Knotweed (knotweed or bird's buckwheat) is a medicinal plant that has a positive effect on the human body. The plant contains vitamins, bioflavonoids, tannins, saponins, coumarins. The plant extract is used to prepare decoctions, infusions, tinctures, and juice. The products are used in the treatment of urolithiasis, arthritis, problem skin, colds, and vitamin deficiency.

Bird's knotweed. What it looks like and where it grows

Knotweed has several names (toptun grass, conotop grass, kuroed, goose grass, etc.), belongs to medicinal plants, grows in a temperate continental climate. The variety belongs to the class of dicotyledons, the buckwheat family; there are more than 12 subspecies in the genus (eastern knotweed, bird knotweed, climbing knotweed, mountain knotweed, etc.). The variety is an annual, grows up to 60 cm, the stem is branched, stable, the root system is tap-type, low-branched.

photo of a plant in its natural habitat

When collecting it yourself, it is important to consider what the gossamer grass looks like. The leaves of the plant are compact, elliptical in shape, reaching sizes of 1.5-5 cm in length, 0.4-1.5 cm in width, the petioles are shortened. The flowers of the plant are small, light green with pink or white edges.

Flowering time is April - October, its abundant period is July-August. Knotweed seeds ripen in late summer - early autumn.

Composition and medicinal properties of knotweed herb

The use of the plant in folk medicine is due to the rich composition of the variety, which contains:

• vitamins;
• bioflavonoids;
• tanning components;
• coumarins;
• saponins;
• silicic acids;
• anthraquinones.

nature has endowed the plant with a rich chemical composition, which allows it to be used to maintain human health

The list of components included in the plant includes vitamins A, E, C, K, group B. The complex allows you to improve the quality of vision, improve the protective characteristics of the body, start cell regeneration processes, stabilize the condition of the skin, and normalize blood clotting.

Bioflavonoids have anti-inflammatory characteristics, enhance metabolic processes in the body, have antioxidant properties, reduce the harmful effects of free radicals, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and reduce swelling. The components trigger the body's recovery and have an anti-allergic effect. Bioflavonoids have a diuretic, choleretic effect, and increase blood clotting.

Tanning components have protective characteristics, eliminate infectious diseases, prevent inflammatory processes in blood vessels, bone tissue, and the nervous system.

Saponins stabilize the digestive system, prevent constipation, increase metabolism, and are useful for poisoning.

Silicic acids have a positive effect on the body, participate in metabolic processes, improve the condition of the skin, hair, nails, ligaments, and strengthen blood vessels. The components help slow down the aging process, prevent the development of cellulite, the development of varicose veins, and the formation of blood clots.

Anthraquinones are natural laxatives.

To obtain high-quality raw materials, you must follow certain rules

How to collect, prepare and store raw materials

Knotweed is a grass that grows on paths, wastelands, along the banks of reservoirs, in courtyard areas, in pastures, dumps, near private houses, etc. The plant is unpretentious and resistant to temperature changes. Bird buckwheat grows on different continents, except Antarctica and the Arctic. The variety prefers illuminated areas with nutrient-rich soil.

It is not recommended to harvest the plant in urban areas, areas near railways, and highways. To prepare medicinal preparations, plants are collected at the beginning of the flowering period (June-July), it is necessary to cut off the upper part of the base, leaving the lower edge of the leaves. The raw materials are dried without exposure to direct sunlight.

The shelf life of dried leaves is limited to 2 years, because... raw materials gradually lose their therapeutic effect. Dried herbs are stored in glass containers with sealed lids, bags made of sheets of thick paper, linen or cotton bags.

Grass collection is allowed throughout the summer and early autumn, the optimal cutting length is 40 cm. Before drying, the plants are separated from weeds and placed in a ventilated room or ventilated attic.

You can cook the grass on the veranda or in a special dryer at a temperature of +50...+60°C; you need to turn the materials 2-3 times. The raw material reaches readiness when the stems are brittle.

dry raw materials are used for the preparation of medicines that have a positive effect for the treatment and prevention of various diseases

Indications and restrictions for use

According to the medicinal properties and contraindications in the reviews, knotweed is used to treat various diseases:

1. The herb Konotop is useful for kidney stones; the use of plant extracts helps to enhance the removal of sand and stones from the paired organ. However, in the presence of large stones, it is not recommended to use decoctions, because medical intervention will be required.
2. For arthritis, polyarthritis, myositis, osteochondrosis, decoctions of the plant are used, which have a positive effect due to the presence of tanning components, silicon, and retinol.
3. For cystitis, decoctions and infusions of knotweed are useful, they improve the condition of the walls of the bladder and regulate the activity of the excretory ducts.
4. Knotweed for men is recommended for prostatitis, to improve the condition of the body.
5. For problem skin (pimples, acne, comedones, blackheads, enlarged pores), compresses from the infusion of the plant are indicated. They neutralize inflammatory processes in the body, regulating the activity of the sebaceous glands, improving complexion.
6. In case of overweight or obesity, the presence of silicon in the plant will reduce fat deposits and the development of cellulite. Decoctions help remove excess fluid from cells and increase the effectiveness of the dietary complex. The plant extract increases the body's immunity, reduces the feeling of hunger, improves heart function, and strengthens blood vessels.
7. For respiratory diseases, the extract is used to reduce temperature and eliminate inflammatory processes. Vitamins C, E, and tannins help in treatment. Taking decoctions helps reduce the symptoms of bronchitis, sore throat, rhinitis, and tonsillitis.
8. Knotweed is used for its medicinal properties in gynecology. The extract helps balance hormonal levels and helps treat some types of infertility. The plant increases the chances of pregnancy for women whose infertility is associated with inflammation. When consuming decoctions and medicinal teas, it is necessary to follow a set of medical measures.
9. The plant is used to reduce inflammatory processes in the body, increase tone, and stress resistance.

knotweed is included in medicinal compositions for the treatment of pathologies of the genitourinary system and kidneys

Polygonum is distinguished by its beneficial properties and contraindications. During pregnancy, knotweed should not be used in teas or decoctions.

The list of contraindications also includes the following pathologies and symptoms:

• varicose veins;
• thrombophlebitis;
• kidney and bladder disorders;
• plant allergy;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• high blood clotting;
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• peptic ulcer;
• gastritis;
• lactation period;
• skin infectious diseases.

For what diseases and how are knotweed preparations used? Schemes

The use of bird knotweed extract is possible in the following forms:

• decoction;
• infusion;
• tincture;
• natural juice;
• tea mixture.

Bird buckwheat is used in combination with other plant extracts. If patients are interested in the question of how to drink (portion and number of doses) a decoction or infusion, it is recommended to consult with a specialist, because Overdose of the drug is not allowed. You should know how to brew knotweed: intensive heat treatment of the plant is unacceptable; it is best to pour the extract with heated water.

when infused, all the beneficial substances of the plant are transferred into the drink, the intake of which has a therapeutic effect

Decoction

A decoction of knotweed, according to the instructions for use, is prepared according to the following recipe:

• 4 plant stems;
• clean water (0.5 l).

You need to cut the stems, leaves and place them in a bowl of the required volume. The raw materials are filled with heated water and cooked in a water bath. The broth is cooled, the grass is drained in a colander, and an additional volume of water is added to the mixture. Use a medicinal decoction 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. between meals. The duration of the course is at least 2 weeks. After a break of 7-10 days, you can resume taking the composition.

The decoction can be used to treat inflammation and skin rashes. A strong composition is prepared, the product is applied to the face in the form of a compress, and left for several hours. Then rinse the skin. The regularity of use reaches 2 weeks with breaks of 3-4 days.

• dried herb (2 tbsp);
• purified water (100 mg).

You need to heat the water, add raw materials, cook in a water bath for 30-35 minutes. The product is infused for 12 hours, then strain. For treatment, you need to take 3 tbsp in the morning before meals. l. The broth is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days.

For the preparation of medicinal products, you can use pharmacy or independently prepared raw materials

Another recipe for improving the condition of the female genital organs is prepared from the following components:

• dry knotweed (1 tsp);
• sweet clover (1 tsp);
• sage (1 tsp);
• meadowsweet (1 tbsp.);
• cuff (1 tbsp.);
• purified water (250 mg).

You need to mix plant extracts, add 1 tbsp to heated water. l. herbal mixture. The solution is prepared using a water bath for 15-20 minutes over low heat. The composition is mixed with water to 1 glass. The product should be consumed 20-30 minutes before meals, 150 g.

The leaves of the plant can be brewed and drunk as tea 2-3 times a day for men and women.

Infusion

To prepare the infusion you will need the following components:

• grass (3 tbsp.);
• water (1 glass).

It is necessary to cut the stems and place them in a thermos, add hot water. The drink is infused for 3 hours, filtered and cooled. Take the product 2 times a day, 100 g for a week. You can continue taking the drink after a 7-day break.

To increase the therapeutic effect, knotweed is used with other medicinal herbs

To prepare an infusion of knotweed for kidney stones, you will need the following components:

• herb (1 tsp);
• bearberry (1 tsp);
• corn silk (1 tsp);
• dried bean flaps (1 tsp);
• purified water (250 g).

It is necessary to mix dry grass. Add 2 tbsp to hot water. l. mixture and leave for 20-25 minutes, filter. The infusion is taken in small portions during the day (80-100 g). After regular use, the severity of pain will decrease.

Knotweed for kidneys can be prepared according to a different recipe, you will need:

• goose stew (3 tbsp.);
• yarrow (1 tsp);
• celandine (1 tsp);
• water (250 g).

You need to mix dry plants. The raw material (1 tbsp) is poured with heated water, left for 15-20 minutes, filtered through cheesecloth or a sieve. The composition is taken 2-3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. The product helps reduce inflammation and remove excess fluid from the body.

Knotweed for hair is used as an infusion. You need to brew the herb in a thermos (1 tbsp) with 400 mg of heated water, leave for 1 hour. Then rinse your hair with the infusion diluted in water after washing your hair.

in folk medicine there are many recipes with knotweed for the treatment and prevention of various diseases

The following recipe is used to treat infertility:

• leaves and stems of gooseberry (3 tbsp.);
• water (1 l).

Pour the herb into heated water and leave for 3-4 hours in a thermos. The product is filtered using gauze. The infusion (0.5 cups) is drunk 3-4 times a day before meals. When taken regularly, the product helps stabilize hormonal levels and improve the functioning of the reproductive organs. For preparation, you can use the herb, dried or fresh. To improve the taste, add lemon juice or flower honey.

Knotweed for kidney stones is used according to the following recipe:

• Konotop (1 tbsp.);
• goose cinquefoil (1 tbsp.);
• water (250 mg);
• low-fat milk (500 mg).

It is required to prepare 2 infusions for complex treatment. For the first one, you need to heat the milk until boiling, add the bloodroot and leave for 30-40 minutes, strain with gauze. For another infusion, you will need to heat the water, mix it with gooseberry and leave for 15-20 minutes, then strain.

Reception is carried out according to a specially developed scheme, when 1 infusion is taken 30 minutes before meals in the morning (150 g), in the afternoon (125 g), in the afternoon (75 g) and in the evening (50 g). 60 g of the second infusion are taken along with the first. Complex treatment reduces pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. When completing the course, it is important to increase the consumption of purified water (up to 2-3 liters per day) for painless removal of sand and stones.

Tincture

Knotweed tincture is useful for the liver, for kidney diseases, prepared according to the recipe:

• gooseberry (2 tsp);
• alcohol (200 g).

It is required to pour the herb mixture with alcohol and leave for 10 days, then the composition is filtered. 15-20 drops of tincture are diluted in 1/2 glass of water and taken 3 times a day. The product helps reduce pain and inflammation.

freshly squeezed juice from knotweed has a powerful healing effect, but it can only be prepared during the growth period of the plant

Juice

To prepare the juice, you will need to grind the plant material using a food processor or blender. The mass is filtered through cheesecloth. To increase immunity and anti-inflammatory effects on the body, you need to mix juice and 1 tsp. liquid honey.

To treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, seizures, hypotension, and neuroses, the following version of the recipe is used:

• knotweed juice (100 mg);
• natural honey (1 tbsp.).

The ingredients are mixed and taken before meals 3 times a day.

Fresh plant juice is used for compresses and lotions. The product is only available during the grass harvesting season. The composition is soaked into gauze and the napkin is applied to the skin. If you feel a strong burning sensation, you need to remove the bandage.

To restore the hair structure, a mask is made from juice, olive oil and natural honey. It is recommended to apply the product 3-4 times every month. Keep the composition on your hair for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with running water.

Knotweed (another name is Knotweed) is a herbaceous perennial plant. In folk medicine, decoctions of this beneficial herb are used to treat diseases of the respiratory system, digestion, and also externally for skin diseases.

Compound

Polygonum contains many substances beneficial to the human body:

• vitamins (B, C, E, K);
• micro and macroelements;
• tannins;
• carotene;
• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• fiber;
• organic acids;
• carbohydrates;
• mucous substances;
• resins;
• fats;
• bitterness.

Useful properties

Knotweed, the price of which is indicated on the website next to the product image, has many medicinal properties and has the following effects on the body:

• restorative;
• immunostimulating;
• hypotensive;
• diuretic;
• hemostatic;
• antitoxic;
• antimicrobial;
• wound healing.

The plant improves the functioning of the digestive organs, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, preventing the deposition of cholesterol and the development of atherosclerosis, promotes the dissolution of gallstones and urinary stones, enhances the tone of the muscular layer of the uterus, and improves the condition of the mucous membranes and skin.

Indications for use

The main indications for the use of knotweed are the following pathological conditions of the body:

• haemorrhoids;
• inflammatory diseases of the digestive system;
• tuberculosis (as part of complex therapy);
• rheumatism;
• malaria;
• whooping cough;
• kidney pathologies;
• uterine bleeding;
• peptic ulcer;
• bronchial asthma;
• liver diseases;
• arterial hypertension;
• urolithiasis;
• chronic inflammatory diseases;
• infertility;
• tumors of various etiologies;
• metabolic disorder;
• loss of strength.

Contraindications

It is prohibited to use drugs that contain knotweed if there are the following contraindications:

• individual intolerance to the components that make up the plant;
• children under 12 years of age;
• the presence of large stones (6 millimeters or more) in the organs of the urinary system;
• pregnancy;
• diseases associated with blood clotting disorders.

How to take

Below are the most popular recipes using knotweed:

1. Decoction. Take one tablespoon of dried and crushed plant herbs, pour half a liter of hot water, put on fire, bring to a boil, boil for 10 minutes, cool, filter. The prepared decoction is drunk 4 times a day, ½ cup per dose for dysentery, inflammatory diseases of the digestive system, liver, and gall bladder.
2. Infusion. Take one tablespoon of dried and crushed raw materials, pour 200 milliliters of cold clean water, put on fire, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil. After this, the infusion is kept for 20 minutes in a water bath, cooled, filtered, water is added to the original volume and taken three times a day, one tablespoon per dose.

Wherebuy

You can order knotweed in our online store. It's easy to place an order. You need to select the required product, add it to your cart, and choose a convenient delivery and payment method.

Buy knotweed and other medicinal plants right now in the “Native Herbs” online store. It's profitable, safe and reliable!

Or the knotweed.

Knotweed is an annual herbaceous plant. It is found almost all over the world, with the exception of the Arctic and Antarctica. The length of the stem ranges from 10 to 60 cm, but sometimes even reaches 80 cm.

Knotweed flowers are faded green, usually white or pinkish at the edges. The knotweed blooms from May and almost all of June.

The plant has found great use on the farm. It is valued as feed for poultry, but is also often consumed by humans.

Salads are prepared from fresh, or rather young, leaves of knotweed, and they are also added to soups.

You can find knotweed in vacant lots, in pastures, on paths or roads in yards. That is, a very unpretentious plant. It is adapted to trampling.

There are also other names for knotweed:

• bird's buckwheat;
• grass - ant;
• knotweed;
• trample - grass;
• goose grass;
• chicken eater

The plant received the name grass - ant because of its ability to quickly grow on fertile soil, forming a carpet.

Trampling - grass is called because the plant is not trampled.

Goose grass and chicken beetle - these names are given because poultry are very fond of this grass.

• flavonoids - avicularin, quercetin;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamins A, E, K;
• silicic acid;
• tannins;
• resin, mucus, bitterness.

Harvesting knotweed

There are no special features in harvesting knotweed. This plant is harvested just like any other herbs. That is, it is collected during the flowering period - May - June. The upper part of the plant is used for medicinal purposes; some people harvest the entire plant except the root.

After collecting, the grass is dried in the shade, in a well-ventilated area or under awnings, or even better in the attic. But if conditions do not allow, then you can use a dryer, the main thing is that the temperature is not very high, that is, does not exceed 40 degrees.

In folk medicine, knotweed is used:

• with cholelithiasis;
• for sand and stones in the kidneys and bladder;
• for hypertension;
• as a means of restoring strength after illness;
• for skin diseases;
• as a blood purifier
• as a hemostatic agent.

By the way, in China it is used as a tonic.

Knotweed also increases blood clotting.

There are also legends that the knotweed can help infertile women get pregnant.

• for diseases of the urinary tract;
• for gastroenteritis;
• in case of intoxication (poisoning);
• for anemia.

It is not recommended to use knotweed-based medicines, decoctions or infusions for acute inflammation of the kidneys or bladder and also for thrombophlebitis, since it increases blood clotting, so you should be careful.

I will share with you one recipe for an infusion that helps get rid of skin diseases, cleanse the blood and can remove sand from the kidneys and bladder.

The infusion is prepared as follows: take 20 g of dry knotweed herb and pour a glass of boiling water.

Then the infusion is heated in a water bath for 15-20 minutes, after which it is infused for about 40 minutes.

The infusion can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The plant has several names: bird buckwheat, conotope, goose grass, knotweed, grass-ant. It is very unpretentious and grows in a variety of places. The herb bird knotweed, the benefits and harms of which have been known for centuries, is included in many pharmacological preparations.

What does grass look like?

Bird knotweed is an annual plant. It can reach a height of 80 centimeters, is distinguished by a thick root and a knotty stem, which spreads along the ground at the base.

The length of the gray-green leaves is 5 centimeters, the petioles are short, and the nodes contain white membranous bells. Flowering occurs over a long period - from May to October.

The flowers are collected in buds of several pieces, which are located in the axils of the leaves. The fruits are triangle-shaped, black or brown, and ripen in mid-July.

The plant can be found in any corner of Russia with any climate. The grass easily tolerates drought or high humidity, and is ready to grow in any soil: in the mountains, along roads, in gardens, on sports fields and in all sorts of other places. As a weed, it often harms crops.

Medicinal and beneficial properties

Medicines made with poultry buckwheat have antimicrobial, antitoxic, expectorant, and viscous effects.

In addition, these medications have choleretic and diuretic effects. Knotweed is an antitumor, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and tonic, strengthening agent.

A natural remedy, when properly prepared, provides undeniable benefits and treats the following diseases:

• skin diseases;
• stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis;
• inflammatory processes and infections;
• tuberculosis;
• bleeding in the uterus and lungs, hemorrhoids.

Infusions also strengthen the body, relieve psychosomatic disorders, relieve swelling and help remove small stones from the kidneys. The benefits don't stop there.

The therapeutic effect and benefits of bird knotweed are also expressed in the following effects:

• contraction of the uterus;
• decreased vascular permeability;
• improvement of metabolic processes;
• increased blood clotting;
• removal of toxic substances;
• accelerated healing of bruises, abrasions and wounds;
• improvement of appetite.

Before using the plant, it is necessary to study contraindications, which will help avoid unwanted side effects.

Contraindications, harm to bird knotweed herb

The herb ant should not be taken during lactation and pregnancy, or for people with poor blood clotting or hypotension.

It is also contraindicated for patients after strokes, heart attacks, during the active phase of diseases of the stomach, kidneys, bladder, ulcers, bronchitis, glomerulonephritis, varicose veins or thrombophlebitis of the veins.

General contraindications include age under 12 years and individual intolerance to the drug.

Blank

The upper part of the bird's knotweed is required for treatment. Flowering stems are cut above the ground. You cannot pull them, as in this case the root is also removed.

The stems are laid in a thin layer to dry on cloth or paper in a shaded place. The raw material should not contain bad flowers, roots or very small leaves.

The dried material is stored for about three years in fabric or paper bags in dry places protected from light.

Do not collect knotweed near roads, in pastures or near landfills. Toxic dust will only cause harm. You should go out to collect in sunny weather, when the dew has dried on the stems.

The use of bird's knotweed for women

Knotweed is widely used in the treatment of gynecological ailments, due to its properties to stop bleeding, the ability to contract the uterus and relieve inflammation.

A decoction based on it reduces the duration of menstruation, relieves uterine bleeding, helps relieve inflammation of the appendages and treats anemia. The decoction is drunk orally 30 minutes before meals three times a day or used as douching.

To obtain it, you need to pour 20 g of goose meat with 1 cup of boiling water and cook for 20 minutes. After this, it is cooled for 30 minutes and filtered.

With the help of a decoction that can be taken by men and women, infertility is treated. 4 tablespoons of herb must be infused in 1 liter of hot boiled water. According to reviews, this recipe is beneficial when planning pregnancy.

Women should start drinking the decoction the day after the end of their menstrual cycle.

Application for men

The plant treats urolithiasis. It is able to destroy calcium salts, which are involved in the formation of stones. The infusion destroys stones and removes them.

It should be noted that if there are large stones (more than 6 mm) and during a relapse of the disease, knotweed should not be consumed.

To prepare a medicinal decoction, you need 15 g of the mixture, which consists of equal parts of gooseberry, bearberry, hernia, bush beans, pour into a thermos and add a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. The resulting composition should be drunk before meals, divided into two doses. The course lasts two months.

knotweed, conotope, goose grass, sparrow tongues, ant grass, chicken beetle, bird buckwheat, trampling grass

Unlike many other plants widely used by herbalists, the medicinal properties of knotweed herb have been scientifically confirmed, which is why it is included in the list of medicinal plants. Tough, long, resistant to attempts to damage, knotweed stems can often be seen on hiking trails, next to plantains. Knotweed is so widespread in our temperate continental climate that it is considered a weed. True, unlike plantain, it only has a pronounced diuretic effect, and scientific medicine does not confirm its other therapeutic properties. Contraindications of knotweed herb are often associated with the same effect, since artificial stimulation of kidney function is not relevant for all kidney diseases.

Name in Latin: Polygonum aviculare

Name in English: Knotgrass

Family: Buckwheat

Knotweed or knotweed is one of the useful weeds - like plantain, St. John's wort, and many other wild herbs. Interestingly, the English name for knotweed can literally be translated as “knobby grass.” A very accurate analogy, because its long and rigid stems are themselves divided into segments similar to the phalanges of the fingers, and its flowers more closely resemble pink nodules at the junction between them. As a result, the general appearance of knotweed grass resembles a long green rope with knots.

Composition and medicinal properties of knotweed herb

The strong stems of knotweed grass are very resistant to abrasion, which is why they decorate roadsides as often as plantain. It is also “omnivorous” in terms of requirements for soil composition. According to official medicine, the use of knotweed herb is limited to its diuretic properties, but herbalists and healers use it much more actively. The composition of knotweed herb includes the following components.

• Vitamins. In particular, we are talking about vitamins A, C, E and K. In practical use, this set means that knotweed helps improve vision, enhance immunity, improve regeneration and protective properties of the mucous membranes and skin (due to the largely similar effects of vitamins A and C), stabilize blood clotting.
• Bioflavonoids. This is the name of a large class of plant compounds, some of which have not even been studied yet. For plants, they serve as a means of protection against pests and stimulants of metabolism, natural dyes for leaves and flowers. In the human body, they play the role of antioxidants - protectors of cells from free radicals (fragments of molecules resulting from oxidative reactions). Currently, bioflavonoids are commonly referred to as “vitamin P” and are prescribed to reduce oxidative stress (the destructive effect of these free radicals) throughout the body. But in addition to combating “wrong” metabolic products, bioflavonoids strengthen the capillary walls that are most susceptible to free radicals, eliminating swelling. Thanks to them, treatment with the herb knotweed reduces the intensity of allergic and inflammatory reactions throughout the body, has an antiseptic effect, and has a positive effect on the tone of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels of the heart, bladder and other organs formed by it. They are mainly responsible for the diuretic properties of the knotweed herb decoction. Some bioflavonoids have other effects besides those indicated - analgesic, increasing coagulability, choleretic, hepatoprotective.
• Tannins. These are derivatives of bioflavonoids with more pronounced protective properties. The lion's share of tannins is moderately toxic not only to fungi and other natural enemies of plants, but also to the human body. However, it is precisely this partial toxicity that provides them with the properties of weak natural antibiotics that can overcome most infections, as well as aseptic inflammation in all tissues, including bone, vascular and nervous. In direct contact with the tissues of malignant tumors, tannins demonstrate a pronounced antitumor effect. If the contact is indirect, their constant presence in the blood can significantly slow down its growth and decay, and inhibit the development of metastatic (secondary) foci.
• Coumarins. They are most often indirect anticoagulants, but also exhibit antispasmodic and anticancer properties. Some of them are poisonous enough for humans to cause pathological bleeding, as in hemophilia, or skin burns (locally, upon contact with them) due to its pronounced photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation).
• Saponins. In principle, saponins are a component that is more harmful than beneficial, since we are talking about a natural soap base. Saponins are not absorbed by the body, but their irritation of the walls of the stomach and intestines leads to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In other words, their presence in knotweed or other plants like quinoa can have a therapeutic effect against constipation or, for example, food poisoning. That is, when complete evacuation of the contents of the digestive system is necessary. True, knotweed grass does not contain many saponins, and taking quinoa for a similar purpose is more relevant.

All parts of knotweed also contain silicic acids - infrequent but useful “guests” in the composition of plants. Silicic acids are valuable for the human body because they participate in the vital activity of cells of connective and horny (nails, hair, skin) tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Their use prevents early aging of the musculoskeletal system, the deposition of cellulite on the buttocks in women and men, the development of varicose veins, including hemorrhoids, as one of its variants, and deep vein thrombosis.

Additionally, the root of the knotweed herb is saturated with anthraquinones - a natural laxative, thanks to which buckthorn bark and senna aquifolia have become so widely known (its extract senadexin forms the basis of the laxative “Senade”). On the other hand, in Western Europe, anthraquinones are prohibited for use in medicine and agriculture due to carcinogenic properties discovered in them.

Indications for use

Based on the chemical composition, the beneficial properties of knotweed herb can actually manifest themselves in the treatment of many diseases.

• Kidney stones. To stimulate the outflow of urine itself, as well as sand and small stones. But for large, mobile stones, taking any diuretics, including knotweed, is not indicated. First, you need to crush them with ultrasound, and prescribe diuretics only after this - to remove the fragments obtained after crushing.
• Arthritis. As well as age-related/infectious polyarthritis, osteochondrosis, myositis, due to the presence of tannins, vitamin A and silicic acids in the knotweed grass.
• Cystitis. Due to the sanitizing properties of the decoction and infusion of knotweed herb, as well as the ability of bioflavonoids in their composition to increase the tone of the walls of the bladder and excretory ducts.
• Prostatitis. True, only as a palliative. Knotweed herb improves kidney function, improves the condition of the bladder and the outflow of urine from it. But you need to understand that with adenoma and prostatitis, problems with it arise due to mechanical compression of the urethra by the tissues of the enlarged prostate gland. So diseases of the urinary system are secondary here, and the benefits of knotweed for men are limited, since taking knotweed apparently has almost no effect on the condition of the prostate gland.
• Rashes on the face. Youth acne, comedones, enlarged pores, acne and other, as cosmetologists delicately put it, skin imperfections. Traditional medicine believes that preparations based on the knotweed herb also help with infections (both of the skin itself and of wound cavities, endoderm and subcutaneous fatty tissue). However, science does not confirm that it has a pronounced therapeutic effect in such cases.
• Obesity and excess weight. Due to the ability of silicic acids to slow down the pathological deposition of cellulite. The medicinal properties of knotweed herb can manifest themselves during weight loss and in the fact that it helps remove excess fluid from the body, “drying out” fat masses and visually improving the result of the diet (which greatly improves the mood of “fasting” people and keeps them from breaking down). In addition, knotweed herb maintains muscle tone, which in the event of any hunger, including dietary hunger, is “eaten” by the body twice as fast as fat reserves. Its beneficial effect on the condition and functioning of the heart and blood vessels is also relevant.
• Respiratory diseases. As an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamin C, some other acids and tannins. Knotweed extract makes dry cough moist, helps relieve symptoms of sore throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and rhinitis.
• Benign tumors. Due to the presence of bioflavonoids and tannins, some of which have a cytostatic effect. True, here it is necessary to clarify that neither traditional medicine nor official oncology classifies knotweed herb as a potent anti-cancer remedy. It is considered a rather preventive component, especially in everything related to the prevention of liver, kidney, gallbladder and bladder cancer.

Knotweed grass has gained some recognition in gynecology due to not only its ability to alleviate the symptoms of prostatitis, but also its positive effect in the treatment of edema during pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, and some types of infertility.

Knotweed's ability to increase the chances of conception concerns women whose pregnancy problems are associated with inflammatory processes of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. But both herbalists and doctors in white coats agree that its effectiveness in such diseases is far from maximum, and therefore knotweed herb is used only as part of complex therapy.

Restrictions

Interestingly, knotweed herb, unlike most plants, is indicated for use even during pregnancy - to improve blood circulation and kidney function, and reduce the severity of toxicosis. However, in the cases listed below, you should be careful with it or completely stop taking it.

• When there is a threat of miscarriage. You should avoid taking knotweed herb in the third trimester of pregnancy, if there is a threat of miscarriage at any stage and after conception using IVF. Knotweed tones the smooth muscles of the uterine walls, which means it can cause premature birth or increase the likelihood of losing a baby.
• For the period of lactation. Knotweed is not recommended for breastfeeding. All components in its composition pass freely into breast milk. Meanwhile, the lion's share of them is not needed by the newborn or is even dangerous for him (say, by dehydration, since he still does not drink anything except milk - even water).
• For a number of pathologies. Some “healer” (non-medical) prescriptions for it, such as prostatitis, cancer, and skin infections, are also not recommended. This is not a strict contraindication. It’s just that in the case of them, there is a risk that the time needed for the timely start of targeted and truly effective therapy will be spent on ineffective treatment with knotweed.
• For kidney stones. Caution should be exercised when using knotweed as a diuretic and for urolithiasis. It all depends on the size of the stones. The movement of some of them, provoked by the increased outflow of urine, can lead to acute blockage, rupture of the ureter and other complications requiring emergency surgical intervention.

It goes without saying that taking knotweed herb extracts is strictly prohibited if the patient is allergic to any of the components in their composition or even just other substances of plant origin.

Dosage regimens

As for the question of how to brew knotweed herb, the most important thing here is to remember that alcohol tinctures are not made anyway (except perhaps from the root, and even then infrequently). The problem is that its release of valuable components when infused with alcohol is extremely low - due to the special rigidity of the stems. And a significant part of them is destroyed in such an environment, turning the alcohol tincture of knotweed into an infusion of bright green bitterness that is almost useless for the liver and kidneys. That is why knotweed is usually brewed or infused in hot/boiling water.

Decoction

You will need:

• four whole stems of knotweed grass;
• half a liter of drinking water.

Preparation

1. Cut the knotweed stems along with the leaves with a sharp knife and place in an enamel bowl of the required volume.
2. Fill the raw material with prepared water and let it simmer for half an hour, covered, in a water bath.
3. Then remove the almost finished broth, let it cool without removing the lid, and place in a colander to strain out the knotweed grass. Bring the volume of the decoction to the original volume with warm drinking water.

Infusion

You will need:

• three tablespoons of chopped knotweed grass;
• a glass of boiling water;
• thermos with glass inner flask.

Preparation

1. Place the chopped knotweed stems in a preheated thermos and pour boiling water over it.
2. Cover with a lid and let it sit for three hours, then strain.

At the same time, treatment with the herb knotweed is not limited to taking only its infusions and decoctions. Its fresh juice is also useful, which is extracted by grinding all above-ground parts of the plant in a blender or food processor (with a mince attachment). Afterwards, the resulting gruel is filtered and squeezed through gauze folded in several layers. Half a glass of fresh knotweed juice mixed with a teaspoon of honey strengthens the immune system and gets rid of infections. And directly in the form of such a mass, knotweed is applied topically to sore joints or areas of skin inflammation.