Knotgrass is very nearly world-wide and inescapable! A common weed with uncommon abilities.Used for centuries and maybe millennia, common Knotweed is an edible, medicinal and remarkable resource.
Knotweed is often used as a diruretic (to increase urine output and reduce water retention.) A great aid for those with gout, as less uric acid is retained and doesn't continue building up in the body.
Knotweed's leaves act as an emollient, to soothe and soften the skin; they are also an anthelmintic used to expel worms
and parasites.The whole plant acts against a fever, bringing it down.
Used during a cold or even with pneumonia, it will assist in breaking up the mucus in the lungs, and help with the terrible aches and pains that accompany flu.
In China, there have been
some studies that indicate it might be an effective remedy for
Shigellosis, known better as E-Coli bacterial infections.For now, more research needs to be done, but in a pinch, it might make all the difference.
In times of food scarcity, since Knotweed or Knotgrass are part of the Buckwheat Family, the seeds are crushed into a meal for flour and eaten.
We have a written history of one of my ancestors, who settled Utah, and was reduced at the time to eating what was then called Pigweed (aka: Knotgrass). It saved their family from starvation.This little plant benefits your heart, lungs, vascular system, cleanses wounds, and even stops bleeding at the wound site. It's even great for hemorrhoids.
Preparation:
Using 1/4 t dried herb to 1 c hot water. Let steep for 5-10 minutes, and then sweeten to take internally or use straight as a wash for ulcers and wounds.
Amazing what those "weeds" can offer us!
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