Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Family

Polygonaceae

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

Horsetail Knotweed
Knotgrass (genus)

Hebrew Name(s)

arkubit shevatbatit

אַרְכֻּבִּית שְׁבַטְבַּטִּית

Arabic Name(s)

`afraj عفراج
quddab قضاب
shabatbat شبطبط

Life Form

Hemicryptophyte

Habitat

Batha
Phrygana

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Polygonum equisetiforme Sm.

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Endocrine/ Metabolic	Diabetes	Hypoglycemic	Decoct aerial parts & drink x1 cup/day.	Aerial parts	B
Genitourinary system	Inflammation of reproductive tract/ urinary tract/ bladder/ kidneys	Anti-inflammatory	Decoct plant in water & drink hot.	Aerial parts	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Dissolve kidney stones	Anti-lithic	Decoct plant in water & drink instead of water.	Aerial parts	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Diuretic	Diuretic	Decoct plant in water & drink instead of water.	Aerial parts	Z
Respiratory	Cough	Anti-tussive	Decoct aerial parts & drink x1 cup/day.	Aerial parts	B
Respiratory	Influenza	Anti-Infective	Decoct aerial parts & drink x1cup/day.	Aerial parts	B

Notes

Cautions

Polygonum genus has species which may contain steroidal saponins. Although formerly thought to contain cardiac glycosides recent studies have not confirm their presence. Some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid causing kidney stones & imparing uptake of calcium . Overdose of some Polygonum species can cause diarrhea, nausea & gastric upset.

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.