Herbs - Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare ).

What Is It?

This is an invasive plant native to Britain, Russia and middle eastern Europe. The leaves, roots and stalks of this weed are used in herbal medicine.

Action

It contains compounds such as tannins, namely catechin and gallic acid, which have potent astringent and haemostatic (slows bleeding) properties. It also contains silicic acid which is a source of the mineral silicia, which helps support the immune system in cleansing the body of toxins and improves the elasticity and strength of connective tissue. It also contains flavanoids such as quercetin, which is anti-inflammatory as well as mucilage and polyphenolic acids.

Uses

Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Arthritis (all types)
• Bleeding - internal and external
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Diarrhoea
• Gout
• Heavy periods
• Nose bleeds
• Piles

Other information

Knotgrass is often found as a loose dried herb and is mainly available in tincture for internal use. It is a herb that can be taken long-term with no known problems, and is sometimes found in herbal combination formulas to help with arthritic conditions.

Cautions

• Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided.



• At the time of writing there are no well -known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.

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