Updated: April 2025
The first plants to appear during the spring are some of the most medicinal; dandelion, yarrow, comfrey and mint are just a few I have seen popping up around my yard. Chickweed is among those first spring greens that get labeled as a "weed" but one you will come to love, once you get to know her.
The first plants to appear during the spring are some of the most medicinal; dandelion, yarrow, comfrey and mint are just a few I have seen popping up around my yard. Chickweed is among those first spring greens that get labeled as a "weed" but one you will come to love, once you get to know her.
Stellaria media
Chickweed has very tiny flowers that close when overcast. It is one of the first plants to appear in early spring and full of nutrients and first aid healing properties. She is also known as Starweed because of her beautiful tiny, and I mean tiny, white flowers that resemble little stars.
Herbal Actions and Properties
- alterative
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- antirheumatic
- antitussive
- astringent
- carminative
- demulcent
- diuretic
- discutient
- depurative
- drawing
- febrifuge
- emollient
- emulsifier
- expectorant
- galactagogue
- lymphatic
- emmenagogue
- mucilaginous
- nutritive
- ophthalmic
- vulnerary
Uses
- Canker, mouth sores and abscesses
- Sore throat – gargle
- Lung support - aids in healing respiratory conditions bronchitis, asthma, dry coughs, etc.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – poultice, compress, salve can even be rubbed around outside of the eyelid
- Eye inflammation and sties - same as above, can be used cooled or warmed
- Tired, sore, dry, irritated eyes
- First aid – cuts, scrapes, abrasions, wounds, bruises, splinters - can be used immediately as an emergency herb by chewing up or crushing with hands and placing over wounds
- Burns, including sun burn
- Skin ailments – eczema, psoriasis, dry, chapped, itchy skin, rashes, boils, sores, irritation (use both inside and out)
- Blisters and warts
- Diaper rash
- Hives and heat rash
- Chicken pox and shingles (bath, salve)
- Bug bites and stings
- Sore and tired muscles – (bath, salve)
- Soothes and cools Inflammation - both internal and external, all tissues
- Kidney, liver, gallbladder support, aids the body to heal blocks and inflammation
- Internal healing and support for ulcers, urinary tract, stomach, and intestines
- Constipation - especially for children due to chickweed's gentle nature
- Nutrient dense - high in vitamins A and C, saponins (increase absorption), minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium to name a few
- Nutritive, all-purpose herb for restoration, relief, clearing, protection and nourishment – releases blockages and removes waste
- Blood cleansing and regenerating, blood poisoning, toxic conditions, etc.
- Infection, congestion, inflammation, weakness, illnesses, recovery, etc.
- Stimulates metabolism which can help in weight loss
Methods of Use
- Poultice, compress
- Tea, juice, drinks
- Baths, soaks, washes, gargle, douche, enema, eye wash
- Extract, glycerine, vinegar, alcohol (glycerine pulls more vitamins, vinegar more minerals)
- Herbal oil
- Salves, balm, creams
- Can be frozen for future use
- Powder, sprinkle, capsules (although fresh is best)
- Food - add to salads, smoothies, pesto or wherever else you would use greens (has a spinach like flavor)
In the Yard
- Most people don’t go planting chickweed in their gardens (except maybe this chick), they are usually trying to eradicate it, so go for a search around your yard or neighborhood. We found some growing under the plant tables at our local nursery in which case I asked if I could have it and brought it home to plant in my yard. Yes, I got some very weird looks - but I'm used to that!
- Likes shady, cool areas so look under shrubs and bushes in the spring and fall, you can even find her growing in the winter!
- Because of the shallow roots chickweed can actually provide a living type of mulch for your garden, in fact if you have chickweed growing it usually indicates fertile soil.
- Chickweed is actually an annual plant but self seeds readily which is how she comes back year after year.
- Aerial parts can be harvested anytime, both leaves and flowers.
- If you search for chickweed and still can't find her anywhere Mountain Rose Herbs does sell seeds or the dried herb.
Recipes
Chickweed Salve
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Resources
Chickweed Benefits by Dr. Axe
Edible Wild Food - Chickweed
Mountain Rose Herbs - Chickweed Seeds
A Handbook of Native American Herbs by Alma Hutchens, p. 65
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M Grieve, p. 195
Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss, p. 117
Backyard Medicine (quotes from old herbals and recipes, with dosages), p. 26
Breverton’s Complete Herbal, p. 93
Mountain States Medicinal Plants by Briana Wiles, p. 79
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen, p. 72 (details of actions and constituents)
Peterson Field Guides: Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs, p.
Prescription Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 107
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, 121
School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R. Chistopher, p. 323
The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody, p. 100
The Herbal Academy: Recipes Monographs: Intermediate Herbal Course, p. 113
The How to Herb Book by Keith and Gordon, p. 20 (specific conditions and how to use)
The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey, p. 40
The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, p.143
The Wild Wisdom of Weeds, p. 124
Edible Wild Food - Chickweed
Mountain Rose Herbs - Chickweed Seeds
A Handbook of Native American Herbs by Alma Hutchens, p. 65
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M Grieve, p. 195
Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss, p. 117
Backyard Medicine (quotes from old herbals and recipes, with dosages), p. 26
Breverton’s Complete Herbal, p. 93
Mountain States Medicinal Plants by Briana Wiles, p. 79
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen, p. 72 (details of actions and constituents)
Peterson Field Guides: Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs, p.
Prescription Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 107
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, 121
School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R. Chistopher, p. 323
The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody, p. 100
The Herbal Academy: Recipes Monographs: Intermediate Herbal Course, p. 113
The How to Herb Book by Keith and Gordon, p. 20 (specific conditions and how to use)
The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey, p. 40
The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, p.143
The Wild Wisdom of Weeds, p. 124
Shared On: Wildcrafting Wednesday, The Art of Homemaking.
