ARSESMART
Polygonum hydropiper
COMMON NAMES: The hot arsesmart (polygonum hydropiper) is called water pepper. The mild arsesmart
(persicaria maculata) is called dead arssmare or peachwort because the leaves are just like the leaves of
a peach tree; also called plumbago.
FEATURES: A well-known plant in America, growing in lowlands and about brooks that in most parts are
dry in the summer. It flowers in the late summer or early autumn, and the seeds are ripe in August.
The arsesmart plants are very much alike, and both have a hot sensation if the broken leaf is touched to
the tongue. If seen together the mild water pepper has far broader leaves. Most herbalists use them
together.
The leaves contain essential oil, oxymethyl-anthraquinones; also polygonic acid, which has irritant
properties, a glycoside that promotes the coagulation of blood, and a polygonone-containing ethereal oil
that lowers blood pressure. The herb contains formic acid, acetic acid, and baldrianic acid, much tannin,
and a small amount of an essential oil. The fresh plant contains an acrid juice that causes irritation and
smarting when brought into contact with the nostrils or eyes. The bruised leaves as well as the seeds will
raise blisters if employed as a poultice, as in the case of mustard poultice.
MEDICINAL PART: The whole herb.
SOLVENTS: Water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Stimulant, diuretic, diaphoretic.
USES: Effectual for putrid ulcers in man and beast (internally and externally), having a cooling and drying
quality. Swollen injuries, bruises, joint felons, or congealed blood will dissolve if the juice or the bruised
herb is applied. The cold tea will kill worms and cleanse putrefaction. Dilute tincture dropped in the ears
will kill worms therein. The root or seeds bruised and held on an aching tooth will relieve the pain.
DOSE: 1 teaspoonful of the herb cut small or granulated to 1 cup of boiling water; drink cold 1 cup during
the day, a mouthful at a time. Of the tincture, 30–60 drops.