Feb 23rd, 2014

weed knotweed(Persicaria maculata) has been on the radar for a long time. It constantly crawls out among potato bushes or among small crops of honey plants at the end of the garden - phacelia tansy, calendula officinalis or field mustard.

In the photo - small flower Highlander:

The knotweed has several names: buckwheat, persicaria renal. And also flea grass And kidney grass. But the official name is spotted knotweed. Very similar in appearance inflorescences with another plant of this genus - spreading knotweed (Persicaria lapathifolia), which also has several names: Komarov's knotweed, knotty knotweed, sorrel-leaved knotweed and others.

The difference between the two species is the characteristic dark spots on the leaves. U spotted knotweed they exist, but the knotty mountaineer does not. Although there may be hybrids of the two species, this is far from an exception. At first I thought that some kind of infection was damaging the leaves, but no - “moles”.

Photo - inflorescence of a plant.

Knotweed - annual herbaceous plant (height from 30 cm to 1 meter) with a tap root. The stem is single, erect and branched. The leaves are alternate lanceolate (3-10 cm long) often with dark spot. The flowers are small, pink or white, in dense spike-shaped racemes. Blooms in June-August. Belongs to the buckwheat family (I immediately remember). It grows along the banks of reservoirs, like a weed in fields, gardens and vegetable gardens.

In addition to the two above-mentioned highlanders, 13 more species grow in Bashkortostan: alpine knotweed (or Bashkir cabbage), viviparous, amphibian, snake, false sand, Montpelin, rejected, pepper, bird (aka knotweed), solonetz and others.

Photos of bees

We managed to get photographs of bees on the flowers of the knotweed, you can see them in the article -. Each individual flower of the kidney grass is very small (smaller than that of and), but thanks to the spike-shaped inflorescence, the bees are somewhat delayed, which allows them to be photographed. Pollen analysis of honey from our apiary periodically reveals pollen of another species - alpine knotweed (aka Alpine ram). Visually, it can be confused with common meadowsweet.

In the photo - kidney grass, also known as spotted persicaria.

Decoctions and infusions are used in medicine mountaineer as a laxative and hemostatic agent for constipation and hemorrhoids.

Spreading highlander, or sorrel-leaved(lat. Persicaria lapathifolia, syn. Polygonum lapathifolium) - a herbaceous plant of the buckwheat family ( Polygonaceae).

Description

Inflorescences

An annual plant 20-60 cm high with a branched root. The stems are erect, ascending or spreading, usually branched, often swollen at the nodes and covered with reddish spots. The leaves are elongated, 4-10 cm long, from linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate or even ovate, often with a dark semi-lunar spot on top, green or with thick light gray or white cobwebby pubescence; located alternately on the stem on short petioles.

The flowers are small, white, white-pink or reddish, collected at the ends of leafless branches in dense, thick, short (up to 4 cm in length and 1.5 cm in thickness), cylindrical, straight or slightly curved spike-shaped racemes, slightly narrowed towards the apex. Pedicels always have a noticeable articulation. The perianth of the fruit is 2.5-3.2 mm long, often whitish-greenish or pink, deeply dissected into 4-5 lobes, almost up to ¾, with prominent veins. The bracts, perianth, and inflorescence axes are often dotted with small yellowish glands (visible only when using a magnifying glass).

Propagated by seeds, each plant can produce 800-1350 seeds. Their germination rate is very unfriendly, the flowering period is extended for for a long time, the seeds ripen gradually and immediately fall off. The achene is flattened, with slightly concave sides, dark brown, shiny, usually entirely hidden in the perianth, 1.9-2.5 mm long. Seeds that pass through the intestines of animals remain viable, so they are often spread along with manure.

Chemical composition

Anthraquinones were found in the roots of the plant. Organic acids (malic, citric), saponins 7.2%, vitamins C, K, PP, phenolcarboxylic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic) were found in the above-ground part of the plant; tannins 2-6%, coumarins 0.01%, flavonoids 0.5-0.7% (kaempferol, quercetin, rutin).

Alkaloids, vitamins C, K, carotene, flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin) were found in the leaves. Flowers contain alkaloids, vitamin C. Fruits contain vitamin C, carotene.

Spreading

Distributed almost everywhere in the European part of Russia, Western and Eastern Siberia, in the Far East (Primorye, Amur region, Sakhalin, Kuril Islands); in Ukraine, Belarus, Central Asia, almost throughout Western Europe, in the north of Iran, Asia Minor, Japan, China.

Common in all natural and administrative regions of the Saratov Right Bank. In the Rtishchevsky district it was recorded in a wetland in the center of the city of Rtishchevo.

Features of biology and ecology

It is found along the banks of reservoirs, wetlands of meadows, wastelands, fields, clearings, garbage areas, and roadsides.

It blooms and bears fruit in June - September.

Economic importance and application

In medicine

The herb (stems, leaves, flowers) is used for medicinal purposes.

The above-ground part of the plant called "renal grass", together with the knotweed ( R. persicaria) in the form of water and alcohol tinctures It is used for hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidal bleeding, scrofulosis, as a diuretic, hemostatic and wound healing, for hypertension and heart defects and as a vitamin.

Pharmacological studies have shown that the liquid extract (infusion or herb) has hemostatic, fixative and diuretic properties, and has a short-term hypotensive effect. The infusion has antibacterial activity against Flexner's dysentery bacillus.

In other areas

In row crops it is often a burdensome weed. Recorded in spring crops of millet, barley, oats, vetch, rye, and flax.

The leaves are used as a vegetable, the fruits are eaten instead of cereals.

Literature

• Atlas wild plants Leningrad region. - M.: Partnership of Scientific Publications, 2010. - P. 531
• Elenevsky A. G., Radygina V. I., Bulany Yu. I. Plants of the Saratov Right Bank (flora summary). - Saratov: Publishing house Sarat. pedin-ta, 2000. - ISBN 5-87077-047-5. - P. 25
• Lavrenova G.V., Lavrenov V.K. Encyclopedia of medicinal plants. Volume 1. - Donetsk: Donetsk region, 1997. - P. 217
• Weeds of the USSR. T. II / ed. B. A. Keller. - L.: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences, 1934. - P. 86-87
• Flora middle zone Russia: Atlas-determinant / Kiseleva K.V., Mayorov S.R., Novikov V.S. Ed. prof. V. S. Novikova. - M.: ZAO “Fiton+”, 2010. - P. 191

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Bird's knotweed (kidney, snake, pepper, multi-flowered) - medicinal herbs from the Buckwheat family. The rather numerous genus Persicaria has about 300 species, distributed throughout the world, except in the regions of the Far North and deserts Central Asia. Common names: grass-ant, goose grass, bird's buckwheat, water pepper, snake root, large serpentine, crayfish. This unpretentious plants, preferring to settle in weedy areas and endure heavy trampling. The exception is Polygonum multiflora. All representatives are endowed with a wide range of medicinal properties, each type has an individual direction.

Botanical description

Knotweed (knotweed) - annual plant with a recumbent, low-branched, gnarled stem 10–60 cm long. The foliage is short-petioled, lanceolate-elongated, with a blunt or pointed tip. Upper leaves fastened with transparent pubescent sockets. The flowers are axillary, white-green with a pink border. The fruit is larger than the perianth, triangular, ripens in August-September. The flowering period begins in June and continues throughout the summer.

In external description knotweed and related representatives have both similarities and differences. Peppermint, unlike its own kind, when fresh is endowed with a spicy-hot flavor. After drying, the bitterness disappears.

Comparative characteristics are given in the table:

Name	What does it look like	Flowering period
Snake knotweed	Perennial up to 1 m high, with a curved woody rhizome and abundant branching. The root is dark brown on top and turns pink when cut. The stem is smooth, knotty, without branching. The leaves are of regular distribution, oval-elongated. Basal ones are petiole and large, stem ones are small, with bells at the base. The inflorescences are grouped, racemose, and include many pink flowers. Fruit - triangular seed pod dark brown. Ripens after flowering	May-June
Peppermint (water pepper)	An annual plant with a branching reddish stem, 40–80 cm high. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate-elliptic, with transparent specks on the outer surface. The flowers are small, a few millimeters in diameter, unprepossessing, with a red or green corolla	July-August
Highlander	Meter-tall herbaceous annual. The root is taprooted and has few branches, unlike the stem. The leaves are long, 4–10 cm, lanceolate, alternately distributed, attached with short petioles. Light pubescence is noticeable along the edges. The flowers are small, pink or white, collected in groups at the top. The fruit is a glossy nut, ovoid or triangular in shape.	June-August
Polygonum multiflora	climbing vine up to 4 m long. Refers to herbaceous perennials growing in rocky areas with a cool climate. The leaves are green, the flowers are white, bisexual. The fruits ripen in October-November. Common in China and Korea	September-October

As medicinal raw materials All parts of the plant are used. Ground part They are collected during flowering and the roots are dug up in the fall. Dry on outdoors in the shade or in a room with good ventilation. Lay out in a thin layer, tossing periodically. The shelf life of the collection is no more than 3 years.

Useful properties

The beneficial properties of knotweed are due to its rich internal composition. The herb has found application in folk and traditional medicine.It has the following set of medicinal properties:

• diuretic;
• astringent;
• anti-inflammatory;
• hemostatic;
• antitoxic;
• antimicrobial;
• antispasmodic;
• choleretic;
• antipyretic;
• diaphoretic;
• anthelmintic;
• emollient;
• regenerating;
• hypotensive;
• expectorant.

Herbal infusions are considered effective means anti-aging. They have a tonic and restorative effect after severe and prolonged illnesses. Effective for senile weakness, anemia, exhaustion, nervous disorders, pathologies respiratory tract. Prevents blood loss due to uterine, hemorrhoidal and intestinal bleeding. Due to the flavonoid avicularin, the plant restores the natural tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus or intestines and increases the rate of blood clotting.

Knotweed grass is often included in dry formulations that specifically break down and remove stones from the gall and bladder. Corrects salt metabolism disorders. Another property of knotweed is to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Helps with unstable functioning of the circulatory system - narrows the walls of capillaries, improves blood chemical composition, minimizes crystallization and deposition of mineral salts, stabilizes blood pressure.

Diseases that can be treated with knotweed include colds, pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, gastritis, dysentery, insomnia, stomach ulcers, and inflammation of the oral mucosa. For women, the plant is useful for infertility. Due to its hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects, it is used in gynecology and for hemorrhoids. In dermatology - for skin allergies, eczema, psoriasis, vasculitis.

A brief overview of the healing effects of related representatives:

Contraindications: predisposition to thrombophlebitis, high blood clotting, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. It is strictly prohibited for use by pregnant women, as its use can lead to miscarriage. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Application

IN medicinal purposes raw materials are consumed in the form of aqueous infusions, decoctions and alcohol tinctures. Fresh grass or juice crushed into a pulp treats external pathologies of the skin. Possible medicinal forms, methods of preparation and use are given in the table:

For hemorrhoids, knotweed in fresh Apply externally, pre-douse with boiling water. Crushed grass or juice heals open wounds, ulcers, abrasions, and bruises well. Baths and poultices are made from the decoction. They also rinse hair with it to get rid of dandruff.

The knotweed is a honey plant. Bees collect nectar from late summer until frost. Honey has a light amber color. This remedy is also very useful. In the traditional pharmacopoeia, knotweed herb is included in the Zdrenko collection. Known as a remedy in the fight against malignant neoplasms.

Syn.: kidney grass.

An annual herbaceous plant with a weakly branched taproot. It has hemostatic, laxative and other medicinal properties. The plant is also known as a good honey plant.

Ask the experts a question

Flower formula

In medicine

In modern medical practice, an infusion of knotweed herb is used as a hemostatic agent for uterine and hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is also used as a mild laxative for atonic and spastic constipation, as an astringent and disinfectant for vaginitis. Knotweed herb is included in preparations used to treat bleeding of various etiologies and gastrointestinal diseases.

In dermatology

Polygonum herb is used internally for rosacea and infectious and allergic diseases with a predominant inflammatory lesion of the blood vessels of the skin.

In other areas

The aerial part of the knotweed is used in the wine and alcoholic beverage industries. The roots, rhizomes and aerial parts of the plant are used to dye fabrics yellow.

This plant is a good honey plant. In many gardens, knotweed is grown as ornamental plant. However, it is poisonous to farm animals, especially the seeds of the plant. Also, knotweed is often used as an insecticide against bedbugs.

Classification

Polygonum persicária L. belongs to the cosmopolitan genus Polýgonum of the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). The genus includes up to 280 species distributed throughout to the globe, but mainly in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 180 species in the flora of Russia.

Botanical description

Knotweed is an annual herbaceous plant 30-60 cm in height. The stem is usually straight, bare, branched, reddish, and erect at the bottom. Unlike other types of mountaineers, its nodes are not thickened. Leaves (3-10 cm long) with a trumpet (fused membranous stipules), alternate, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, long-pointed with a wedge-shaped base, often with dark spots. Leaf blades green on top and greyish-green on the underside. The sockets tightly cover the stem, are hairy and long-ciliated along the edge. The flowers are small, collected in terminal dense, spike-shaped racemes (1-3 cm long). The perianth is simple corolla-shaped, pink, less often whitish, 2.5-3 mm long. Formula of the knotweed flower: *P5T3+3P(2….3). The fruits are triangular, ovoid, shiny, black or dark brown nuts (about 2 mm long), enclosed in the remaining perianth. Blooms from July to September.

Spreading

In the European part of Russia it is found everywhere (except in the North): in the Caucasus, in the southern regions of Siberia and Far East. Mainly grows in damp places, along the banks of reservoirs, lakes, damp meadows and ditches, roadside ditches, sometimes forms large thickets, less often weed in vegetable gardens and fields.

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

For medicinal purposes, knotweed grass is harvested in the flowering phase. Cut off top part plants up to 50 cm long without rough lower leaves. At the same time, 2-3 plants are left for every 2-3 m of its thickets. They are dried in the open air in the shade, but it is preferable to dry in dryers with artificial heating, adjusting the temperature taking into account the heating of the raw material to no higher than 40-50 ° C. With slow drying, the grass turns black. The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years. There is no smell, the taste is bitter.

Chemical composition

The medicinal properties of the knotweed herb are mainly due to flavonoids (up to 2.3%): avicularin, rutin, quercetin, hyperoside, hyperin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, kaemferol, kaemferol 3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside. In addition, the aboveground organs contain essential oil(0.05%), tannins (1.5%), phlobaphenes, pectic substances (up to 5%), organic acids (gallic, acetic, oxalic, butyric, malic), sitosterol, persilbene, sinapic acid, wax, sugars, mucus, vitamins K and C, macro- and microelements (accumulates copper, zinc, selenium), anthraquinone compounds in the roots.

Pharmacological properties

Knotweed preparations increase blood viscosity and clotting, and increase contraction of the uterus and intestines. Used internally in the form of an infusion, a liquid extract for uterine and hemorrhoidal bleeding as a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal agent. Also, knotweed preparations have a diuretic and mild laxative effect. Therefore, renal herb preparations are effective in the treatment of patients with long-term atonic, spastic, proctogenic constipation, as well as patients with heart and kidney diseases.

Also, plant preparations have an effect on the pituitary gland, therefore, they can be used for disorders of the endocrine system.

Plant preparations are used for no more than 10 days. With longer-term use, it is recommended to use knotweed in conjunction with medicinal plants that thin the blood, such as sweet clover, clover, chestnut, to prevent varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Medicinal preparations from the knotweed herb are contraindicated in thrombophlebitis and pregnancy.

Use in folk medicine

In folk medicine, an infusion of the knotweed herb is used internally for hemorrhoids, and externally for sitz baths. It is also used externally in the form of poultices for rheumatism, which have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, and in the form of an infusion - for rinsing with sore throat, inflammation of the larynx and the treatment of purulent wounds.

An infusion of the plant is used in gynecology for uterine bleeding which are caused by hormonal disorders or uterine fibromatosis. Also, an infusion of the plant is used for douching for colpitis.

A decoction of knotweed is effective for diarrhea, for strengthening the mucous membranes of the gums and in the form of baths for allergic dermatoses (including eczema), psoriasis, and lichen.

Traditional medicine in some countries uses plant preparations to treat tumors of various etiologies, including stomach cancer. Fresh above-ground organs are used instead of mustard plasters for gout, radiculitis, headaches (applied to the back of the head), and for healing wounds.

Chinese medicine uses Knotweed preparations for almost any disease of the lungs, colon, paranasal sinuses, and skin.

Historical background

The generic name polygonum is the Latinized Greek name for the plant polygonon (highlander) from poly (many) and gony (knee, node), because the plant has a multi-jointed stem. Mentioned by Hippocrates, Galen, Dioscorides. The specific name is from persica (peach), because the leaves of the plant look like leaves peach tree. The knotweed has others popular names: kidney grass and flea grass. Russian name The plant is associated with the word “chechui” - this is how the disease - hemorrhoids - was called in the old days.

Literature

1. "Big Encyclopedia". Medicinal plants in folk medicine" Ed. Nepokoychitsky G.A., M.: “ANS Publishing House”, 2005. – 960 p.

2. Gammerman A.F., Kadaev G.N., Yatsenko-Khmelevsky A.A. Medicinal plants (Healing plants): A reference guide. 4th ed., M.: Higher School, 1990. – 544 p.

3.Elenevsky A.G., Solovyova M.P., Tikhomirov V.N. Botany. Systematics of higher or terrestrial plants. 2004. 420 p.

4. Plant life (edited by A.L. Takhtadzhyan) 1982, T. 6. P. 155-169.

5. Korenskaya I.M., Ivanovskaya N.P., Izmalkova I.E. Medicinal plants and medicinal plant raw materials containing anthracene derivatives, simple phenols, lignans, tannins. Voronezh: Voronezh Publishing and Printing Center state university, 2007. - 87 p.

6. Kurkin V.A. Pharmacognosy. Samara: SamSMU, 2004. - 1239 p.

7. Nosov A.M. Medicinal plants in official and traditional medicine. M.: Eksmo Publishing House, 2005. – 800 p.

8. Plant resources of Russia: Wild growing flowering plants, their component composition and biological activity. Edited by A.L. Budantseva. T.2. M.: Partnership of scientific publications KMK, 2009. – 513 p.

9. Svetlichnaya E.I., Tolok I.A. Etymological dictionary of Latin botanical names of medicinal plants. Kharkov: NUPh Publishing House: Golden Pages, 2003. - 288 p.

10. Sokolov S.Ya. Herbal medicine and phytopharmacology. Guide for doctors. Moscow: MIA, 2000. – 976 p.

11. Shantser I.A. Plants of the middle zone European Russia. 2007. 470 p.

12. Kochetkov V.L. Medicinal plants in traditional Chinese medicine. M.: Miklos, 2003.- 78 p.

13. Budantsev A.L., Lesiovskaya E.E. (Responsible editor) Wild growing useful plants Russia. St. Petersburg: SPHFA, 2001. - 663 p.

Botanical characteristics

Sorrel-leaved knotweed, translated as Polygonum lapathifolium, the plant belongs to the group of annuals. The stems are ascending, somewhat branched, and can grow up to one hundred centimeters in height. The leaves are elliptical or lanceolate-elongated, they taper into a rather long petiole, they are point-glandular below, with short bristles along the edges, glabrous above.

The flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences, which are located at the end of the stem; they bloom in June and this period continues until September. The perianth may be white or colored pale pink color. The fruit is represented by a nut.

Plant distribution

Sorrel-leaved knotweed is found throughout our territory. big country. It grows in damp areas, for example, in meadows, and is found in shallow water, along the banks of lakes and rivers, next to reservoirs.

Plant part used

This plant has medicinal purpose its above-ground part is used. And this is explained by the fact that this herb contains some chemical compounds, for example, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, and phenolic-carboxylic acids.

Among the flavonoids, hyperin, quercetin, avicularin, quercimeritrin, kaempferol, and other compounds can be distinguished, and there is also vitamin K, carotene and ascorbic acid.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

To make it easier to harvest grass, you can take scissors with you, which will be convenient for cutting sorrel-leaved knotweed. Next, it is recommended to sort through the collected raw materials in order to reject deformed specimens.

Then it is cut into smaller pieces, after which the raw material is laid out in an even thin layer on a spacious tray and placed in a ventilated room, not forgetting to stir it every day.

When the grass reaches the required condition and takes on a dry appearance, it can be laid out in bags; compacting it is not recommended, as this will cause it to become damp and then rot, and this cannot be allowed; therefore, it is recommended to lay it loosely.

You can store dry knotweed herb for no more than two years, and try to use it during this time. It is not recommended to use raw materials after the expiration date.

Application

This herb has a pronounced hemostatic effect. It is used to treat such a common disease as hemorrhoids, and it is also used when bleeding occurs in the digestive tract, and in gynecological practice.

An infusion prepared from the medicinal sorrel-leaved knotweed has a laxative effect, so it is prescribed for impaired intestinal motility, in particular for constipation, and this drug also has a diuretic effect on the body.

The infusion is used not only internally, but also externally for some skin diseases, for example, for eczema, dermatitis, long-term non-healing wounds and ulcers. In this situation, lotions are prepared from the drug, or the affected areas of the skin are washed several times a day.

Recipes

To prepare the infusion, you will need fifteen grams of raw sorrel knotweed, which is recommended to be poured into a small bowl, you can take ceramic or enamel dishes. Then you should pour 200 milliliters of boiling water there and cover the container with a lid.

The drug should brew for at least one hour, after which you can start filtering it. To do this, you need to take a small saucepan, cover it with a double layer of gauze and pour the cooled infusion into it. Anything that settles on the fabric must be squeezed out well and the cake discarded.

Then the infusion can be used before meals up to three times a day, and the dosage depends on the disease, and it can range from fifteen to one hundred milliliters. It is recommended to store this drug only in the refrigerator, since room temperature it will deteriorate quite quickly and can cause harm instead of the expected positive effect.

You can prepare a tincture, for this you will need one liter of medical alcohol, or you can take regular vodka and add one hundred grams of dried sorrel-leaved knotweed herb into it. It is worth saying that the raw material must first be well crushed so that it releases all its medicinal components into the liquid as much as possible.

Then you need to close the bottle tightly. And put it in dark place for two weeks. It must be said that it is recommended to shake the container daily. After fourteen days, the tincture will be ready, and all that remains is to filter it.

For straining, you can use a strainer with a small mesh, pour the resulting tincture into a clean bottle, close it tightly and put it away for storage or in refrigerator, or leave in kitchen cabinet.

This drug is used when constipation occurs, and it is recommended to take forty drops of it three times a day, which are pre-dissolved in boiled chilled water in an amount of at least fifty milliliters. This treatment is carried out daily, for a maximum of three weeks.

Conclusion

Before using a tincture or infusion prepared from this representative of the flora, it is recommended to consult a doctor, and only after his approval can you use such drugs, but you should also not refuse to take medications.