Smartweed Health Benefits

The dry grounded leaves of the smartweed plant can be used as a substitute for white and black pepper, mainly when this spice is seldom found. Dioscorides recommended it as a revulsive in external applications.

Smartweed Scientific Facts

1. Scientific Name – Polygonum hydropiper L.
2. Other Names – Water Pepper.
3. French – Poivre d’eau.
4. Spanish – Pimienta acuática.
5. Environment – Warm and humid regions of Europe and North America.
6. Description—This is an annual plant of the Polygonaceae family, growing from 30 to 60 cm high. Its reddish stem and knots feature this botanical family, and its tiny flowers are whitish or greenish.
7. Parts of the plant used medicinally – All aerial parts of the fresh plant.

Healing Properties

The entire plant contains an essential oil rich in terpenic substances, flavonoids (rhutine or vitamin P), and tannins. Its most important property is its hemostatic action (it stops bleeding), supposedly due to its vitamin P content. In internal use, it has successfully stopped airway bleeding (hematuria) and excessive menstruation. It also has a diuretic effect.

It can be safely applied externally to heal bleeding or infected wounds. Besides stopping hemorrhages, it is an excellent cicatrizant.

Warning

Do not exceed the recommended internal use doses since this plant can irritate the digestive system.

How to use Smartweed

1. Infusion with 15 grams of plant per liter of water, drinking two or three cups daily.
2. The powder or dried leaves are used as a spice.
3. Fresh juice is applied, diluted in water, directly on the skin as a lotion or soaking a compress.

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

1. 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. 274. Print.
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31884037/
3. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2014/782830/