Knotgrass, Russian

Medical Herbs Catalogue

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Knotgrass, Russian

otanical: Polygonum erectum (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Polygonacea Synonym: Erect Knotgrass.
Part Used: Whole herb.
Habitat: British America, and Western and Middle States.


Description: This perennial herb was discovered in North America in 1790, but up to date it has not been largely utilized. It is a variety of the English one - Polygonum aviculare, and has similar properties. It has an upright smooth branched stem and grows from 1 to 3 feet high. Leaves are smooth, broadly obvate, rather obtuse- 1 to 2 inches long - and about half as broad - either sessile or petiolate. Flowers bloom June to September in bunches at axils of the leaves.

Medicinal Action and Uses: It is highly astringent as an infusion or decoction; useful in diarrhcea as an injection and in children's summer complaints; also as a good gargle and a valuable remedy for inflammatory diseases of the tissues.