Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and flowers have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Chickweed
Scientific Name	Stellaria media
Plant Family	Caryophyllaceae
Genus	Stellaria
Species	media
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Stellaria media
Common Name: Common Chickweed
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Stellaria, Starweed, Starwort
Plant Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Stellaria

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 30 centimeters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with margins curled under, upper surface glabrous and dull green, lower surface pale green with stomatal bands.
Flowers: Small white flowers arranged in clusters, actinomorphic, with five petals and five sepals, each petal with a distinct central vein.
Stems: Terrestrial, erect growth habit, simple branching pattern, glabrous surface, nodes with stipitate bases, presence of adventitious roots at nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Historically regarded as a calming diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a warming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Astringent: Traditionally described as a mild astringent, for surface-level applications.
Carminative: In herbal texts, considered a gentle carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: There is limited information regarding general precautions related to the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.