Description
Stellaria media is a small herbaceous annual. Occasionally the plant can be found standing upright, but more often it is seen prostrated, rooting at stem nodes. The newer leaves are normally stemless; mature leaves have petioles, are opposite and ovate in shape. Each stem has a column of small hairs traversing its length. Flowers arises individually out of leaf axils; they are borne on long, slender pedicels. These small white flowers have 5 petals; each petal is 2-parted giving individual flowers a 10-petaled appearance. The fruit matures into an ovoid capsule with very small, reddish-brown seeds.
Stellaria nitens is also an annual, but is upright and stout. The leaves tend to be lanceolate. The plant’s hairs are spread over the entire stem. The flowers form in cymes and are very inconspicuous owing to the very small petals and larger sepals.
Distribution
Stellaria media is a common plant. Owing to its European origin, it can be found in lawns, gardens, fields, and other moist and disturbed soils. S. nitens is largely native to the western half of the country; from Montana and British Columbia it ranges south to California, Arizona, and to parts of New Mexico. It is found in rocky crevices, next to drainages, and under shrubs and trees where it gathers protection from the sun.
Chemistry
Plastocyanin, c-glycosylflavones, hentriacontane, hexacosanyl palmitate, methylstearate, pentacosanol, triacontanol, triacontanoic acid, sitosterol, and its b-d-glucoside
Medicinal Uses
All Chickweeds in the Stellaria and Cerastium genuses can be used alike. The plant is easily overlooked because of its unassuming appearance and mild nature. Externally it is best used for hot, eruptive skin afflictions in the form of a fresh plant poultice, oil, salve, or juice. The plant’s cooling and soothing influence sedates itchiness from bites and rashes. Applied to sunburn and heat burns Chickweed lessens surface redness and inflammation and slightly diminishes pain. The infusion taken internally is a soothing diuretic, useful in sporadic urinary tract pain, and in combination with Canadian fleabane or Canyon walnut, it is a useful adjunct in treating low-grade intestinal inflammation.
Indications
Painful urination
Intestinal inflammation
Sunburn and other burns (external)
Rashes/hives/bites (external)
Collection
In early to mid-spring collect the upper herb portion before it dies back. In the arid southwest with high temperatures and lack of rainfall, the plant bolts quickly.
Preparations
To make Chickweed oil wilt the plant by 50% of its weight. Chop into ½-inch sections and add 5 parts of olive oil. Steep in a warm place, but not in the direct sun, for 10-12 days. Strain the oil from the herb but do not squeeze the marc. Remove any water from the oil before storing.
Dosage
Poultice/wash/oil/salve/juice: as needed
Herb infusion: 4-8 ounces 3 times daily
Other Uses
The tender, new leaves can be added to salads and used as a garnish. They have an interesting cucumber-like taste.