Polygonum hydropiper

Polygonum hydropiper
Family:Polygonum hydropiper; Antiinflammatory; Astringent; Carminative; Contraceptive; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Homeopathy; Stimulant; Stomachic; Styptic.
Common name:Smartweed
Smartweed has a long history of herbal use both in Eastern and Western herbalism. It is not used very often and is seen more as a domestic remedy being valued especially for its astringent properties which makes it useful in treating bleeding skin problems diarrhoea etc. The leaves are anti-inflammatory astringent carminative diaphoretic diuretic emmenagogue stimulant stomachic styptic. They contain rutin which helps strengthen fragile capillaries and thus helps prevent bleeding. Use with caution. The seed is carminative diuretic and stimulant. The whole plant either on its own or mixed with other herbs is decocted and used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including diarrhoea dyspepsia itching skin excessive menstrual bleeding and haemorrhoids. A poultice of the plant is used in treating swollen and inflamed areas. In Chinese tests the plant was ranked 20th in a survey of 250 potential antifertility drugs. A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves. It is used in the treatment of piles menstrual pains and other menstrual complaints.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:14 []