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Chickweed Herb - Uses And Side Effects

What is chickweed?

Components of chickweed, a widely occurring "weed," are extracted from the leaves, stems, and flowers of Stellaria media. A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, this plant is native to Europe.

Common doses of chickweed

Chickweed comes as:

• capsules
• crude herb
• liquid extract (alcohol-free available)
• oils
• ointments
• tea bags (caffeine-free)
• tinctures

Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As capsules, 3 capsules taken orally three times daily.
• As liquid extract, 15 to 30 drops (diluted) taken orally up to three times daily.
• As an ointment, apply liberally to affected areas as needed up to four times daily.
• As a tea, several times daily as needed.

Why people use chickweed herb

• As an expectorant.
• Burns
• Cough
• Dry, chapped skin
• Fever
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, eczema, and psoriasis.
• Insect stings and bites
• Itching
• Rashes
• Skin irritation
• Sore throat
• Stomach ulcers
• To "cleanse" the blood
• To drain abscesses and boils
• To lose weight
• Wounds

Side effects of chickweed

Call your health care practitioner if you experience symptoms of nitrate poisoning, such as dizziness, weakness, headache, and fainting spells, when using chickweed.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking.

Important points to remember

• Don't use this herb if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Be aware that chickweed may cause nitrate poisoning because it contains nitrate. One person who ingested excessive amounts experienced paralysis.

What the research shows

Clinical evidence doesn't support herbalists claims that chickweed is effective in treating a wide range of ailments.

Other names for chickweed : -

Other names for chickweed include mouse-ear, satinflower, star chickweed, starweed, stitchwort, tongue grass, white bird's-eye and winterweed.

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