Bird’s knotweed is a weed that is known almost everywhere in the world. Perhaps that is why it has countless names. For example, it is also called Chrottechrutt or Hansl am Weg. There are also names like Swienegras, Tennengras, Unvertritt or Wegerich and many others. As different as the names, are the focal points in the curative application.
Occurrence and cultivation of bird’s knotweed.
In application, bird’s knotweed is said to help against feverish infections. The name bird’s knotweed is derived from Greek as well as Latin. While poly means “the knot” and probably refers to the shape of the stem with its many knots, “aviculare” is derived from the Latin “aviculus”, the bird (diminutive form). This name was given to the plant because it is very popular with many species of birds and serves as a main source of food. Farmers are also said to have fed the plant to their sick pigs in the past, which is why it was additionally called sucking grass. The bird’s knotweed belongs to the knotweed family (Polygonaceae) and is a true cosmopolitan. Only in tropical areas as well as in India, Polynesia and South Africa it is not found yet. Its home is the whole of Central Europe, from plains to mountainous areas. It is quite adaptable in terms of nutrient requirements and likes to grow along field margins, fields and near settlements. Bird’s knotweed is a so-called annual plant. At first it grows about 40-50 cm in height, then the branched stems lay down on the ground and form a green area-like growth. The flowers are country-specific per, pink, greenish-whitish or even reddish – mixed colors and shades in between are also possible. The fruits themselves have a nut-shaped appearance and are black-purple in color. The flowering period is from May to November. Where this herb once established, it is difficult to contain again, because the roots protrude up to 80 cm into the soil. In addition, this plant is very resistant and is propagated in different ways, such as hoof kick.
Effect and application
The plant contains silica, tannins, phenolic carboxylic acids, as well as flavonoids and sapoin. A special feature: depending on the soil conditions, the ingredients should vary in concentration. Especially the tannins are responsible for the well known anti-inflammatory properties of tinctures and teas. In application, bird’s knotweed is said to help against febrile infections, as well as to have an antiseptic effect on inflammations and diseases of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. The plant is also said to have a positive effect in the supportive treatment of diarrhea, bladder and kidney diseases, and rheumatic problems. In the past, good results were achieved in the treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. In the meantime, however, treatment with bird’s knotweed has been abandoned: better remedies have already been developed. Other external applications are advised for vomiting and problems with the gastric mucosa. It is even said to help with purulent inflammations of the ear and chest ulcers. The Cossacks still use the plant as an aphrodisiac. The admixture in tea is supposed to achieve this effect. Bird’s knotweed is used as a drug in infusions, tinctures or teas. External compresses are also possible for local treatment. The herb is even suitable for incense, and is often recommended as a mixture with ragwort or cedarwood. The most famous application, however, is probably the knotweed spirit. To prepare a knotweed spirit, fresh knotweed herbs are collected if possible. Roots are used for the spirit, which are chopped into small pieces and placed in a glass jar and covered with 60 percent Swedish bitters. The jar is well closed and placed in the sun. This is best done on a windowsill. Now everything is allowed to rest for a few weeks. After that, simply drain the herbs carefully through a sieve and decant the knotweed spirit into a dark bottle. Now the liquid can be used as a tincture for external applications or drop by drop several times a day for internal therapies.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Antibiotics from nature – a contradiction? For bacterial diseases, conventional medicine often provides antibiotics, which are increasingly criticized for their side effects.A so-called “bacteriostatic effect” can also be achieved by using medicinal plants. This is because classic antibiotics are basically synthetic replicas of metabolic products. Namely, of fungi. Since fungi are now plants, antibiotics in their original form are also actually plant-based natural remedies. Antibiotics are supposed to help the immune system to help itself – and that is exactly what homeopathy is all about. Bird’s-foot trefoil is also one of the plants with a strong antibacterial effect and is classified by healers in the group of naturally acting antibiotics. That is why gargle solutions are often used for throat infections to prevent bacteria from multiplying. A preventive measure can be the irregular use of these solutions, which should also do their job in gingivitis. Since the plant is also used for various other viral infections, the use of teas can also avert or alleviate the common cold during the cold season. By the way, the regular use of bird’s knotweed is now discouraged. It still finds its use as an additive in medicines or finds its application in homeopathy.
