Common Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare)

Common Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare)


Description
Common Knotgrass is an annual herb, with branched stems and spread on the ground, covered to the top with leaves. The leaves are linear-spear shaped, approximately 3 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. Glabra are on both sides, with whole edges. In the places where leaves are attached to the stem a whitish membrane, which surrounds the stem, is noticeable, called ochree. At the base of the leaves there are 2-4 white-green flowers on white-pink edges. Each flower has five divisions which replace sepals and petals. Then follows eight stamens surrounding an ovary with 3 styles. It blooms from June to September. 


Harvest
Gather the grass by plucking when in bloom. Remove the roots and the lower part of the stem which is hardened and devoid of leaves. In fat places, with enough moisture, knotgrass has a tall stem up, to 15-20 cm.


Drying Mode
The plant is lied in ventilated places or hot air drying rooms at a temperature of 40 degrees C. From 4-5 kg ​of ​fresh herb you can obtain 1 kg of dried product.


Uses
It is used as astringent in diarrhea. Internally: for hypotension, diarrhea.




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