Locally in the UK for us, Stellaria media (translated from Latin as ‘Star in the midst’) or Chickweed, has been used for centuries in culinary and folk remedies worldwide for its numerous reported health benefits. Found in many of your Balmonds favourites, here’s a deep dive into this wonder-ingredient, and how it can help your skin.

Recognisable for its small white star-shaped flowers and brightly coloured green leaves, look closely and you could spot Chickweed in your garden. Adaptable to all kinds of environments, this winter annual can appear in farmland, gardens and parks, while in the wild in Europe it often appears on forest edges.

First described by the famous Greek physician, Dioscorides, he recommended Chickweed for tonic use to aid in reducing inflammation and poor nutrition. For a long time, chickweed was considered a useless weed, but recently its culinary possibilities have been discovered and is now even used in Michelin star restaurants.

Nutrient-dense Chickweed includes Vitamin C and Calcium, with significant concentrations of bioactive compounds.

Traditionally used as a natural antihistamine, Chickweed, when applied, can help soothe irritation from pesky bug bites, or dry itchy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

It’s also known to reduce inflammation caused by minor burns, sunburns or reactions to other skincare products.

Chickweed is also rich in gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that can help defeat dryness and support skin barrier regeneration