Folklore/Common Names: Starweed, Star Chickweed, Indian Chickweed, Satin Flower, Starwort, Stitchwort, Tongue Grass, Winterweed, Adder's Mouth (not to be confused with Adder's Tongue)
Parts Used: Arial (above ground) herb
Historical Reference
Okay, I have to complain just a tiny bit. I adore the lore that accompanies these herbs, and was terribly disappointed to find very little on the "Little Star Lady". How could an herb with such a fairy tale name have a history that is so purely practical? I imagine it is because Chickweed has been so very common for so many hundreds of years that it is simply taken for granted. Ah, well, on to its usefulness!
Medicinal Use
While Chickweed itself is not toxic, it can concentrate toxins from the soil where it is located. Be certain the area you grow or gather Chickweed is not contaminated or had use of chemicals of any kind on nearby plant and soil.
As early as the Native Americans, Chickweed was commonly used as a wash for soothing sore eyes, while the leaves were used to ease cuts and sores. We find early British references recommending Chickweed for abscesses, coughs and hoarseness. By the Nineteenth Century, we find Chickweed recommended as a treatment for rheumatism as well.
Modern Homeopaths recommend Chickweed for the following: (as always, consult a professional Herbalist before use)
- Externally, for dry skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis; boils, abscesses, and carbuncles. Use in poultice form.
- Combat Low Metabolism
- Treat constipation. Use a strong decoction or tea/infusion.
- Rheumatism and joint stiffness
- Bronchitis, coughs and hoarseness: Use a strong infusion.
- Gout
- Hemorrhoids
- Eye inflammations. Use a weak infusion, let cool and use as an eye wash.
Basically, Chickweed is soothing and cooling to the mucous membranes. But that's not all - benefits of this little herb are still being studied and discovered today. According to Steven Foster's 101 Medicinal Herbs, "Compounds from the roots of the Asian S. dichotoma and S. yunnanensis have been researched for potential anticancer and antioxidant activity. They were found to contain high amounts of Vitamin C, protein, flavonoids, phytosterols and glycosides as well, all of which make Chickweed a nutritional heavy weight in the leafy greens division."
Some sources make reference to Chickweed as an 'old wives' tale' remedy for obesity. In fact, there is some supporting scientific evidence that Chickweed may indeed be beneficial to weight loss, when included in a healthy lifestyle included proper diet and exercise. Basically, as a mild diuretic containing saponins, Chickweed emulsifies the fat cells and assists them out of the system. In Healing Wise by Susun Weed, she calls Chickweed an excellent metabolic balancer with a potentially regulating effect on the thyroid. With properties like these, it's certainly tempting to add it to every salad!
