Chickweed
Stellaria media
Herbs & Roots. Western & European and Dr. Sebi's list.
Also called Common chickweed, Starwort
Spanish: Pamplina
A small, soft weed eaten as a green and used in salves and teas for itchy skin.
Did you know? Chickweed got its name because chickens and other birds eat it eagerly.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Skin. Used in salves for itch, rash, and dry skin. Mostly lab work and tradition; few human trials.Traditional proof
- Weight. Promoted as a weight-loss herb. No human trials show it helps with weight.Not supported
Parts of the body
Traditional use
European herbalists used chickweed salves for itch, rashes, and minor skin problems. It is on Dr. Sebi's herb list, but his disease claims are not supported by research.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Demulcent, Anti-inflammatory. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Eaten fresh in salads or cooked like spinach. Salves and teas are used on the skin or drunk, with no standard dose.
Food, tea and topical.
Where to get it
A common weed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Pick fresh tops from clean ground, or buy dried herb, tinctures, and salves from herb shops.
Be careful
Chickweed is food-like and rarely causes trouble. People allergic to carnations or other members of the carnation family may react. Pick only plants you can identify, since wild plants can be mixed up with look-alikes or contaminated by sprays.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are spring weeds used in folk tonic teas and salads.
- Works well together
Both are early spring greens used in traditional tonic teas and salads.
- Works well together
Common partners in spring greens and tonic blends.
The honest take
Chickweed is a food-like green with a small place in folk skin care. Its weight claim has no human proof. Dr. Sebi's disease claims are not supported by research.