Lady's Thumb
Other Names : Persicaria maculosa, Jesusplant, Redshank, Spotted Lady's Thumb, Perzikkruid, Floh-Knöterich, Renouée persicaire
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
Some species may cause photosensitivity, especially in sensitive patients.
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.
- Applied externally to the skin to heal wounds and skin injuries,
- 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.
