Lady's Thumb
Other Names : Persicaria maculosa, Jesusplant, Redshank, Spotted Lady's Thumb, Perzikkruid, Floh-Knöterich, Renouée persicaire, Highlander pochechuynogo, Polygonum persicaria, Hemorrhoidal grass
Very strong plant, from the family of buckwheat. Edible parts are leaves and young shoots, which can be eaten raw or cooked. Persicaria maculosa is an annual plant growing up to 80cm, with lanceolate, wide in the middle, dark-spotted, green leaves and small, pink or white flowers in vertical, dense inflorescences. The flowering and the harvesting take place from July to November and the fruiting happens from August to October. The leaves and fruits are used.
Special Precautions of Lady's Thumb
- Not recommended for patiënts with Thrombophlebitis.
- Some species may cause photosensitivity, especially in sensitive patients.
- The seeds are poisonous.
- Don't confuse with smartweed. It is also edible, but it is very hot in taste,
Health Benefits and Uses of Lady's Thumb
The plant has astringent, diuretic, cholagogue, anthelmintic, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Recommended for treatment of various gynecological disorders associated with inflammation and abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Used against constipation, hemorrhoids, common cold, venereal diseases, headaches, gout and rhinitis.
- Hemorrhoidal bleeding : The plant shows blood-stanching properties; when taken regularly, hemorrhoids stop bleeding and become smaller.
- Diuretic properties of the grass are used for the treatment of urinary stone disease and other kidney disorders.
- Particular effective as capillary strengthening and vasoconstricting agent.
- Applied externally to the skin to heal wounds and skin injuries
- To strengthen the gums in scurvy, or wash the wound, it is necessary to apply them topically as a rinse. Lady's Thumb Infusions are used to treat kidney stones and other various diseases of the kidneys.
- In folk medicine it is recommended to prevent gastric cancer.
Active Substances
Anthraquinones, steroids, tannins, carbohydrates, vitamin C, organic acids (acetic, gallic, petroleum), mucus, essential oil which contains flavonoids such as quercetin, melittin, isoquercetin, hyperin, kaempherol.
