Chickweed has been used in folk medicine as a remedy for asthma, constipation, cough, fever and various other ailments. Chickweed contains mucilage, saponins, silica, coumarins, flavonoids (including glycoside rutin), triterpenoids, and carboxylic acids. The herb is rich in minerals, including copper and iron, and vitamins A, B, and C. Chickweed contains relatively high amounts of vitamins and flavonoids, which may partly explain its effectiveness as a topical treatment for skin irritations and itching.
Chickweed is chiefly used externally for skin irritations. Chickweed is used as a topical application for rashes and sores. Chickweed is particularly good for nappy rash. It has a cooling and healing effect. Gathered fresh, chickweed is beneficial in poultice form to ease rheumatic pain and to treat boils and abscesses. It’s also used for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases. Its demulcent, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect remedy for eczema.