Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a low-growing annual herb with bright green leaves, tiny white star-shaped flowers and a single line of hairs along its stem, which is a key ID feature. It thrives in cool, moist areas and grows rapidly in spring and autumn.

It’s called “chickweed” because it’s a favourite snack of chickens and birds. It’s packed with nutrition and healing properties for humans too.

✨ Traditional Uses of Chickweed

Tiny, delicate and often overlooked, Chickweed is a powerhouse herb hiding in plain sight. Found across gardens, fields and hedgerows, it’s one of the gentlest skin and gut healers in the herbal world. And best of all? It’s edible, cooling and free.

Chickweed has long been used in traditional Western herbalism for:

• Soothing inflamed skin
  
• Easing itchy rashes, eczema, and bites
  
• Supporting digestion and relieving constipation
  
• Cooling the body during fevers or hot conditions
  
• Reducing mild water retention and swelling
  
• Promoting wound healing and drawing out splinters or minor infections

💚 Health Benefits of Chickweed

Chickweed may be small, but it’s mighty. This cooling, soothing plant is a true friend for sensitive skin, tired digestion and seasonal transitions. Whether you’re making a calming salve, sipping a gentle tea or picking greens for your salad, chickweed is a gift from the garden.

Chickweed is considered one of the safest herbs and is gentle enough for babies, elders and sensitive skin. Below we will explore some of the health benefits in more detail.

✅ Chickweed as a Skin Soother

Chickweed has natural cooling, anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties. Applied externally, it can calm eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, sunburn and rashes, especially when used fresh in a poultice or infused in oil.

✅ Chickweed Supports Gut & Digestion

When taken internally, chickweed can help soothe the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, easing irritation, ulcers and mild constipation.

✅ Chickweed is Rich in Nutrients

Fresh Chickweed is high in vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll. It makes an excellent addition to salads, smoothies and soups.

✅ Gentle Detox with Chickweed

Chickweed has mild diuretic properties, supporting kidney and lymphatic health without being harsh. It can be used as part of a spring cleanse or skin health routine.

🥣 How to Use Chickweed

• Poultice (fresh)

Mash fresh chickweed leaves and apply directly to itchy, inflamed or infected skin. You can also wrap it in muslin as a compress.

• Infused Oil / Salve

Infuse dried chickweed in a carrier oil (like olive or sunflower) for 2–4 weeks, then strain and use in homemade creams or balms.

• Herbal Tea (dried or fresh)

Steep 1–2 tsp of dried chickweed or a small handful of fresh in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink 1–2 cups daily for skin support or gentle detox.

• Food

Add fresh chickweed to salads, pestos or soups as you would with spinach. Harvest the young top growth and avoid fibrous stems.

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⚠️ Chickweed Notes / Side Effects

Chickweed is extremely safe when used in moderation, but here are a few points to bear in mind:

• Harvest cleanly: Avoid chickweed growing near roadsides or polluted areas.
  
• Overeating large amounts raw may cause mild digestive upset in sensitive people.
  
• Store fresh chickweed in the fridge and use quickly as it wilts fast!
  
• Allergies are rare, but always do a patch test before using a new plant on the skin.