June 14, 2002

KNOTWEED

Latin Name: Polygonum erectum

Alternate Names: Doormat Grass, Bian Xu (Chinese), Knotgrass, Ninety-knot, Birdweed, Pigweed

Family: POLYGONACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Astringent, Antifungal, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Lithotriptic, Vulnerary.

Internal Uses: Arthritis, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Hemorrhoids, Jaundice, Kidney Infection, Kidney Stones, Nosebleeds, Swollen Knees, Urinary Infections

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Knotweed is a sedative and restorative for the urinary tract. It helps to drain and tonify the area.

Topical Uses: Wounds

Topical Applications: Fresh juice is applied to wounds.

Culinary uses: The seeds can be ground into a meal and used to fortify other grains.

Energetics: Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Tannins (catechin, gallic acid), flavonoids (quercitin), polyphenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic acids), silicic acid, sugars, mucilage.

Comments: The genus name is from the Greek polys, meaning 'many', and gony meaning 'knees' in reference to the many jointed stems. This may be why the herb has traditionally been used for arthritic joints and swollen knees. Knotweed likes to grow on acidic soil where grass is thin. It can grow forming a dense mat, hence the nickname Doormat grass. Birds relish the tiny seeds. In ancient times people used it to treat excessive menstrual bleeding and snake bites.

The common name Knotweed also includes the species Polygonum aviculare, which is used interchangeably with Polygonum erectum.

-- Cheryl in KS (mac0328@planetkc.com), June 14, 2002

Answers

Here's a picture for you:

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 14, 2002.

Cheryl...do you have any info as to what growing zone this is found in?? Thanks.

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), June 14, 2002.

I'm finding conflicting information. One site says zones 7-9, another says 3-8 and another says 5-10!

Anyone with more specific info, please jump in here!!!!

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 14, 2002.

One book I have says Polygonum aviculare is found in temperate regions throughout the world. It thrives in open areas and along shorelines. I'll try to find more about this later - I have out-of-town company this weekend. A search on the Latin botanical name, as opposed to the common name, might give more specific information.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), June 15, 2002.

Hmmm..."multiple choice" zones!! I like those kinds of herbs :-)!!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), June 15, 2002.