The Greek physician and botanist of the first century, Dioscorides, highlighted the knotweed benefits for people who coughed up blood and women suffering from excessive menstruation. Due to its hemostatic effect (capable of stopping hemorrhages), the Romans called the plant sanguinaria (bloody), which lives on in many places.
- Introduction: Polygonum aviculare or common knotgrass is a plant related to buckwheat and dock. It is also called prostrate knotweed, birdweed, pigweed and lowgrass. It is an annual found in fields and wasteland, with white flowers from June to October.
In the 19th century, when tuberculosis decimated the population of unhealthy towns, knotweed was the object of a profitable business. It was recommended and sold to fight tuberculosis; its hemostatic effect stopped the bronchial and lung hemorrhage of people suffering from tuberculosis. This is a sad example of the mistakes a badly employed phytotherapy may lead to. Fighting the symptoms (bronchial bleeding) was intended to heal the disease (tuberculosis).
We now know the chemical composition and properties that make knotweed and many other plants beneficial. However, if treatments, whether with medicinal herbs or pharmaceutical medicines, are not correctly applied, there is the risk of mistaking the symptoms of the disease.
Knotweed Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Polygonum aviculare L.
- Other Names – Knotgrass, beggarweed, bind knotgrass, birdweed, cow grass, common knotweed, crawlgrass, doorweed, ninety-knot, pigweed.
- French – Renouée des oiseaux
- Spanish – Centinodia, hierba nudosa.
- Environment – Common on roadsides and dry soils worldwide.
- Description—This creeping plant of the Polygonaceae family grows on roadsides and crosses roads. It has knotted, thin stems, elongated leaves growing from the knots, and small white, purple, or pink flowers.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The entire plant.
Knotweed Benefits
Knotweed contains tannins, flavonoids, silicon, mucilage, and essential oil. Its hemostatic action, which promotes blood coagulation, is mainly due to its high tannin content, which has the property of coagulating proteins. Besides, flavonoids increase the resistance of the cells forming the walls of the blood vessels (especially the capillaries), thus stopping internal bleeding.
The maximum combined effect of both substances is mainly achieved in the digestive system. Thus, knotweed benefits especially suit any inflammation with bleeding that is produced in the intestine and the stomach:
- Gastroenteritis and dysentery (diarrhea accompanied by bleeding): Its effect in these cases is notable because it stops the bleeding and heals the diarrhea.
- Hemorrhagic gastritis and bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers: Due to the severity of hemorrhage, only a physician can prescribe the use of this plant. Knotweed is also helpful in other types of bleeding.
- Mild hemoptysis (bronchial-lung hemorrhage that manifests with blood appearing together with sputum): Bear in mind that the knotweed, though it helps stop the bleeding, does not heal the causative disease (tuberculosis, cancer, etc.).
- Excessive menstruation: Before taking a decoction of knotweed, women have to undergo a gynecological examination.
Due to its essential oil content and other active components, knotweed also has a mild diuretic effect (increases urine production).
How to use Knotweed
- Decoction with 30 to 50 grams of flowering plant (when more effective) per liter of water. Boil for ten minutes and strain; sweeten as you like. Drink four or five cups daily, though this dosage can be exceeded without risk since this plant lacks any toxic effects.
- Powder. Take from two to five grams three times a day.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the main bioactive compounds in knotweed that are thought to have health benefits?
1. Resveratrol: A potent antioxidant found in high concentrations in some knotweed species (especially Japanese Knotweed), resveratrol has been studied for potential anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits.
2. Emodin is a natural anthraquinone compound with laxative properties. It contributes to the plant’s traditional use for indigestion and may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Polyphenols: Plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Does the amount of resveratrol differ between different types of knotweed?
Yes, the concentration of resveratrol varies significantly between species. Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) generally has the highest resveratrol content, while other varieties may have negligible amounts.
What scientific research exists on this plant’s potential for Lyme disease treatment?
While there are cell studies and some anecdotal evidence, more robust research is needed. Some studies suggest potential benefits for Lyme disease. Still, it’s essential to note this plant is NOT a replacement for established antibiotic treatments.
Can this plant potentially help with cognitive function and brain health?
Early research suggests that resveratrol might offer neuroprotective benefits, potentially helping with conditions like Alzheimer’s. However, more human studies are needed to confirm this.
How might it support cardiovascular health?
Its resveratrol content could help by:
1. Reducing inflammation within blood vessels
2. Improving blood lipid profiles (cholesterol levels)
3. Protecting against oxidative injury to the cardiovascular system
Are there safety concerns or potential drug interactions with taking knotweed?
Yes, potential concerns exist:
1. Blood thinning: The plant may increase bleeding risk, especially for those taking blood thinning medications.
2. Digestive issues: Due to its laxative properties, it can cause stomach upset in some individuals.
3. Drug interactions: Consult a healthcare professional for potential interactions with other medications.
Can knotweed be consumed in its raw form, or is it better to take it as a supplement?
While young shoots are edible in small quantities, most of the plant’s benefits come from concentrated resveratrol in supplements. The raw plant may provide some dietary fiber but offers a much lower dose of active compounds.
Does knotweed have any estrogenic effects?
Limited research exists on this topic. Some suggest weak estrogenic activity, but further studies are needed to determine if it significantly affects hormone levels.
Are there quality standards or regulations concerning knotweed supplements?
Unfortunately, regulations for herbal supplements are not as strict as those for pharmaceuticals. Look for brands that provide third-party testing and verification of their resveratrol content.
Where can I find reliable and up-to-date research on the health benefits of knotweed?
PubMed: A database of biomedical literature https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
Reputable scientific journals focusing on phytomedicine or herbal research
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 272, 273. Print. [knotweed benefits]
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20592901/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4030174/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30199916/
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API