Chickweed Herbal Monograph

Stellaria media, S. holostea, Stellaria spp.

Plant family: Caryophyllaceae

Common name: Chickweed, stitchwort (S. holostea), star weed, starwort, tongue grass, adders mouth

TCM Name: (Stellaria root) yin chai hu

Ayruvedic Name: Not Known

Parts used: leaves, flowers, and roots (TCM)

Native To: Europe

Geographic Distribution: Grows throughout most of the northern hemisphere

Actions

Alterative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-ulcer (stomach), astringent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, galactagogue, lymphatic, nutritive, refrigerant, vulinary

Taste

Mild, green, mineral rich, slightly salty, slightly sweet, slightly bitter