Plant Comparison
Tormentil vs Chickweed
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Tormentil and Chickweed: they share 3 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), skin irritation); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Tormentil | Chickweed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 3/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 6/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Tormentil |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Minor constituents; large amounts of fresh herb have anecdotally been linked to mild gastrointestinal upset, possibly related to saponin content.
Nutritive constituents supporting its traditional use as a wild edible green.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and throat
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (ellagitannins tighten the gut lining) - in a paediatric RCT, tormentil root extract shortened rotavirus diarrhoea (3 vs 5 days) and reduced rehydration needs
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (ellagitannins tighten the gut lining) - in a paediatric RCT, tormentil root extract shortened rotavirus diarrhoea (3 vs 5 days) and reduced rehydration needs
Supportive in inflammatory bowel disease / ulcerative colitis (limited trial evidence)
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and throat
inferred from astringent action
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and throat
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Tannin-rich: high or prolonged intake may cause stomach upset or constipation and can reduce the absorption of iron and some medicines taken at the same time.
Diarrhoea persisting more than 3-4 days, or with fever or blood in the stool, needs medical care. Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended in the absence of data.
Don’t overdo it as food: some wild-edible-plant research flags chickweed among plants checked for oxalic acid / nitrates—fine in normal amounts, but “huge daily servings” aren’t a smart idea for everyone. (Guil et al., 1997). Kidney stones / high-oxalate diets: if you’re prone to calcium-oxalate stones, treat chickweed like other higher-oxalate greens—moderation. (Guil et al., 1997). Possible stomach upset in large amounts (nausea/diarrhea reported anecdotally; some sources link this to saponins and “too much fresh herb”). (Singh et al., 2022). Pregnancy / breastfeeding: because good human data is limited, many herbal references advise sticking to food amounts or avoiding medicinal dosing unless guided by a professional. (Singh et al., 2022).
Duke (2002) notes that chickweed has primarily folkloric (score f) activity as a demulcent, emollient, and depurative. Its main medicinal applications are external — including soothing inflamed skin, eczema, and itching. No strong clinical evidence supports specific internal medicinal uses. The plant contains flavonoids and coumarins. It is considered generally safe as a dietary green and in topical preparations, though no standardized dosages are established (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Low, sprawling to semi-erect perennial herb (Rosaceae) with wiry stems. Leaves are palmate, typically with 4-5 leaflets and large leaf-like stipules that give the impression of more leaflets. Flowers are small, yellow and four-petalled - unusual among Potentilla species, most of which have five petals. The thick, woody rhizome is reddish inside when cut, the origin of the old name 'bloodroot' for this European species.[14]
Low, sprawling annual herb (Caryophyllaceae) forming mats, with weak trailing stems bearing a single line of fine hairs running up one side, switching sides at each leaf node - a key identification feature. Leaves are opposite, ovate and pointed. Tiny white, star-shaped flowers have five deeply notched petals that appear as ten, followed by a small capsule.[1]
Habitat
Native to Europe and western Asia, common in acidic grassland, heath, moorland, open woodland and pastures on poor, well-drained soils.[14]
Native to Europe, now a cosmopolitan weed found worldwide, growing in disturbed ground, gardens, cultivated land and waste places, tolerating cool, moist conditions.[1]
Harvesting
The rhizome is dug in autumn or early spring, when tannin content is highest, then cleaned and dried.[14]
The whole aerial plant is gathered fresh, ideally in spring or autumn when most tender, and used fresh or dried.[1]
Traditional Uses
Tormentil rhizome has an official European herbal-monograph tradition for mild diarrhoea and inflammation of the mouth and throat, reflecting its long folk use as a powerful astringent for gut and mucous-membrane complaints. Modern trials confirm its ellagitannin-rich rhizome shortens the duration of infectious (rotavirus) diarrhoea.[8, 14, 15]
Chickweed has a long European and North American folk-medicine tradition as a cooling, soothing emollient for itchy, inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, and as a nutritious wild spring green. Modern phytochemical review confirms broad anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, though clinical trial evidence remains limited.[1, 11]
Preparations
Crushed fresh herb, or an infused oil/salve, applied to itchy, irritated or inflamed skin.
Dosage
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Bandick, R., Busmann, L.V., Mousavi, S., Shayya, N.W. and others (2023) 'Therapeutic Effects of Oral Application of Menthol and Extracts from Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Raspberry Leaves and Loosestrife during Acute Murine Campylobacteriosis', Pharmaceutics, 15(10), pp. 2410. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15102410 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15102410 - Fecka, I., Kucharska, A.Z. and Kowalczyk, A (2015) 'Quantification of tannins and related polyphenols in commercial products of tormentil (Potentilla tormentilla)', Phytochemical Analysis, 26(5), pp. 353-366. doi:10.1002/pca.2570 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.2570 - Marcinczyk, N., Jarmoc, D., Leszczynska, A., Zakrzeska, A. and others (2017) 'Antithrombotic Potential of Tormentil Extract in Animal Models', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, pp. 534. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00534 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00534 - Melzig, M.F. and Bottger, S (2020) 'Tormentillae rhizoma - Review for an Underestimated European Herbal Drug', Planta Medica, 86(15), pp. 1050-1057. doi:10.1055/a-1129-7214 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1129-7214 - Marcinczyk, N., Golaszewska, A., Gromotowicz-Poplawska, A., Misztal, T. and others (2021) 'Multidirectional Effects of Tormentil Extract on Hemostasis in Experimental Diabetes', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 682987. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.682987 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.682987 - Hoffmann, J., Gendrisch, F., Schempp, C.M. and Wolfle, U (2020) 'New Herbal Biomedicines for the Topical Treatment of Dermatological Disorders', Biomedicines, 8(2), pp. 27. doi:10.3390/biomedicines8020027 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8020027 - Tomczyk, M., Sosnowska, K., Pleszczynska, M., Strawa, J. and others (2017) 'Hydrogel Containing an Extract of Tormentillae rhizoma for the Treatment of Biofilm-Related Oral Diseases', Natural Product Communications, 12(3), pp. 417-421. doi:10.1177/1934578x1701200328 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1701200328 - Subbotina, M.D., Timchenko, V.N., Vorobyov, M.M., Konunova, Y.S., Aleksandrovih, Y.S. and Shushunov, S (2003) 'Effect of oral administration of tormentil root extract (Potentilla tormentilla) on rotavirus diarrhea in children: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial', The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 22(8), pp. 706--711. doi:10.1097/01.inf.0000078355.29647.d0 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.inf.0000078355.29647.d0 - Wan, P., Chen, H., Guo, Y. and Bai, A.P (2014) 'Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: from bench to bedside', World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(39), pp. 14099-14104. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14099 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14099 - Wolfle, U., Hoffmann, J., Haarhaus, B., Rao Mittapalli, V. and Schempp, C.M (2017) 'Anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties of Potentilla erecta - A traditional medicinal plant from the northern hemisphere', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 204, pp. 86-94. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.058 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.058 - Moss, A.C. and Cheifetz, A.S (2007) 'Reducing the torment of diarrhea: tormentil for active ulcerative colitis', Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 41(9), pp. 797-798. doi:10.1097/MCG.0b013e3180684255 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0b013e3180684255 - Shushunov, S., Balashov, L., Kravtsova, A., Krasnogorsky, I., Latte, K.P. and Vasiliev, A (2009) 'Determination of acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Potentilla erecta (Tormentil) rhizomes in rats and mice', Journal of Medicinal Food, 12(5), pp. 1173-1176. doi:10.1089/jmf.2008.0281 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2008.0281 - Kirsch, J., Jung, A., Hille, K., Konig, B., Hannig, C., Kolling-Speer, I., Speer, K. and Hannig, M (2020) 'Effect of fragaria vesca, hamamelis and tormentil on the initial bacterial colonization in situ', Archives of Oral Biology, 118, pp. 104853. doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104853 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104853 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch., rhizoma (Tormentillae rhizoma)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/tormentillae-rhizoma Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/tormentillae-rhizoma - ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) (n.d.) 'Tormentillae rhizoma (Tormentil) monograph', pp. com. Available at: https://www.escop.com/downloads/tormentil/ Traditional / reference
https://www.escop.com/downloads/tormentil/
- Oladeji, O.S., Oyebamiji, A.K (2020) 'Stellaria media (L.) Vill. - A plant with immense therapeutic potentials: phytochemistry and pharmacology', Heliyon, 6(6), pp. e04150. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04150 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04150 - Demjan, V., Sojka, L., Slezak, P., Kaprinay, B. and others (2021) 'Stellaria media tea protects against diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats without affecting glucose tolerance', Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 12(3), pp. 250-259. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.08.003 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.08.003 - Demjan, V., Kaprinay, B., Sotnikova, R., Knezl, V. and others (2020) 'Effect of Stellaria media Tea on Lipid Profile in Rats', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, pp. 5109328. doi:10.1155/2020/5109328 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5109328 - Aleem, M., Khan, R.A., Tabassum, N. and others (2023) 'Phytochemical analysis and gastroprotective effect of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. methanolic extract on piroxicam-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats', Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 36(5), pp. 1425-1434. doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1835268/v2 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1835268/v2 - Cusumano, G., Flores, G.A., Venanzoni, R., Angelini, P. and others (2024) 'Small Steps to the Big Picture for Health-Promoting Applications Through the Use of Chickweed (Stellaria media): In Vitro, In Silico, and Pharmacological Network Approaches', Food Science & Nutrition, 12(11), pp. 9295-9313. doi:10.1002/fsn3.4505 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4505 - Ahmad, S., Ullah, F., Ayaz, M., Sadiq, A. and others (2022) 'Lipid peroxidation reduction and hippocampal and cortical neurons protection against ischemic damage in animal model using Stellaria media', Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 29(3), pp. 1887-1892. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.10.033 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.10.033 - Chak, P., Kumar, S. and others (2024) 'In Vitro COX Inhibitory Activity, LC-MS Analysis and Molecular Docking Study of Silene vulgaris and Stellaria media', Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 83(1), pp. 1009-1020. doi:10.1007/s12013-024-01533-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-024-01533-0 - Chidrawar, V.R., Patel, K.N., Sheth, N.R., Shiromwar, S.S. and Trivedi, P (2011) 'Antiobesity effect of Stellaria media against drug induced obesity in Swiss albino mice', Ayu, 32(4), pp. 576-584. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.96137 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.96137 - Rogozhin, E.A., Slezina, M.P., Slavokhotova, A.A., Istomina, E.A. and others (2015) 'A novel antifungal peptide from leaves of the weed Stellaria media L', Biochimie, 116, pp. 125-132. doi:10.1016/j.biochi.2015.07.014 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2015.07.014 - Slavokhotova, A.A., Shelenkov, A.A., Andreev, Y.A. and Odintsova, T.I (2017) 'Defense peptide repertoire of Stellaria media predicted by high throughput next generation sequencing', Biochimie, 135, pp. 15-27. doi:10.1016/j.biochi.2016.12.017 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2016.12.017 - Chevallier, A (1996) 'The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Medicinal%20Plants - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ramsay, J.R. and Suhrbier, A. and Aylward, J.H. and Ogbourne, S. and Cozzi, S.-J. and Poulsen, M.G. and Baumann, K.C. and Welburn, P. and Redlich, G.L. and Parsons, P.G (2011) 'The sap from Euphorbia peplus is effective against human nonmelanoma skin cancers', British Journal of Dermatology, 164(3), pp. 633-6. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10184.x Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10184.x - Merani, R. and Sa-Ngiampornpanit, T. and Kerdraon, Y. and Billson, F. and McClellan, K.A (2007) 'Euphorbia lactea sap keratouveitis: case report and review of the literature', Cornea, 26(6), pp. 749-52. doi:10.1097/ICO.0b013e31805444e5 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1097/ICO.0b013e31805444e5 - Fleischman, D. and Meyer, J.J. and Fowler, W.C (2012) 'Keratouveitis from Euphorbia cyparissias exposure is a temporal phenomenon', Clinical Ophthalmology, 6, pp. 851-3. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S32209 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S32209 - Bonetto, Diego 'On the wonderful chickweed, and its poisonous lookalike'. Available at: https://www.diegobonetto.com/blog/on-the-wonderful-chickweed-and-the-poisonous-lookalike Traditional / reference
https://www.diegobonetto.com/blog/on-the-wonderful-chickweed-and-the-poisonous-lookalike - Schneider, D.J (1978) 'Fatal ovine nephrosis caused by Anagallis arvensis L', Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 49(4), pp. 321-4. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/752080/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/752080/ - University of California Statewide IPM Program 'Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) - Weed Gallery'. Available at: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/scarlet_pimpernel.html Traditional / reference
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/scarlet_pimpernel.html
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.