Botanical Name: Stellaria media
- English: Chickweed, Starweed. Star Chickweed, Alsine media (Linn.). Passerine
- Also, Known As: Stitchwort, Scar wort, Satin Flower, Adder ’s Mouth, Star weed, Stellaire, Augentrosgräs, Vogelmiere, Stellaire, Pamplina, Fran-lü. 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
Origin: Bulgaria
Harvested: Wild
Part used: Whole Plant
General Information:
Several plants have been named chickweed, one of them a plant belonging to the Purslane family and four species of Cerastium – the Mouse Ear Chickweeds – but the name especially belongs to the plant in question. Chickweed is a most variable plant. Gerard enumerates no less than thirteen species, but the various forms are nowadays merely considered deviations from the one type. The Chickweed is also an instance of what is termed the ‘Sleep of Plants, for every night the leaves approach each other, so that their upper surfaces fold over the tender buds of the new shoots, and the uppermost pair, but one of the leaves at the end of the stalk are furnished with long leaf stalks than the others, so that they can close upon the terminating pair and protect the tip of the shoot. The young leaves when boiled can hardly be distinguished from spring spinach, and are equally wholesome. They may also be used uncooked with young Dandelion leaves to form a salad. The whole herb, collected between May and July, when it is in the best condition, and dried in the same manner as Groundsel. It is used both fresh and dried.
How to use:
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. This method is also known as “Electuaries”.
Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.