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CHICKWEED
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(Stellaria media)
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Other Names
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Adder’s Mouth, Indian Chickweed, Satin Flower, Starwort, Stichwort, Tongu Grass,
Winterweed.
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Description
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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.
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Classification
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Moist
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Taste
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Sweet
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cool
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Humor
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Fire
ê Water
ê Air
Û
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Uses/Applications
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Use Chickweed externally on cuts, wounds, for itching, irritation, eczema,
psoriasis, and skin ulceration’s.
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Compress
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Apply to painful joints.
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Cream
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Apply to eczema, especially if it is itchy. Use it to draw insect stings or
splinters, and on burns.
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Decoction
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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.
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Infused Oil
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Apply the oil as an alternative to creams for skin rashes or add to bath water
for eczema.
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Poultice
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Apply fresh plant to boils and abscesses, or painful rheumatic
joints.
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Tincture
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Add to remedies for rheumatism.
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Combinations
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Marshmallow.
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Constituents
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Saponins, Glycosides.
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Action
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Anti-Rheumatic, Vulnerary, Emollient.
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Food Values
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Vitamin C, Iron.
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Part Used
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Dried Aerial Parts.
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Collection
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Collect all year.
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Preparation
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Decoction
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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.
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Infused Oil
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Use the hot infusion method.
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. dried herb. Infuse 5
minutes. Take
three times per day.
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Poultice
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Apply fresh plant to boils and abscesses, or to painful rheumatic
joints.
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Growing Directions
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Chickweed is not generally cultivated as it widely available
everywhere. Check your lawn there is probably some growing right
there.
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History
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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.
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Additional Information
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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.
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Cautions
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None
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Moon
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Fidelity, Love
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Magickal Uses:
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Used in spells or carry to attract love or maintain a
relationship.
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