Plant Comparison

Chickweed vs Valerian

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.

First plant

Second plant

Plant AChickweedStellaria mediaCaryophyllaceaeFull monograph →

Plant BValerianValeriana officinalisCaprifoliaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Chickweed and Valerian: they share 3 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), skin irritation); 2 pharmacological actions in common.

ChickweedValerian

Constituents33

Pharmacological actions34

Indicated uses46

Safety notes22

Cited sources2023

Indicated uses

Only Chickweed

Eczema

Shared (3)

Arthritis / joint painInflammation (general)Skin irritation

Only Valerian

Insomnia / sleeplessnessMenstrual crampsMuscle spasm

Pharmacological actions

Only Chickweed

Emollient / skin-soothing

Shared (2)

Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidant

Only Valerian

AntispasmodicSedative / sleep support

Evidence face-off — shared uses

Condition	Chickweed	Valerian	Verdict
Arthritis / joint pain	2/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian
Inflammation (general)	2/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian
Skin irritation	1/10	8/10	Stronger for Valerian

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

Flavonoids and coumarins^[1]

Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

FlavonoidsCoumarins

Saponins^[1]

Minor constituents; large amounts of fresh herb have anecdotally been linked to mild gastrointestinal upset, possibly related to saponin content.

Saponins

Vitamin C and minerals^[1]

Nutritive constituents supporting its traditional use as a wild edible green.

Valerenic acid and valerenal^[13]

Sesquiterpenes thought to be key contributors to the sedative, GABA-A-modulating action.

Valerenic acid

Iridoids (valepotriates)^[12]

Unstable iridoid esters historically of pharmacological interest, though their contribution to the whole-root effect is debated.

Iridoid glycosides

Essential oil (bornyl acetate and sesquiterpenes)^[12]

Responsible for the root's characteristic strong aroma.

Essential (volatile) oilSesquiterpenes

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[1, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13]}

Antioxidant^{[1, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13]}

Emollient / skin-soothing^{[11, 12, 13]}

Anti-inflammatory^{[12, 13, 14]}

Antioxidant^{[12, 13, 14]}

Antispasmodic^{[12, 13, 14]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Sedative / sleep support^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14]}

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[7, 11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Eczema^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from emollient action

Evidence: 1

Label: Eczema

Inflammation (general)^{[7, 11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2

Label: Inflammation (general)

Skin irritation^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Arthritis / joint pain^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 8

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Inflammation (general)^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 8

Label: Inflammation (general)

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14]}Strong · 10/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 10

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

Menstrual cramps^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

Evidence: 8

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 8

Label: Muscle spasm

Skin irritation^{[12, 13, 14]}Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 8

Label: Skin irritation

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[11, 12, 13]}Caution

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).

Safety note^{[11, 12, 13, 14]}Info

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).

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14]}Caution

Generally well tolerated for short-to-medium term use. May cause vivid dreams, morning grogginess, or headache in some individuals. Avoid combining with alcohol, sedatives, or anaesthetics. Do not drive immediately after taking high doses. Do not use in children under 3 years. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14, 15]}Caution

Duke (2002) does not appear to include a primary entry for Valeriana officinalis (European valerian) in the sections searched. The entry found was for Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi). Commission E approves European valerian for restlessness and sleep disorders. Dose: 400–900 mg standardized root extract before bedtime. Interactions include potentiation of CNS depressants and sedatives.

External Ids

Gbif: 5384604

Wikidata: Q158711

Gbif: 2888763

Wikidata: Q157819

Botanical Description

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]

Height: Low, sprawling/mat-forming, stems to about 40 cm

Habit: Low, sprawling, mat-forming annual herb

Leaves: Opposite, ovate, pointed

Flowers: Tiny, white, star-shaped, five deeply notched petals (appearing as ten)

Stem: Weak, trailing, with a single line of fine hairs switching sides at each node

Root: Shallow fibrous roots

Fruit: Small capsule

Flowering Period: Can flower almost year-round in mild climates, peaking spring-autumn

Tall, upright perennial herb with hollow, grooved stems and opposite, pinnately divided leaves. Small, pale pink to white, sweetly scented flowers are borne in dense, domed clusters (cymes) at the top of the stem; the dried root has a distinctive strong, earthy, 'dirty sock' smell.^[12]

Height: 1-1.5 m

Habit: Tall, upright perennial herb

Leaves: Opposite, pinnately divided into toothed leaflets

Flowers: Small, pale pink to white, sweetly scented, in dense domed cymes

Stem: Hollow, grooved, upright, unbranched below the flower head

Root: Short rhizome with numerous fibrous roots, strongly aromatic when dried

Fruit: Small achene with a feathery pappus

Flowering Period: June-August

Habitat

Native to Europe, now a cosmopolitan weed found worldwide, growing in disturbed ground, gardens, cultivated land and waste places, tolerating cool, moist conditions.^[1]

Grows in damp meadows, ditches, riverbanks and marshy ground, tolerating both sun and partial shade; native to Europe and parts of Asia and naturalised in North America.^[12]

Harvesting

The whole aerial plant is gathered fresh, ideally in spring or autumn when most tender, and used fresh or dried.^[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem

Season: Spring or autumn, when most tender

The rhizome and roots are dug in autumn of the second year, once the strong characteristic aroma has developed, then cleaned and dried.^[12]

Parts: Rhizome, Root

Season: Autumn (second year)

Traditional Uses

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]}

Valerian root has a long European tradition, formalised in Commission E approval, as a sedative and mild anxiolytic for restlessness and sleep disorders, and as an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps and muscle spasm; modern systematic reviews support a modest benefit for sleep quality.^{[12, 13, 14]}

Preparations

Fresh leaf poultice/salve^[11]

Crushed fresh herb, or an infused oil/salve, applied to itchy, irritated or inflamed skin.

Standardized root extract (capsule/tablet)^[13]

Standardized root extract taken shortly before bedtime, the form most used in clinical research.

Dosage

Topical salve / infusion^{[11, 12, 13]}

Chickweed is generally used topically as a salve or poultice for skin irritation, or as a mild infusion (roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup); large quantities as food should be moderated given its oxalate content. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Standardized extract^[12]

Commission E and clinical research commonly suggest around 400-900 mg standardized root extract taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-0900, REF-0901, REF-0902, REF-0903, REF-0904, REF-0905, REF-0906, REF-0907, REF-0908, REF-0909

REF-1348, REF-1349, REF-1350, REF-1351, REF-1352, REF-1353, REF-1354, REF-1355, REF-1356, REF-1357, REF-0092

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: has-lookalikes

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Outcome: has-lookalikes

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dangerous Lookalikes

Safety note^{[15, 16, 17, 18]}Irritant

Dangerous Plant: euphorbia-peplus

Confused Part: Whole above-ground plant (stems and leaves) gathered raw from the same low, weedy, disturbed ground where chickweed is picked. Every part carries the caustic milky latex.

Confusion Context: Petty spurge (radium weed, Euphorbia peplus) is a small sprawling annual of gardens, paths and disturbed soil - the exact habitat chickweed is foraged from - and is repeatedly named by foraging authorities as the poisonous lookalike of chickweed. The hazard is chemical injury from its latex: the diterpene-ester sap (ingenol mebutate, confirmed in E. peplus by Ramsay et al. 2011) is caustic to skin, lips, mouth and especially the eye. Euphorbia latex in the eye behaves like an alkaline chemical burn and has caused keratouveitis, corneal epithelial defects, hypopyon and temporary vision loss in published case reports (Merani et al. 2007; Fleischman et al. 2012). Breaking a plant open in the hand and eating it transfers this caustic sap to lips, mouth and gut.

Distinguishing Features: SNAP TEST (decisive): petty spurge instantly bleeds a white MILKY latex from any broken stem or leaf. Chickweed NEVER produces milky sap - torn chickweed shows only clear juice and a stretchy elastic inner thread., Stem: petty spurge has a smooth, round, hairless stem. Chickweed has one distinct line of fine white hairs running up just one side of the stem, switching sides at each leaf node., Flowers: petty spurge has tiny green cup-shaped flower structures (cyathia) with no true petals. Chickweed has small white star flowers whose five petals are so deeply cleft they look like ten.

Key Test: Break a stem. If a white milky latex oozes out it is spurge - discard it and keep it away from mouth and eyes. Chickweed yields only clear juice and a stretchy inner thread, never milk.

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Safety note^{[18, 19, 20]}Irritant

Dangerous Plant: lysimachia-arvensis

Confused Part: Whole leafy plant (stems and leaves) picked raw from cultivated or weedy ground, especially before flowering; all parts contain the toxic saponins.

Confusion Context: Scarlet pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis, syn. Anagallis arvensis) is a low sprawling annual of the same disturbed weedy ground where chickweed is gathered and shares the small-leaved trailing habit, so pre-flowering shoots can be mistaken for chickweed. It contains haemolytic saponins; the University of California notes it can be toxic to livestock and humans, with toxicity ranging from virtually nontoxic to fatally toxic. Genuine lethal potential is on record: Schneider (1978) experimentally reproduced fatal nephrosis with uraemia and renal cortical necrosis by dosing sheep with the plant. The realistic human outcome from eating it in a salad is gastrointestinal upset, but it is not food.

Distinguishing Features: Stem: scarlet pimpernel has a hairless stem that is distinctly SQUARE (four-angled) in cross-section, with no line of hairs. Chickweed has a rounded stem bearing one line of fine hairs up a single side that switches sides at each node., Leaves: pimpernel leaves are stalkless (sessile) and clasp the square stem in opposite pairs. Chickweed's lower leaves have a clear stalk (petiole)., Flowers: pimpernel flowers are salmon-orange (occasionally brick-red, blue or white) with five rounded un-notched petals. Chickweed flowers are white with five deeply cleft petals looking like ten. Any salmon-orange flower rules out chickweed., Neither plant has milky sap, so the milky-latex test does NOT separate chickweed from pimpernel - use the square hairless stem, sessile opposite leaves and orange flowers instead.

Key Test: Roll the stem between your fingers. Pimpernel's stem is square-edged and hairless all round; chickweed's rounded stem carries a single line of hairs on one side that jumps sides at each node. If flowers are present, any salmon-orange flower means it is not chickweed.

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Safety note^{[21, 22, 23]}Fatal

Dangerous Plant: conium-maculatum

Confused Part: Tall damp-ground plant with divided leaves and clusters of tiny white/pink flowers gathered for its root; poison hemlock has a similar growth habit and white flowers.

Confusion Context: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a tall plant of damp ground, dug for its sedative root. As Practical Self Reliance warns, other plants with a similar growth habit and white flowers are deadly toxic - namely poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which shares the damp habitat and tall stature; water hemlock (Cicuta) can grow in the same wet ground. Poison hemlock contains coniine and kills by paralysis and respiratory failure. Because valerian's divided leaves and frothy pale flower clusters can be taken for a hemlock at a glance, careful identification is essential.

Distinguishing Features: Leaf and flower structure: valerian has OPPOSITE, pinnately divided leaves and domed clusters (cymes) of tiny pink-tinged white flowers. Poison hemlock has alternate, finely feathery (fern-like) leaves and flat-topped white umbels., Stem: poison hemlock has a hairless stem conspicuously blotched and streaked with red-purple, especially near the base. Valerian stems are plain green and grooved, without purple blotches., Smell: the pulled valerian root smells unmistakably of dirty socks/earthy funk; poison hemlock smells rank, musty and mouse-like.

Key Test: Check the stem, leaves and root smell. Opposite divided leaves, a plain green stem, domed pink-white flower clusters and a dirty-sock root smell = valerian. A hairless stem with red-purple blotches, feathery leaves, flat white umbels and a musty/mousy smell = poison hemlock - deadly, do not gather. If the stem is purple-blotched, do not touch it to your mouth.

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Drug Class Interactions

Not documented

Safety note^{[16, 17]}Caution

Drug Class: sedatives-cns-depressants

Mechanism: Valerian acts on GABA-A receptors like benzodiazepines and may add to the sedative effect of CNS depressants, sleep medicines, benzodiazepines and alcohol (a meta-analysis supports valerian improving sleep quality).

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Pairings

Not documented

Valerian and hops are traditionally combined for sleep; a controlled trial found the valerian-hops combination shortened the time to fall asleep more than valerian alone. Both add to sedation, so expect stronger drowsiness.^{[18, 19]}

Partner Id: humulus-lupulus

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Valerian and passionflower are both mild GABA-acting sedatives often blended in sleep and calming formulas; combined use may enhance relaxation but also additive drowsiness.^{[19, 20]}

Partner Id: passiflora-incarnata

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Valerian and lemon balm are a classic calming pair acting on the GABA system to improve sleep quality; combined use may increase sedation.^[19]

Partner Id: melissa-officinalis

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

References & Sources

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Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', 119(12), pp. 1005--1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026
Francis, A.J. and Dempster, R.J (2002) 'Effect of valerian, Valeriana edulis, on sleep difficulties in children with intellectual deficits: randomised trial', 9(4), pp. 273--279. doi:10.1078/0944-7113-00110 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00110
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
Ortiz, J.G., Rassi, N., Maldonado, P.M., Gonzalez-Cabrera, S. and Ramos, I (2006) 'Commercial valerian interactions with [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes', Phytotherapy Research, 20(9), pp. 794-798. doi:10.1002/ptr.1960 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1960
Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026
Koetter, U., Schrader, E., Kaeufeler, R. and Brattstroem, A (2007) 'A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder', Phytotherapy Research, 21(9), pp. 847-851. doi:10.1002/ptr.2167 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2167
Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201
Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153-1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400
Practical Self Reliance 'Foraging Wild Valerian For Better Sleep'. Available at: https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ Traditional / reference
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Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328
King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock

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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.