: Dried chickweed can be infused into olive oil with beeswax for a soothing ointment.

Edible Green: Chickweed is a fun and nutritious addition to salads, it can be chopped up and used like sprouts in a sandwich, or blended with other greens, nuts, and olive oil for a fresh wild pesto!

Helpful Tips

• When gathering fresh plant material, be sure to gather where no one has sprayed chemicals or fertilizers of any kind as your body will absorb these toxins from the plant. 

• Remember to leave the roots and part of the aerial plant intact if you decide to forage.

• Herbal remedies are not a replacement for medical care. Talk to your doctor before using herbs to treat any major health concerns. This information is for educational purposes only.