Herbs That Heal

 
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CHICKWEED

CHICKWEED

(Stellaria media)

Other Names

Adder’s Mouth, Indian Chickweed, Satin Flower, Starwort, Stichwort, Tongu Grass, Winterweed.

Description

Chickweed is an annual weed found all over the world.   It grows 4 to 12 inches tall producing ovate leaves and small white flowers that bloom all year long.

Classification

Moist

Taste

Sweet

Balance Yin/Yang

Cool

Humor

Fire  ê  Water   ê Air   Û

Uses/Applications

Use Chickweed externally on cuts, wounds, for itching, irritation, eczema, psoriasis, and skin ulceration’s.

 

Compress

Apply to painful joints.

 

Cream

Apply to eczema, especially if it is itchy.   Use it to draw insect stings or splinters, and on burns.

 

Decoction

This tonic mixture is used to relieve tiredness and debility.   It is also helpful for urinary tract inflammations such as cystitis.   Take a capful at a time to relieve constipation.

 

Infused Oil

Apply the oil as an alternative to creams for skin rashes or add to bath water for eczema.

 

Poultice

Apply fresh plant to boils and abscesses, or painful rheumatic joints.

 

Tincture

Add to remedies for rheumatism.

Combinations

Marshmallow.

Constituents

Saponins, Glycosides.

Action

Anti-Rheumatic, Vulnerary, Emollient.

Food Values

Vitamin C, Iron.

Part Used

Dried Aerial Parts.

Collection

Collect all year.

Preparation

Decoction

Boil 3 heaping Tbsp. of herb in 1 liter. water until a 1/2 liter of liquid is left.   For constipation take 1 warm capful every three hours until the bowels begin to move.

 

Infused Oil

Use the hot infusion method.

 

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. dried herb.   Infuse 5 minutes.   Take three times per day. 

 

Poultice

Apply fresh plant to boils and abscesses, or to painful rheumatic joints.

Growing Directions

Chickweed is not generally cultivated as it widely available everywhere.   Check your lawn there is probably some growing right there.

History

Through out history Chickweed was given as a tonic to caged birds.   Since it is one of the most common weeds growing in all corners of the world its use was seen from all corners of the globe.   Since days gone by it has been used to heal wounds and in poultices for drawing boils.

Additional Information

1.   In China Yin Chai Hu (Chickweed root) is used as a cooling herb in fevers and to stop nosebleeds and heavy menses. 

2.   It is also given as a tonic for malnourished.

Cautions

None

Magick Information

 

Gender:

  Feminine

Planet:

  Moon

Element:

  Water

Deity:

  None

Powers:

  Fidelity, Love

Magickal Uses:

  Used in spells or carry to attract love or maintain a relationship.



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