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Nutritional Supplement

Chickweed

Also indexed as:Stellaria media

  • Skin Protection

    Eczema

    Topical preparations containing calendula, chickweed, or oak bark have been used traditionally to treat people with eczema.
    Eczema
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    Topical preparations containing calendula, chickweed, or oak bark2have been used traditionally to treat people with eczema but none of these has been studied in scientific research focusing on people with eczema.

    Poison Oak/Ivy

    Chickweed has been used historically to treat skin inflammations such as poison oak and poison ivy.
    Poison Oak/Ivy
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    A great many plants have been used historically to treat skin inflammations like poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Examples include calendula (Calendula officinalis), blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia snakeroot (Aristolachia serpentaria), holy basil (Ocimum tenuifolium), and chickweed (Stellaria media). None of these remedies has been subjected to controlled clinical studies to determine if they are safe and effective for this use. Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint and menthol, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch. Such oils should not be applied full-strength, but should rather be diluted (for example in lotion or gel) to avoid further skin irritation.

    Insect Bites and Stings

    Chickweed is sometimes used topically to alleviate itching secondary to insect bites. It contains relatively high amounts of vitamins, which may partly explain its use as a topical treatment for skin irritations and itching.
    Insect Bites and Stings
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    Chickweed is sometimes used topically to alleviate itching secondary to insect bites. It is often applied as a cream several times daily to rashes and inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, to ease itching and inflammation.3 The active constituents in chickweed are largely unknown. It contains relatively high amounts of vitamins (such as vitamin C) and flavonoids, which may partly explain its use as a topical treatment for skin irritations and itching.
What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Chickweed was reportedly used at times for food.4 It enjoys a reputation in folk medicine for treating a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from asthma and indigestion to skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. It is sometimes used to alleviate itching secondary to insect bites.

References

1. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 265.

2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenberg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988, 328-9.

3. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 64-5.

4. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 458-9.

5. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 64-5.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.