A modest plant with forgotten virtues

Often confused with other knotweeds, lady's-wort is distinguished by its lanceolate leaves marked with a dark spot. In popular usage, it was used as a decoction on hemorrhoids, superficial wounds, or as a mouthwash for canker sores. As an infusion, it also supports the digestive system in cases of temporary intestinal weakness.

Description

Dried and cut aerial part, composed of stems, leaves and flowering tops, green-brown to reddish-brown in color, discreet odor, slightly bitter and astringent taste.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Persicaria, Lady's Knotweed
• Latin name: Polygonum persicaria (syn. Persicaria maculosa )
• Family: Polygonaceae
• Part used: Aerial part (stem, leaves, tops)
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
• English name: Redshank herb
• Name in German: Floh-Knöterichkraut
• Name in Spanish: Persicaria
• Name in Italian: Erba persicaria
• Name in Arabic: عشبة الرسكارية

Main virtues

Astringent, mild hemostatic, mucous membrane tonic, mild antidiarrheal, external purifier.

Main constituents

Tannins, flavonoids, gallic acid, anthraquinones, natural salicylic acid, resins, mucilages.

Traditional use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons per 250 ml of simmering water, infuse for 10 minutes. Up to 3 times a day for a short course of treatment.
• External decoction: 30–40 g/L, boil for 10 minutes for sitz bath, compress, soothing lotion.
• Local use: as a gargle or mouthwash for minor mouth inflammations.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not use for long periods without supervision (high tannin content).
• Not recommended in cases of chronic constipation or significant digestive sensitivity.
• Use in pregnant or breastfeeding women should be avoided without medical advice.

History and use

A wetland plant, often perceived as a "weed," lady's-wort has long been part of folk medicine. Applied to wounds or administered as an infusion to treat mild diarrhea, it is a typical example of forgotten local medicinal flora. Today, it deserves to be rediscovered in gentle detox treatments or purifying skin care.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: resealable kraft bag or airtight opaque box.
• Storage: dry, away from light and humidity.
• Shelf life: 12 to 18 months.
• TARIC customs code: 1211.90.86.00

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Popular herbal medicine books and manuals of medicinal plants from Europe
• Ethnobotanical references on Polygonaceae

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

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