Chickweed

History:
Chickweed is a hardy annual that is native to Europe, but some say that the humble Chickweed may be found growing as a weed in every part of the world (including the far north) in gardens, lawns, meadows, pastures, fields and waste places. It appears as a sprawling tangle of trailing stems of about fifteen inches that produce pairs of oval leaves of varying size and white flowers that bloom from February through December, thriving in moist, fertile soil in sun or shade. Its botanical genus, Stellaria, is derived from the Latin word, stella, meaning "star," and was bestowed on it by the Swedish botanist, Linnaeus, who noted the star-like shape of the plant's delicate flowers. Chickweed is highly nutritious, with many vitamins and minerals, and has been used for centuries as a health tonic. In 1653, the great English herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, recommended it in a soothing and healing ointment, and the North American Chippewa and Iroquois tribes used it as an eyewash and wound poultice. Herbalists have long relied on Chickweed as a treatment for colds, coughs, inflammation and a variety of other ailments, although there have been no clinical trials to prove the herb's historical efficacy. Gardeners may rue the herb, but cooks love it, because it provides an almost year-round herb and source of salad greens. It is also included in herbal teas and cooked as a highly nutritious vegetable. Some of the constituents in Chickweed include mucilage, saponins, beta-carotene, genistein, rutin, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sulfur, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamins C and E.

Chickweed is considered an antitussive and demulcent that soothes, relieves and controls coughing, bronchitis, pleurisy, hoarseness, sore throat, chronic cough, nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with colds and flu.

As a diuretic, Chickweed is believed to stimulate the kidneys and promote urine flow. Along with its antibacterial properties, it has been useful in relieving urinary tract inflammations, including cystitis and vaginitis, as well as the elimination of excess water. In continental Europe, it is considered a fine cleansing diuretic that helps to remove waste and toxins in the increased urine. Chickweed is believed by herbalists to assist the body to eliminate mucus and fatty plaque from the system, as well as an herb that addresses fat accumulations, possibly helping to dissolve fat deposits and benign fatty tumors (lipoma).

Chickweed is thought to be an effective anti-inflammatory that helps to soothe the inflamed tissues of rheumatism and also heal wounds. Used externally, it is considered a topical anti-inflammatory that has been included in poultices to relieve inflamed skin conditions and treat sores, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, boils, abscesses, carbuncles, lipoma and warts.

As an astringent, Chickweed has been used to relieve hemorrhoids, weakness of the bowels and diarrhea.

Chickweed is an old-time health tonic with considerable nutritive value and has been used for centuries to strengthen and improve the health of the frail and sickly. It is said to be as wholesome as spinach and is a great source of vitamin C, which has also made it valuable in treating scurvy.

The fiber content in Chickweed is thought to promote regularity in the bowels and ease constipation.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Chickweed Herbal Supplement.

Capsule Information:
Our Chickweed supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.