The efficacy and function of Chinese chickweed

Many people are not very clear about the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Chickweed. Let’s take a look below.

[Alias] Crow's Nest

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Chickweed of the Caryophyllaceae family.

[Original form] Perennial herb, 50-100cm high. Root-like. The stem is slender, erect or semi-creeping, with longitudinal ridges and no hairs. Simple leaves are opposite; petioles are pubescent, petioles in the middle and upper parts gradually shorten; leaf blades are ovate-elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 3-4cm long and 1-1.6cm wide, but leaves at the bottom or top are slightly smaller, with long acute tips, gradually narrowed bases, and entire margins. Cymes often grow in leaf axils, with slender peduncles; pedicels are thin, more than 1 cm long when in fruit; sepals are 5, lanceolate, about 3 mm long; petals are 5, white, nearly as long as sepals, with 2 lobes at the apex; stamens are 10, slightly shorter than petals; ovary is ovate, styles are 3, filiform. Capsule ovate, slightly longer than sepals. The seeds are oval, slightly flat, brown, and have nipple-like protrusions. The flowering period is May-June, and the fruiting period is July-August.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in mountain bushes and roadside wetlands below 2500m above sea level.

【Properties】 Identification of properties: The whole plant is 50-100cm long. Root-like. The stem is thin and weak, with longitudinal ridges. Leaves are opposite, complete leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 3-4cm long and 1-1.6cm wide. The cyme inflorescence grows in the leaf axils, with a slender peduncle; 5 sepals, lanceolate; 5 petals, white; 2-lobed at the apex; 10 stamens; 3 styles, filiform; ovary ovate. Capsule ovate. The seeds are oval, brown, and have nipple-like protrusions on the surface. Slight odor, light taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Pungent; Neutral

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies; promotes blood circulation and relieves pain. It is mainly used for mastitis, intestinal carbuncle, furuncle, traumatic injury, postpartum pain, rheumatic bone pain, and toothache.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash it for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Above we introduced what Chinese chickweed is. We know that Chinese chickweed is actually a traditional Chinese medicinal material that can bring us health benefits and has almost no major side effects, so you might as well try it in your spare time.