Official name: Chickweed

Latin name: Stellaria media L.

Other names: Middle star, Star, “Mishakinya”, Bird grass

Description: Chickweed is an annual (or biennial) herbaceous plant of the Caryophyllaceae family. It grows throughout the country in moist grassy places, bushes, roadsides and settlements at an altitude of up to 1500 m. The stem is strongly branched, long, prostrate or erect, thin and cylindrical. The leaves are opposite, ovate or elliptic, almost sessile, glabrous or ciliate at the base. The flowers are located in the axils of the upper leaves, formed by 5 white petals with 3 to 5 stamens. The fruit of Stellaria is a six-lobed, multi-seeded, ovoid capsule with rough seeds. The medicinal plant blooms almost throughout the year.

Part of herb used: herb (Herba Stellariae mediae)

Harvest time: Chickweed herbs are harvested during flowering from early Spring to late Summer. The collected herbs of the plant are dried in the shade in well-ventilated rooms.

Chemical composition/Content and properties: The medicinal plant contains amino acids, mucous substances, saponins, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, carotenoids, etc.

Medicinal action and application: Chickweed have a main anti-inflammatory effect. They are taken internally for various diseases - for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, for inflammations of the respiratory and urinary tracts, as well as of the digestive organs. Externally, the herb is used in the form of compresses on boils, swellings, wounds and dermatological problems. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, the medicinal plant is also used in cosmetics as an ingredient in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetic preparations that have a toning effect on the skin and improve its elasticity. Extracts and paws of Stellaria are contraindicated for pregnant women and children, as well as for persons prone to allergic reactions.

Possibilities to offer at the customer's request:

Vesselino Ltd. offers their customers the plant in the following varieties:

• Herb (Herba Stellariae mediae) - dried whole, crushed, cut to a certain size at the customer's request, ground into herbal powder/flour