Constituents: saponin glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids. Source of Vitamin C.
Action: alterative, demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, anti-itch, antirheumatic, mild laxative. A ‘cold’ (refrigerant) agent, dispelling excess body heat. Cools, soothes and relieves irritation.
Uses: Ancient English remedy for chronic skin conditions. Boils, painful eruptions, varicose ulcers, abscess, etc. Muscular rheumatism, inflamed gouty joints (ointment or poultice). Takes the heat out of itchy skin.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Tea: 2 teaspoons dried herb to each cup or, 1oz to 1 pint, boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Fresh herb, double quantity; simmer 10 minutes: 1 cup.
Liquid extract BHP (1983). 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol: dose – 1-5ml.
Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol: dose – 2-10ml.
Poultice: handful bruised Chickweed in muslin bag; use rolling pin until bag weeps juice; apply to affected area (varicose ulcer, etc). OR: 1oz dried leaves in bag; steep in boiling water; apply warm. Chickweed Ointment. 1 part clean Chickweed to 4 parts fresh salt-free lard and 1 part vaseline. Place all in a stone jar in a hot oven. Steep 2-3 hours. Strain through a wire mesh strainer or clean cloth into another jar. When cold, ready for use.
Lotion: Use tea for cleansing.
Lotion. Take a pot or other suitable receptacle, fill with fresh Chickweed well pressed down. Pour on Sunflower seed oil to saturation point. Allow to steep for 2 weeks, strain and bottle. Apply lid or cap and use for eczema and other skin diseases. (Christopher Hedley, MNIMH)
Habitat: Waste places, roadsides.
Features ? Stem weak, straggling, freely branched; line of white hairs along one side only, changing direction at each pair of leaves. Leaves small, ovate, sessile above, flat stalks lower. Flowers white, very small, petals deeply cleft, singly on axils of upper leaves. Taste slightly salty.Part used ? Herb.Action: Demulcent, emollient, pectoral.
Inflammation of the respiratory organs and internal membranes generally. One ounce of herb in 1 1/2 pints of water simmered down to 1 pint. Dose, wineglassful every two or three hours. Used externally as a poultice for inflamed surfaces, boils, burns and skin eruptions.