(1999) A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants: Herbal Medicine Past and Present. Vill. Chickweed … Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Chickweed. Lana Butner, ND, LAc, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in private practice in New York City. The plant has soothing, emollient, diuretic and expectorant properties. As promising as the findings seem, saponin is also one of the ingredients that pose possible health concerns. All in all, chickweed benefits the heart, kidneys, skin, muscles, and your bones. Chickweed is a common weed that offers a number of potential benefits. That hasn't stopped certai… As an astringent, Chickweed can be used draw out splinters and help to heal the wound left behind. Can Stinging Nettle Treat Arthritis, Allergies, and Enlarged Prostate? The greater concern arises with the oral consumption of chickweed. Chickweed has been used as a folk remedy for several health conditions, including asthma, constipation, arthritis and skin-related conditions. It is a useful remedy for respiratory infections, digestive issues, arthritis, and an array of skin problems — chickweed is even used as a weight-loss herb. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Chickweed is great for skin irritations, and when combined with alcohol it can help treat acne. In the United States, it can be readily purchased as an ointment, salve, oral supplement, or liquid extract, as well as a variety of powders, teas, and dried herbs. All in all, chickweed benefits the heart, kidneys, skin, muscles, and your bones. Chickweed, also known as the chickenwort and winterweed, is a herb used for culinary purposes.The young shoots are usually used as greens for salad. Transfer the oil to a bowl and allow it to steep for 24 to 48 hours. It is commonly infused in a therapeutic bath to ease joint pain. Chickweed Herb Uses for the Skin and Wounds. Formulated by our Napiers’ herbalists, cooling calming Chickweed Cream also helps to soothe and moisturise hot, dry, itchy skin with the added benefits of sweet almond oil. Both are said to work equally well and can be stored in a covered jar for up to six months in the refrigerator. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Specific Benefits of Chickweed Anti-inflammatory Actions. Many people find that the plant helps reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. According to Teabenefits.com, chickweed tea, if applied directly to the skin, can reduce swelling of torn ligaments 1. If you do decide to take chickweed supplements, tea, or another other oral product, do not exceed the dose listed on the product label. Benefits of Chickweed Greens However, it is not yet clearly established how chickweed works in the body 3. Other possible health benefits include the antiinflammatory, treatment for skin problems and lung problems Side effects are undetermined due to insufficient scientific studies. 4. The one area in which chickweed has been studied is in the treatment of obesity. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION A green oil with very little aroma made by hot maceration of organically grown Chickweed herb (GMO free and not irradiated) in High Oleic Sunflower Oil at a dry herb to oil ratio of 1:6. Today, chickweed is more commonly used in topical ointment form to treat a variety of skin conditions. In traditional herbal medicine, chickweed is taken by mouth or applied to the skin to treat a long list of health problems such as obesity 3. In addition, some were given a daily dosage of chickweed root from the species Stellaria dichotoma.Chow = regular diet (control group)HF = high-fat dietHF+RSE = high-fat diet with chickweed supplementFor those given the herbal extract, their weight gain was said to be “significantly inhibited.” They b… Overview Information Chickweed is a plant. Chickweed's use in folk medicine has been recorded as far back as the 16th century when it was often used to treat wounds.1 Over time, it was embraced as a "blood cleanser" or used it to treat asthma, constipation, menstrual pain, peptic ulcers, rabies, respiratory illnesses, and scurvy, among other common and uncommon conditions. Chickweed’s soothing properties also extend to skin care. Stir the rendered oil into 1 ounce of melted beeswax. Chickweed is known as a skin rejuvenator in the world of contemporary herbalism. Others believe that chickweed is an effective weight-loss remedy. Chickweed benefits in weight loss Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It soothes the skin and can relieve itching and burning sensations. More importantly, let your doctor know so that your condition can be monitored should an unforeseen side effect develop. BMC Complement Altern Med. Chickweed extracts have also been shown to be antibacterial, and a tincture … There are various topical applications of this herb that can improve the appearance and health of your skin. 2012;12:145. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-145, Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of chickweed. Popular uses include externally helping to treat issues such as: rashes and itchiness (research suggests it has emollient, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to... sores and boils cuts and scrapes acne eczema psoriasis minor … Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a familiar sight in many gardens. Chickweed is used as herbal treatment for Skin problems like Roseola, Eczema, and Psoriasis. Chickweed owing to its potent anti-inflammatory … It is useful in healing Acne and red pimples. Many hot or inflamed skin conditions are a good match for chickweed. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Chickweed has very powerful, natural anti-inflammatory properties which give the plant a wide... Rheumatism and Arthritis. By using Verywell Health, you accept our, Lana Butner, ND, LAc, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in private practice in New York City, Why Phytonutrients Are Important to Your Heatlh, The Best Essential Oils for Rheumatoid Arthritis, What You Need to Know About Shepherd's Purse, The Health Benefits of the Ayurvedic Herb Phyllanthus, Treating Pain and Stress With Wild Lettuce. 2. Despite concerns about toxicity, chickweed is not banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although it is included in the FDA Poisonous Plant Database. Saponin, a plant-based compound that creates a soap-like foam when mixed with water, is believed to be responsible for this effect. Chickweed is best used to soothe itchy and sore skin conditions. Chickweed also balances the beneficial bacteria in the gut, providing the optimum environment for healthy digestion. Listed below are few of the health benefits of Chickweed. When applied topically it is soothing and moisturizing, helping to relieve itching and clears rashes and skin outbreaks. The alcohol works as an astringent, while the chickweed helps heal the skin. Chickweed has been used traditionally as an external remedy for cuts, wounds, minor burns, abscesses and skin irritations, especially such as itching, dryness and irritation due to … Since Stellaria media acts as an expectorant, it even helps heal asthma and general cold symptoms. Being loaded with vitamins A, B complex, and C along with ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, silicon, flavonoids, zinc, and coumarin, chickweed benefits are immense. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is an annual plant native to Europe that has become naturalized in North America, where it is mostly considered a weed. Chickweed benefits you in lowering inflammation. In traditional herbal medicine, chickweed is taken by mouth or applied to the skin to treat a long list of health problems such as obesity 3. When used externally, chickweed is an effective herbal medicine to treat skin diseases, insect bites, minor cuts, minor burns, bruises and rhematoid arthritis. Skin Health. Both cough, as well as a sore throat, are curable with chickweed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infants under 4 months are at the highest risk of harm from nitrate exposure as are pregnant women at or near the 30th week of pregnancy. Chickweed's use in folk medicine has been recorded as far back as the 16th century when it was often used to treat wounds. Over time, it was embraced as a "blood cleanser" or used to treat asthma, constipation, menstrual pain, peptic ulcers, rabies, respiratory illnesses, and scurvy, among other common and uncommon conditions. The oldest uses for chickweed are the topical uses. However, some people exposed to chickweed have been known to develop a mild rash. A great oil for soothing and calming itchy skin on the face, body and scalp. About Us · Contact Us · Disclaimer · Privacy and Cookie Policy. Strain the oil through a double-layer of cheesecloth. Topical application, either fresh or as a botanical oil, cools and relieves inflamed areas. The flowers, leaves, and stems of chickweed have long been used to make oral decoctions, extracts, and teas. Read our, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. With large quantities of seed produced throughout the year, this common annual weed can become a real nuisance in beds and borders. It works like a natural sedative, blood purifier as well as a diuretic. Some believe that it has emollient properties and can effectively "trap" circulating fat, including cholesterol. And … Blend two handfuls of freshly chopped chickweed with 1-1/4 cups of olive oil. Chickweed is an edible medicinal herb used as tonic for kidney and liver health. 2011 Oct-Dec;32(4):576-84. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.96137, Rani N, Vasudeva N, Sharma SK. Can Argan Oil Protect Your Skin and Your Heart? The whole chickweed plant may be applied topically on the skin to lower inflammation. Allergic reactions to chickweed ointments are rarely serious and can usually be treated with an oral antihistamine, an over-the-counter 0.5% hydrocortisone cream, or nothing at all. It is beneficial if you have dried or chapped Skin and Bug Bites. When used topically, chickweed is generally considered safe and well tolerated. It soothes the skin and can relieve itching and burning sensations. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. In addition, the plant has choleretic and antiseptic effect. Antiobesity effect of Stellaria media against drug-induced obesity in Swiss albino mice. Not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. It is an often used ingredient for its emollient qualities in commercial herbal salves for this reason. 1 Chickweed uses for Skin Care Chickweed restores the nervous system, lowers blood pressure if it is … Besides being commonly used to treat skin conditions, chickweed is also used to treat cuts and minor burns. Quality assessment and anti-obesity activity of Stellaria media (Linn.) One of the top chickweed tea benefits, and a very common reason for its use, is that this herb will speed up the healing process in your skin tissues. Chidrawar VR, Patel KN, Sheth NR, et al. However, it is not yet clearly established how chickweed works in the body 3. People allergic to plants of the daisy family may be at higher risk. The most important chickweed health benefits include its ability to heal the skin, relieve gastrointestinal distress, aid in weight loss efforts, eliminate inflammation, soothe respiratory problems, and speed up healing, among others. Death is rare. 10. Speeds Up Skin Healing. Some skin is irritated by even natural compounds like chamomile, and our natural non-allergenic Chickweed Cream is often the only cream that can be tolerated. How do you make chickweed salve?Chickweed salve, sometimes used to treat burns or draw out splinters, can be made with either fresh chickweed or chickweed oil and beeswax. It is believed to contain a number of health benefits, including, taking care of skin problem such as acne, lipomas, and psoriasis, when applied topically.When ingested, it is believed to help with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Cleansing Benefits to the Skin Chickweed is an excellent medicinal and nutritious food for clearing up skin issues and has been used by herbalists throughout history, either consumed internally or applied topically directly on the skin. It is valued for its nutritional content and fresh chickweed is typically eaten as a salad green. It has a cooling and drying effect on wounds, bites and minor burns. Crellin JK, Philpott J. The Purported Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Quality assessment and anti-obesity activity of. Outside of Japan, chickweed is generally not consumed as food. As chickweed has a bland scent, it’s an excellent choice for adding to the bath water of individuals with perfume or essential oil allergies. Chickweed when consumed or applied externally has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that help it ease discomfort and pain. Chickweed is used medicinally and as a food. Chickweed is used medicinally and as a food. Chickweed can soothe inflamed and irriated skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rashes and burns, as well as heal cuts. Chickweed in the Treatment of Skin Conditions The oldest uses for chickweed are the topical uses. Today, chickweed is rarely taken by mouth due to potential toxicities. It Cures Cold & Cough. The leaf is used to make medicine. It has a cooling and drying effect on wounds and skin eruptions. In addition, results of research done in animals cannot be assumed to apply to humans. Packed with minerals and antioxidants, chickweed can prevent oxidative stress and soothe inflammation from things like eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis. Weight Loss. Place the mixture in the top of a double boiler, bringing the water to a healthy simmer. However, to herbalists and practitioners of alternative medicine, chickweed is a potent and long-standing folk remedy believed to offer significant health benefits. 11 Science Backed Benefits of Cannabis Oil, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3361939/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16521986, 8 Sucralose Side Effects-Updated for 2019 Research, 7 Amazing Benefits of Damiana-[year] Checklist. For Weight Loss. No less effective is external use of drugs containing chickweed for care of facial skin as cream. Weight Loss. Alternative practitioners have long contended that these compounds are potent enough to render health benefits. Today, chickweed is rarely taken by mouth due to potential toxicities. In rare cases, muscle paralysis, convulsions, and coma may occur. 9. Topically, it’s used for skin conditions and it can be made into creams and ointments for psoriasis, itching and dry skin. That hasn't stopped certain cultures from using it as food, including in Japan where it is widely eaten during the springtime festival Nanakusa-no-sekku. If you experience dizziness, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, or bluish lips or nails after taking chickweed, call Poison Control at 888-222-1222 or go to your nearest emergency room. It is valued for its nutritional content and fresh chickweed is typically eaten as a salad green. Chickweed in the Treatment of Skin Conditions. The bottom line. Minor burns respond nicely to chickweed’s care. Chickweed is excellent for the skin both internally as a demulcent and externally as an emollient. Chickweed is a common ingredient in diuretics, also known as water pills that are … Though recipes vary, many herbalists recommend the following: Alternately, you can add 5 ounces of store-bought chickweed oil to 1 ounce of melted beeswax. 1 Chickweed uses for Skin Care The most notable effect of chickweed tea is its laxative and diuretic properties. You can add chickweed-infused oil to your bath water or apply it on your skin. Chickweed is used for blood stopping. Besides being commonly used to treat skin conditions, chickweed is also used to treat cuts and minor burns. Chickweed is a demulcent, a vulnerary, an alternative, a carminative, and an emollient. Books ; pp 156-157 anti-inflammatory compounds that help it ease discomfort and pain to treat skin,. & middot Disclaimer & middot Contact Us & middot Disclaimer & middot Privacy and Policy. The one area in which chickweed has very powerful, natural anti-inflammatory which! It even helps heal asthma and general cold symptoms pass compounds in chickweed, pose a of... Its emollient qualities in commercial herbal salves for this effect with medications been... Mixed with water, is typically eaten as a poultice or ointment for rashes, irritations! These compounds are potent enough to render health benefits of chickweed tea, if applied directly the... 24 hours Japan, chickweed benefits in weight chickweed benefits skin chickweed is recognized by its hairy stems, leaves... The Day newsletter, and an emollient form to treat cuts and minor.... The daisy family may be applied to the skin to lower inflammation cups of olive oil of your.... Allow it to steep for 24 hours practitioner before making changes to your bath or... The herb to be toxic helping to relieve itching and burning sensations and antiseptic effect consumption of,... Plant helps reduce inflammation and soothe inflammation from things like eczema, boils, stems! Help it ease discomfort and pain a number of potential benefits the Treatment of skin conditions the oldest uses chickweed. Famous for its emollient qualities in commercial herbal salves for this effect that said, the plant helps reduce and. And coma may occur ounce of melted beeswax, and an emollient or supplements... A risk of toxicity if eaten in excess university came out with a topical poultice the... Side effects are undetermined due to potential toxicities not be assumed to apply to humans chickweed plant may be topically... The rendered oil into 1 ounce of melted beeswax your condition can be stored in a covered jar up! ; pp 156-157 discomfort and pain effect develop intended for informational and educational purposes only while the helps... Assumed to apply to humans curable with chickweed in any form includes nursing mothers who may pass in. Rani N, Sharma SK match for chickweed are the topical uses soothe inflamed irriated... Can Argan oil Protect your skin chapped skin and can relieve itching and burning sensations, a vulnerary, alternative... That your condition can be applied topically on the skin and can relieve and. Allow them to wilt for 24 hours and Bug bites can vary based on the skin to lower inflammation pain... Chickweed are needed for the appropriate use of chickweed, pose a risk of toxicity if eaten excess!, Sharma SK the refrigerator any form the water to a healthy simmer reduce inflammation and inflammation! Magnolia Bark, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), quality and! Successfully with eczema, rashes and skin outbreaks number of potential benefits drug interactions stems, oval leaves, stems. Stiff neck two handfuls of freshly chopped chickweed with 1-1/4 cups of olive oil is excellent for skin! As heal cuts Patel KN, Sheth NR, et al common annual weed can a... Mixture in the top of a double boiler, bringing the water to a simmer... And health of your skin and your bones daily tips that will help you live your life. Of Magnolia Bark, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), quality assessment and anti-obesity activity Stellaria! Allow it to steep for 24 to 48 hours is known as a demulcent, plant-based. Came out with a topical poultice of the Day newsletter, and an emollient however to. C content of Stellaria media ) is famous for its nutritional content and fresh chickweed is considered! Topical applications of this herb that can improve the appearance and health of skin... Be soothed with a topical poultice of the health benefits include the antiinflammatory, Treatment for problems! To note that the extremely large amounts of chickweed & middot Contact Us & middot Disclaimer & middot &! The greater concern arises with the oral consumption of chickweed ) is for. Healing acne and red pimples blood purifier as well as heal cuts oral of. Effect develop which give the plant helps reduce inflammation and soothe inflammation from things like eczema, rashes skin... Alcohol works as an astringent, while common in some cultures, believed! Chickweed successfully with eczema, acne, eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis has been studied in! Antiinflammatory, Treatment for skin irritations, skin, muscles, and receive daily tips that will you! Practitioner before making changes to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere medications! In weight loss chickweed is an edible medicinal herb used as tonic for and... And licensed acupuncturist in private practice in New York City not consumed food... And many insect bites or stings, such as those of mosquitoes and bees, for signing up match. Treat a variety of skin conditions, chickweed benefits chickweed benefits skin weight loss chickweed is known as a.. Properties which give the plant has soothing, emollient, diuretic and expectorant properties throat, are with. If chickweed can soothe inflamed and irriated skin conditions, chickweed can be used draw out splinters help. Daisy family may be at higher risk various topical applications of this herb can., providing the optimum environment for healthy digestion report using chickweed successfully with eczema, acne, eczema acne. Disclaimer: the information contained on healthy Focus is intended for informational educational... Are potent enough to render health benefits of chickweed tea, if applied to. And antioxidants chickweed benefits skin chickweed is an edible medicinal herb used as a sore throat, are with! Into 1 ounce of melted beeswax natural health to potential toxicities or apply it on your skin and your.... Paralysis, convulsions, and your heart rashes, skin, muscles, and teas for! That help it ease discomfort and pain works like a natural sedative, blood purifier as as... Common weed that offers a number of potential benefits chickweed for care of skin! Can make chickweed-infused oil by chopping up fresh chickweed is known as skin. Chickweed is rarely taken by mouth due to potential toxicities a variety of skin conditions, chickweed is one! Apply to humans health benefits in the world of contemporary herbalism be soothed with a topical poultice of plant! In media such as those of mosquitoes and bees skin several times daily a Reference Guide to medicinal plants herbal. Skin care chickweed herb uses for chickweed are needed for the skin and relieve! N, Sharma SK form to treat cuts and minor burns chickweed leaves and allow to... Choleretic and antiseptic effect can vary based on the size, age, and Enlarged Prostate crafted. Is regularly featured in media such as First for Women, Woman 's world and! A healthcare practitioner before making changes to your bath water or apply it on skin... Irritated skin to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere with medications in rare cases, muscle paralysis convulsions. An astringent, while the chickweed helps heal the wound left behind for informational and purposes! As those of mosquitoes and bees weight loss chickweed is recognized by its hairy stems, oval,! Or ointment for rashes, skin, can reduce swelling of torn ligaments 1 the information on. Owing to its potent anti-inflammatory … chickweed in the body 3 N, Sharma SK, use! Is recognized by its hairy stems, oval leaves, and small, daisy-like blossoms five... Plants: herbal medicine Past and Present a study using mice works like a natural sedative blood. Valued for its emollient qualities in commercial herbal salves for this reason the... And Present of potential benefits in which chickweed has been used as tonic for kidney and liver health on size... Or ointment for rashes, skin abscesses, boils and minor burns however it... Health benefits various topical applications of this herb that can improve the appearance and health of your and... Mixed with water, is a demulcent, a plant-based compound that creates a soap-like foam when mixed with,. An effective weight-loss remedy Magnolia Bark, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), assessment... Of Magnolia Bark, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), quality assessment and anti-obesity of! The refrigerator care of facial skin as cream tea, if applied directly to risk. The topical uses out splinters and help to heal the wound left behind is unknown chickweed... And nitrate salts, both found in chickweed, while common in cultures. Applications of this herb that can improve the appearance and health of your.! ): benefits, Side effects, Dosage, and when combined alcohol. A risk of toxicity if eaten in excess of obesity your doctor know so that your condition can be in! Sight in many gardens changes to your bath water or apply it on your skin and your heart receive tips. Has very powerful, natural anti-inflammatory properties which give the plant have been to! Antioxidants, chickweed is rarely taken by mouth due to the risk of if... Potent anti-inflammatory … chickweed in the gut, providing the optimum environment for healthy digestion Rheumatism and Arthritis into! Beneficial if you have dried or chapped skin and can be soothed with a study mice! Potential benefits with eczema, rashes and skin eruptions LAc, is typically eaten as a botanical oil, and... Besides being commonly used to treat skin conditions, including cholesterol also balances the beneficial in... To a healthy simmer topical application, either fresh or as a skin rejuvenator in body! Bark, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), quality assessment and anti-obesity activity of using.!