In the article we discuss snakeweed. You will learn what a plant looks like, what medicinal properties possesses. We will tell you how pharmacognosy uses drugs based on knotweed. Following our advice, you will learn how to prepare infusions and decoctions for the treatment of gastritis, cholelithiasis and stopping bleeding.

Snake knotweed or large serpentine is a perennial herbaceous species of the Buckwheat family (lat. Polygonaceae). Latin name- Polygonum bistorta. Other names are crayfish, meadow knotweed, snakeroot, viper's grass, turtledove, serpentine, veal tongue.

What does it look like

Appearance of the snake knotweed. The thick short root of the serpentine is dark red in color. The rhizome is slightly flattened and serpentinely curved, with folds that look like crayfish necks.

Snake knotweed has a six-node, erect stem. The shoot height reaches 150 cm.

The upper petiolar leaves are arranged alternately, have an oblong shape, up to 30 cm long. The edge of the leaf is slightly wavy. The lower leaves are wedge-shaped or heart-shaped. Top surface The leaf blade is green, the lower one is bluish.

Small pale pink or white flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences located at the top of the shoot. The length of the spikelets is from 1.5 to 7 cm. Each flower consists of a five-membered perianth, eight stamens, and a pistil with three styles. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.

The fruit of the snake knotweed is a smooth nut with three shiny sides, 4-4.5 mm long. The plant bears fruit in June - July.

Where does it grow?

Snake knotweed prefers temperate climates and moist soil and does not tolerate full shade. The plant is found in the forest-steppe zone, tundra and forest belt. Often forms thickets on peat bogs and floodplain meadows.

Great knotweed is found almost throughout Europe. In Russia it grows in Siberia and the Central region.

For more information about the snake knotweed, watch the following video:

Serpentine rhizomes

Snakeweed is cultivated as a medicinal herb. The rhizome of the plant has medicinal properties. During the collection period, up to 17 tons of plant roots are collected from 1 hectare.

Chemical composition

Snakeweed contains:

• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• calcium oxalate;
• ascorbic acid;
• starch;
• gallic acid;
• catechin;
• ellagic acid;
• coloring matter;
• potassium;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• barium;
• selenium.

Medicinal properties

From the rhizome of the snakeweed in folk medicine They make medicinal infusions, decoctions, and powders. They have an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect. The drugs are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

Snakeweed has a general strengthening and hemostatic effect. A decoction of the plant exhibits antibacterial properties and is used to treat skin diseases, wounds, and burns. It has a deodorizing effect and is used as a mouth rinse to prevent gum disease.

How to collect

The rhizome is harvested in early autumn, after the plant has flowered. It is dug up and cleared of soil and shoots. Dry the raw materials under a canopy or in the attic at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. Properly dried roots at the break have a red tint. Violation of drying technology makes the raw material brown.

Dry rhizomes are stored in paper bags in a cool, dry place. The raw materials retain their beneficial properties for 2 years.

How to use

Serpentine rhizomes can be purchased at any pharmacy. Snakeweed root is used for cooking medicinal infusions and decoctions. IN pure form The rhizome is added to salads, soups and drinks.

Infusions of the plant are taken orally to increase protective forces body, restoring the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and as a strong hemostatic agent. The product is effective for cholelithiasis, stomach ulcers and inflammation of the bladder.

A decoction of snakeweed is used externally to heal wounds and restore skin after burns and insect bites. The product treats skin diseases: eczema, dermatitis, acne.

Snakeweed is often used in folk medicine. Let's look at several recipes for plant-based medicines.

Infusion for gastritis

Ingredients:

1. Snakeweed roots - 10 gr.
2. St. John's wort - 10 gr.
3. Peppermint - 10 gr.
4. Water - 450 ml.

How to cook: Combine the dry ingredients, pour the mixture into a thermos, add boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Strain the finished infusion.

How to use: Take 100 ml 3 times a day, regardless of meals. The course of treatment is 1 month.

Result: The infusion envelops the walls of the stomach, relieves inflammation and normalizes digestion. The product regulates acidity gastric juice. The infusion is suitable for the treatment of acute gastritis.

Decoction for gallstone disease

Ingredients:

1. Roots of the knotweed - 10 gr.
2. Yarrow - 7 gr.
3. Corn silk - 7 gr.
4. Rosehip berries - 10 gr.
5. Dandelion roots - 5 gr.
6. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Grind the herbs with a rolling pin, pour boiling water and simmer over low heat under the lid for 30 minutes. Cool the broth, strain and add boiled water so that the liquid volume is 500 ml.

How to use: Take half a glass 3-4 times a day before meals. The product is used for lotions and compresses for skin diseases and burns.

Result: Medicinal decoction eliminates bile stagnation, normalizes gastrointestinal function intestinal tract and metabolism.

Tincture for bleeding

Ingredients:

Snake knotweed - 50 gr.

1. Alcohol 70% - 100 ml.

How to cook: Grind the roots of the plant, add alcohol, cover and leave for 2 weeks.

How to use: Take 20-30 drops before meals 2-3 times a day.

Result: The tincture quickly stops bleeding. The drug is used to stop uterine and postoperative bleeding. For external wounds, dry powder from the roots of knotweed is used.

Snake knotweed in cooking

Roots, leaves and young shoots are used to make salads, soups and side dishes. Dry raw materials are brewed as tea. Highlander is combined with herbs such as mint, angelica, wild rosemary.

Large serpentine - honey plant

Snake knotweed is a good honey plant. The grass grows in thickets and during the flowering period forms a carpet of flowers. It's attractive large number bees Up to 40 kg of honey is obtained from 1 hectare. One flower produces up to 0.043 mg of nectar per day. Honey is light or dark amber in color.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of products based on snakeweed:

• acute pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• constipation;
• individual intolerance;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• children under 2 years of age.

Classification

The Buckwheat family (lat. Polygonaceae), to which the snake knotweed belongs, unites 55 plant genera. This herb belongs to the order Cloves (lat. Caryophyllales), class Dicotyledons (lat. Dicotyledones), department Flowering (lat. Magnoliophyta).

Varieties

The genus Serpentine (lat. Bistorta) unites about 50 plant species. The most famous of them:

• large coil;
• serpentine viviparous;
• shortened coil;
• elliptical coil;
• Pacific darter;
• serpentine cirrus;
• serpentine swordtail.

Knotweed snake infographics

Photo of snakeweed, its beneficial properties and uses
Infographics on knotweed

What to remember

1. Snakeweed is used in folk medicine to stop uterine and postoperative bleeding, to treat gastrointestinal diseases and skin diseases.
2. The roots, leaves and stems of the plant are used in cooking for preparing salads, first courses and drinks.
3. Preparations from snakeweed have a number of contraindications, so before use you should consult a specialist.

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Classmates

Polygonum bistorta L.

Family - Buckwheat - Polygonaceae.

Parts used: rhizome.

Common names are veal tongue, viper grass, meadow knotweed, crayfish necks, snake root.

Pharmaceutical name - rhizome of snakeweed - Bistortae rhizoma.

Botanical description

Snake knotweed - perennial herbaceous plant from the buckwheat family, with a short, thick, serpentinely curved rhizome, from which numerous thin roots extend. Stems are straight, unbranched, up to 1.5 m high. The leaves are oblong or oblong-ovate, with a wavy edge, green above, bluish below. The basal ones are large, with long petioles, the stem ones are much smaller, with shorter petioles, and are equipped with bells that hug the stem. The flowers are small, with a simple five-membered pale pink perianth and eight purple stamens, collected in dense, spike-shaped cylindrical inflorescences up to 7 cm long. Blooms in May - June. The fruits are triangular, brown, shiny nuts; the fruits ripen in July.

Snake knotweed is a very common plant, found in the tundra, forest and steppe zones of the European part of Russia and Siberia. Grows in damp meadows, grassy swamps, sparse forests, forest edges and clearings, among bushes.

Collection and preparation

The procurement of raw materials is carried out in the second half of summer and autumn, in August - October. The rhizomes are dug up, thoroughly cleaned, cut into pieces up to 10 cm long and dried. Dry in the open air or in ventilated areas, and, if necessary, in ovens or dryers. Dry raw materials are odorless and have a brownish-pink color at the break. Shelf life - 2 years.

Active ingredients

Polygonum rhizomes contain tannins, starch, hydroxymethylanthraquinones, calcium oxalate, dyes, vitamin C, provitamin A.

Use in homeopathy

The medicinal use of rhizomes is due to the large amount of tannins they contain. Therefore, preparations made from them have a strong astringent action. The rhizomes of snakeweed are included in astringent stomach teas.

Healing effect and application

In folk medicine, decoctions of rhizomes are used internally for dysentery, stomach, uterine and other internal bleeding, inflammation of the bile and bladder and externally in the form of lotions in the treatment of bleeding wounds and ulcers. And also for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases intestines, primarily for colitis and as a means for rinsing the mouth and throat when they are inflamed.

The rhizomes of snakeweed are used in the tanning industry for tanning leather.

Recipes

1. Infusion of knotweed rhizomes. Pour 10-20g of rhizomes with 1 glass of boiling water and leave to steep in a thermos for 8 hours. Strain and take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day for diarrhea. Use the infusion to gargle, gargle, apply lotions to painful areas, enemas, and douching for leucorrhoea.
2. Decoction. Chop 20g of rhizomes, add 1 liter of water and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Strain and take 50 ml 4 times a day for urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, uterine, intestinal and pulmonary bleeding.
3. Grind and mix 10g of knotweed rhizome and flax seeds, add 1 cup of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Strain and take 1 tablespoon every 2 hours for internal bleeding.
4. Grind 20g of rhizomes, pour in 1 cup of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Strain, bring the volume to the initial volume and take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times before meals for dyspepsia, dysentery, stomach and duodenal ulcers, intestinal bleeding, rectal fissures.
5. Take 5g of snakeweed root, crushed into powder, and 1 teaspoon of flax seeds, add 1 glass of water and boil for 10 minutes over low heat. Strain and take 1 tablespoon of the decoction every 2 hours. Catarrh of the colon, bleeding.
6. 1-2 teaspoons of dry crushed rhizome of the knotweed, add 1 glass of water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Then let it brew for 30 minutes, strain and take 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. , stomach ulcer.
7. 2 tablespoons of crushed rhizome of the snakeweed, pour 1 liter of boiling water, heat in a water bath for 30 minutes, let it brew for 10 minutes and strain. Take 1.5-2 tablespoons of decoction per day 30 minutes before meals. Gallstone disease.
8. 2 teaspoons of crushed rhizome of the knotweed, pour 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew for 20 minutes and strain. Rinse your mouth with infusion 4-5 times a day. Stomatitis, gingivitis.
9. Mix in equal proportions the root of the knotweed and the rhizome of burnet. Grind and pour 2-3 teaspoons of the collection with 1 glass of boiling water, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes and let it brew for 2 hours. Strain and take 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day. Heals bleeding ulcers. Stomach and intestinal ulcers.
10. Snake knotweed tea. Pour 2 teaspoons of the raw material into 1 glass of warm boiled water and let it brew for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for people with sensitive stomachs.

Snake knotweed is a herbaceous perennial from the buckwheat family. Other names for the plant are crayfish, large serpentine, and snake root.

The erect, serrated, non-branched stem of the plant reaches a height of 1-1.2 meters. The stem leaves are small, pointed, oblong in shape, their petioles grow together with the stipules, forming filmy tubes - the so-called trumpets. The basal leaves of knotweed are large with long winged petioles.

The inflorescence is a long spike (tassel) formed by small pink flowers at the top of the stem. The fruits of the knotweed have the appearance of a triangular smooth nut dark brown. Its length is from 3 to 4.5 mm.

Flowering time is May-June. The fruits ripen in June-July.

The plant is widespread in the temperate climate zone. Snake knotweed grows best in moist acidic soils: its thickets can be found around reservoirs, in swampy peat and damp floodplain meadows, as well as in forest clearings.

Chemical composition

The scope and properties of snakeweed are determined by the chemical composition of the plant. Its roots contain:

• Tannins (up to 25%);
• Starch (up to 26%);
• Dyes;
• Calcium oxalate;
• Gallic (nut) acid;
• Ellagic acid (this substance is one of the most effective natural anticarcinogens);
• Catechins;
• Ascorbic acid.

IN chemical composition stems, leaves and flowers contain a large amount of bioflavonoids (including cyanidin, kaempferol and quercetin), as well as ascorbic acid.

Useful properties

The most valuable properties of snakeweed are:

• Anti-inflammatory;
• Astringent;
• Resorptive;
• Hemostatic;
• Antimicrobial;
• Sedative (calming);
• The ability to regulate the functional activity of the digestive organs.

The astringent properties of the plant appear gradually as its active substances undergo splitting of juices.

Indications for use

The serpentine, thick rhizomes of the plant, bent in the shape of a cancerous neck, are used as medicinal raw materials. The properties of snakeweed knotweed harvested in early spring or autumn are most pronounced.

Scientific medicine considers it appropriate to use snakeweed for:

• Inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes;
• Intestinal disorders;
• Dysentery;
• Bleeding;
• Cholera;
• Cystitis;
• Colpitis;
• Cholecystitis;
• Scurvy;
• Burns;
• Dyspepsia;
• Chronic pancreatitis;
• Animal bites.

In folk medicine, the use of snakeweed is indicated for:

• Peptic ulcer;
• Gynecological diseases;
• Dysentery;
• Bleeding (including heavy menstruation and internal bleeding);
• Inflammation of the urinary and gallbladder;
• Nervous disorders;
• Acute and chronic diseases of the intestinal tract (mainly colitis);
• Chronic diarrhea;
• Urethritis;
• Rectal fissures;
• Inflammatory otolaryngological diseases (infusion of flowers is effective in the treatment of ear diseases), gingivitis, stomatitis.

Externally, decoctions and infusions of knotweed rhizome are used in the form of lotions for ulcers and bleeding wounds.

Rhizome decoction snake mountaineer has proven itself as an effective diuretic for urinary and cholelithiasis, cystitis. In combination with other medicinal plants, it is used to prepare decoctions for irrigation and washing the vagina for leukorrhea (leukorrhea).

Contraindications

Taking serpentine drugs is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, individual intolerance. They should also not be taken by people suffering from frequent constipation.

The plant is non-toxic and rarely causes side effects, however, it should be remembered that long-term use Knotweed can cause constipation.

Home remedies from snakeweed

For pulmonary, uterine, intestinal or gastric bleeding, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, chronic pancreatitis, rectal fissures, cholelithiasis, dyspeptic disorders, 20 g of crushed raw materials are poured into a glass of water and boiled over low heat for half an hour. The medicine is infused for 45 minutes, filtered and brought to its original volume. Take one tablespoon 3-4 times a day before meals.

If there are stones in the urinary or gallbladder, for cholecystitis, cystitis or colpitis, 20 g of crushed snakeweed root is poured into a liter of water and boiled over low heat for 20 minutes, then left for one hour, strained and taken three times a day, one tablespoon (before meals).

For the treatment of diarrhea, flatulence, intestinal colic and dysentery, pour 15 g of root into a thermos, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water, leave for 8 hours, strain and take a tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

To prepare tea from snakeweed, 2 teaspoons of crushed root are poured into 250 ml of boiling water in a thermos and, shaking occasionally, infuse for 5 hours. The finished medicine is filtered and taken hot.

An effective remedy for colitis is wine powder. To prepare it, the roots are crushed into a powdery mass, after which 25 g of the resulting raw material is poured into 2.5 liters of dry red wine and simmered at a very low boil for 10 minutes. The finished broth is infused until cooled and filtered. It should be taken 4 times a day, a quarter glass.

Alcohol tincture of snakeweed is prepared as follows: 100 g of medicinal raw material is poured into 0.5 liters of alcohol (70%) and, shaking occasionally, infused in a cool, dark place for 15 days. The finished tincture is filtered and taken 2-3 times a day before meals, 30-40 drops.

For pharyngitis, tonsillitis, gingivitis and stomatitis, pour 4 tablespoons of crushed roots into a glass of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. This aqueous infusion of snakeweed is used warm for gargling and mouthwash. The frequency of procedures is 3-6 times a day.

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Instructions for use:

Snake knotweed is a perennial herbaceous shrub that has many other names that are popularly used. So, it is also called:

• Gorlet;
• Veal tongue;
• Snake root;
• Meadow knotweed;
• Viper grass;
• Cancerous cervixes;
• Coil.

The plant owes these names to the peculiarities of the shape of its rhizome. The root of the snakeweed is curved twice, slightly flattened and contains transverse folds. Thus, the root of the knotweed is most similar to a snake. The color of the root is dark brown, and the inside is pink.

Snake knotweed belongs to the buckwheat family. The plant stem contains several basal leaves and one to four leaves on top. The flowers of the snakeweed are pink, small, collected in a large inflorescence at the top. The height of the plant ranges from 50 to 100 cm. The fruit of the snakeweed knotweed is a smooth, dark brown nut. The plant blooms in May–June, and the fruits ripen in July.

Snake knotweed grows everywhere (in clearings, in bushes) and loves damp places. It is absent only in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Composition and beneficial properties of snakeweed

The most important and valuable components of snakeweed are tannins. In the root of the plant, tannins (such as tannin) range from 15 to 25%. In addition, snakeweed root contains the following substances:

• Free polyphenols;
• Oxyanthraquinones;
• Starch;
• Protein;
• Calcium oxalate;
• Vitamin C;
• Provitamin A;
• Dyes.

Free polyphenols are present in the plant in the form of gallic acid and catechin. And starch in the composition of the knotweed root is about 26%. In addition, the root of snakeweed contains acids (free gallic and elaidic).

The herb of the plant also contains ascorbic acid and flavonoids. Thus, valuable representatives of the group of flavonoids in the composition of snakeweed are:

• Hyperoside;
• Rutin;
• Avicularin.

Snake knotweed serves as a powerful source of tannins for the human body, so this plant is successfully used as astringent for diarrhea and as an anti-inflammatory for inflammation of the nasopharynx. The effect of knotweed root on human body can be compared to galangal and oak bark.

The main properties of preparations made from the root of snakeweed are:

1. Astringent;

2. Resorptive sedative;

3. Anti-inflammatory;

4. Hemostatic.

The astringent properties of the plant, when taken orally, appear rather slowly, as the active substances are broken down, under the direct influence of the body’s digestive juices. In addition, such drugs are low-toxic and have no side effects.

When applied externally, medications based on this plant can also relieve inflammation and stop bleeding.

Application of knotweed

The rhizome of the serpentine has long been known as medicine. Thus, in the Chinese Encyclopedia of Medicines, back in the 11th century BC, the medicinal properties of this plant were already mentioned. And the Indo-Tibetan medical literature also mentioned the use of serpentine as a medicine.

The most valuable medicinal raw material is from the root of the knotweed. Moreover, greatest number useful substances found in plants after 15 years of age. That is why snakeweed root is harvested using raw materials from plants 15 to 30 years old. By external signs, good rhizome It should be hard, definitely serpentine in shape, dark brown on top, pink inside. The length of the root of the snakeweed should be from 5 to 10 cm. The thickness of the root is 1 - 2 cm. It tastes bitter and very astringent, but the plant does not emit any smell.

The harvesting of the knotweed root is done either in the summer, after the plant has flowered, or in early spring. The rhizome, along with its root shoots, is dug up, small roots and stems are cut off, and washed from the ground. It should be noted that when harvesting, you need to get rid of rotten rhizomes, since they are not beneficial, but harmful to health. Then the raw materials are washed again and dried a little. fresh air. Now the root is cut into pieces. Then the knotweed root must be dried: this is done in special dryers with a temperature of no more than 60 degrees, or simply in an attic or other ventilated and warm room. Too fast or, on the contrary, prolonged drying leads to loss useful properties root Thus, a root with kinks, with blackened areas, or turning brown from the inside is unsuitable for use. Store snakeweed root in a dry and ventilated area for up to 6 years.

For treatment at home, decoctions are prepared from the root of snakeweed. This decoction is used primarily for intestinal problems. Yes, this is medicinal plant helps in the fight against acute and chronic diseases intestines, for example, with acute form colitis In this case, take a decoction of 1 part horse and 10 parts water, 1 tbsp each. up to five times a day.

The root of the knotweed has excellent strengthening properties for the following health problems:

• Peptic ulcer;
• Duodenal ulcer;
• Gallstones;
• Dysentery;
• Bladder stones;
• Pulmonary hemorrhages;
• Haemorrhoids;
• Rectal fissures;
• Urethritis.

In these cases, prepare a decoction at the rate of 20 parts of root and 200 parts of water. Also take 1 tbsp. l. decoction 3 - 4 times a day, always before meals.

In addition, the anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of the plant are used for diseases such as:

• Enteritis;
• Uterine bleeding;
• Gastrointestinal bleeding;
• Inflammation of the gums;
• Stomatitis;
• Gingivitis;
• Diarrhea (diarrhea), with blood.

The root of the knotweed is also used in powder form. This composition disinfects open fresh wounds, cuts, boils, ulcers, and eczema. You can also treat wounds with decoction and infusion, make lotions and compresses. Snakeweed root helps quickly stop bleeding and prevents the development of microbes. A decoction of the plant can be used for douching, for example, in the case of colpitis (vaginitis).

Gargle with a decoction of the root of snakeweed and oral cavity for any inflammatory diseases.

Contraindications and harms of snakeweed

A contraindication to the use of the root and other parts of the knotweed is increased sensitivity stomach. This is due to the fact that in this case, a large intake of tannins into the body causes harm, not benefit. In addition, it should be remembered that long-term use Knotweed root during treatment can lead to the development of constipation. Therefore, treatment with this remedy must be done carefully, and always under the supervision of the attending physician.

Snake knotweed should not be used to treat small children under 2 years of age.