Stellaria media

Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).
Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).Stellaria media, Caryophyllaceae, Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).
Botanical Nomenclature Stellaria media
Common Name Chickweed, Craches, Maruns, Winterweed
Taxonomy- Family Caryophyllaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Stellaria media is an annual plant growing up to 15cm, with simple, oval, lanceolate, smooth leaves and small, white, hermaphrodite flowers with five petals, which close at night and open in the morning. The above ground roots are fibrous and fragile. The flowering happens all year round and the harvesting takes place from April to September. The fruits, which come from flowers from January to December, are capsule containing many small seeds (every fruit has up to 15,000 seeds).
Region Found Ioannina (Pindos, Metsovo, Smolikas, Gramos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Flowers
Active Substances Saponins, vitamins C, B2, B1, A, aminobenzoic acid (PABA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), niacin, coumarin, metals (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and silicon ).
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The plant has tonic, diuretic, laxative, healing, emollient, galaktagogue, emmenagogue and calming properties. It is recommended for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, congestion, obesity and digestive disorders. It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice and ointment for the treatment of various skin problems such as inflammations, lacerations, wounds, itching, irritation, ulcers, eczema and psoriasis. Also, leaves' extract is used against cysts, especially in ovaries, as well for washing either externally the skin or inside the vagina. In homeopathy, the essential oil made from the fresh plant is recommended against rheumatism and arthropathy.
Method of Administration The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water for 5-10min, 3 times a day), infusion (2-3 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 10-15min, three times day) and tincture (15-20 drops, 2-3 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of ointment and poultice made from the fresh plant.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Overdose may cause diarrhea and vomiting. The saponins of the plant are toxic to humans, although they are poorly absorbed, so they do not cause toxicity.
References 1) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chickw60.html 2)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail149.php 3) https://altnature.com/gallery/chickweed.htm 4) http://www.livestrong.com/article/218000-medicinal-uses-of-chickweed/ 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Stellaria+media