Smartweed
Scientific names: Polygonum hydropiper, Persicaria hydropiper
Family: Polygonaceae
Alternate names: Arsesmart, La Liao, Marshpepper Smartweed, Marshpepper Knotweed, Persicaire Âcre, Persicaire Brûlante, Persicaria Acre, Persicaria Picante, Piment Aquatique, Pimienta Acuática, Pimienta de Agua, Pique Langue, Renouée Poivre d'Eau, Tade, Water Pepper
Background
Smartweed is an herb. The above-ground parts are used to make medicine.
People use smartweed for diarrhea, to stop bleeding, for the common cold, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
People use smartweed for diarrhea, to stop bleeding, for the common cold, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if smartweed is safe. It might cause side effects such as stomach irritation.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if smartweed is safe. It might cause side effects such as skin irritation and swelling (inflammation), especially when the skin is in contact with the fresh plant.
Ulcers or other stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) disorders: Smartweed can irritate the tissues that line the stomach and intestines, making ulcers and GI problems worse. Avoid using smartweed if you have ulcers or another GI disorder.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if smartweed is safe. It might cause side effects such as skin irritation and swelling (inflammation), especially when the skin is in contact with the fresh plant.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if smartweed is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Ulcers or other stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) disorders: Smartweed can irritate the tissues that line the stomach and intestines, making ulcers and GI problems worse. Avoid using smartweed if you have ulcers or another GI disorder.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Abnormally heavy bleeding during menstrual periods (menorrhagia).
- Common cold.
- Diarrhea.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Wounds.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of smartweed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for smartweed. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Smartweed contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, smartweed might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Smartweed contains vitamin K which helps the blood to clot.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 27/01/2023 23:42:39 and last updated on 22/01/2013 17:30:48. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
