Chickweed
(Stellaria media)
adder’s mouth, stitchwort, scarwort, satin flower, starweed
Description:
An annual or short-lived perennial with creeping or ascending,
succulent stems and a conspicuous line of hairs on one side.
The small leaves are paired, broadly oval and pointed. Numerous,
tiny white flowers, 1/4 inch across, have petals shorter than
the sepals. Found throughout the world in lawns, gardens and
around dwellings.
EDIBLE,
Medicinal: Raw tender leaves and stems can be added to salads.
They are better when boiled 5 minutes and served as greens.
Note: Its safety is now being debated because of the saponin
content. The whole herb is astringent, carminative, demulcent,
emollient, expectorant, and
laxative. A decoction is used for a cleansing tonic that relieves
serious constipation, eases pain in hemorrhoids, cramps and
aids in losing weight. Steep 1 tablespoon of the herb to 1/2
cup water. Take 1/2-1 cup a day. A poultice or ointment soothes
itching skin, eczema, psoriasis and surface veins, rheumatic
joints, draws out splinters and heals wounds.
