persicaria hydropiper


smartweed

smartweed

Red-stemmed plant with pointy leaves and thin cone or light colored greenish or pink flowers at top of stem. Leaf tea used for internal bleeding, menstruation, uterus problems, blood in urine. Leaves contain Rutin, which strengthens capillaries. Pain reliever. Hot peppery pungent taste. Contains oils that may irritate skin. Grows in moist areas. SMARTWEED MARSHPEPPER (Polygonum hydropiper) Very hot, peppery, spicy. Leaves or stems can be eaten raw or cooked. Seeds can be used as pepper substitute. Astringent, bleeding, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, strengthens capillaries, anti-inflammatory. Thin pointy edible leaves, cluster of pink flowers on vertical stem.