Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Traditional use

Chickweed has been used in traditional European medicine for ailments such as scurvy, constipation, and obesity, thanks to its mild laxative and nutrient-rich profile. It was also applied externally as a poultice for swellings, boils, and hardened lumps or "knots" in the tissue. As a spring pot herb, chickweed was often cooked like spinach, though traditionally blanched and rinsed to reduce its slightly soapy flavour, caused by naturally occurring saponins.

Clinical Description

The name Stellaria means "star-like", a nod to its delicate white, star-shaped flowers. Chickweed contains saponins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (wound-healing), and antipruritic (anti-itch) effects. It is a key herb for treating inflamed, irritated skin, especially when there's heat, itch, or dryness present.

Chickweed is most effective when used fresh. It’s commonly infused into oils or ointments to make cooling creams for eczema, rashes, bites, stings, ulcers, and boils. The fresh juice or mashed herb can also be applied directly as a poultice to soothe hot, itchy, or inflamed skin.

Its cooling energetics and gentle action make it ideal for children, the elderly, or anyone with sensitive skin.

Cultivation/Harvesting

Chickweed is a fast-growing annual or short-lived perennial that thrives in cool, damp conditions, often found in disturbed soil, garden beds, and around allotment edges. It prefers partial shade but grows readily in sun if moisture is available.

Harvest the fresh aerial parts throughout the growing season, ideally in spring and early summer, before flowering for the best medicinal quality. Use fresh in oils or poultices, or juice immediately for topical use.

Foragers note: Chickweed has opposite leaves, a single line of hairs running down the stem, and white star-like flowers. Be cautious not to confuse it with scarlet pimpernel or Euphorbia (spurge)—both are toxic and have red or orange flowers.