Chickweed and Its Benefits

Chickweed or Stellaria media, a common, succulent, low growing herb. It is an annual plant and a favorite food among chickens. The young, tender chickweed leaves are sometimes used in salads, while the stems, leaves and flowers are used for its health benefits. Chickweed is recognized for its benefits among advocates of alternative medicine. Herbs and herbal supplements should be taken with the advice and supervision of your health-care practitioner.

Properties

Chickweed is a nutritional herb that has many properties that may provide a variety of health benefits. According to Mididea.com website, chickweed is rich in vitamins A, B, C, fatty acids, phytochemicals and flavonoids. It also contains calcium, zinc, potassium and magnesium. Chickweed is a tonic and a diuretic; it stimulates the kidneys to produce fluids which flush toxins from the body through the urine. It also acts as an expectorant, a laxative and an astringent. Chickweed has a cool, soothing effect that relieves itching and promotes healing.

Effects on the Skin

Chickweed astringent properties act to shrink and tighten the top layer of the skin, improve inflammation, reduce swelling and lessen secretions. According to Chinese Herbs.org website, chickweed may be used topically to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, insect bites, eczema, burns, a rash or chapped skin; it also encourages tissue repair.

Other Health Benefits

Chickweed is known for its effects in treating indigestion, stomach ulcers, cough, and chest ailments, as well as rheumatism and as a blood cleanser. According to Health-care-tips.org, chickweed is used by herbalists for treating gout, hemorrhoids, eye inflammation and eczema. According to authors, Deb Jackson and Karen Bergeron, of Altnature.com, new research indicates chickweed's use as an effective antihistamine. Chickweed is also considered an old wives' remedy for obesity.

Precautions

According to Health-care-tips.org, chickweed contains chemicals called nitrates. Excessive use of chickweed may cause nitrate poisoning. There have been reported cases of nitrate poisoning in humans and particularly in infants under the age of six months. Excessive use of chickweed may also cause vomiting and diarrhea. Chickweed should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

http://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper089.html

http://www.chinese-herbs.org/chickweed/

http://www.health-care-tips.org/herbal-medicines/chickweed.htm

http://www.altnature.com/gallery/chickweed.htm