HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Tincture of whole fresh plant for amenorrhea, antrum (pain in), blepharitis,
colic (flatulent), cough, diarrhea, dysentery, dysuria, eczema, epilepsy, gonorrhea, gravel, hemorrhoids,
heart (affections of), hysteria, laryngitis, nephritis, neuralgia, orchitis, prostatitis, sciatica, spermatic cord
(pain in), spleen (affections of), strangury, ulcers.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: Vodianoy peretz, water pepper, grows in Siberia and other parts of Russia, but
more abundantly in European Russia. Russian literature credits for medical, commercial, and industrial
properties are prominent. The fresh leaves when used as food are bitter, burning, and spicy (Vishaya
Schkolla, Moscow, 1965). The whole plant is used and collected in late autumn when in full flower. It is
cut 10–20 centimeters from the ground, with attention given to proper species, as it is easily mistaken for
other Polygonum species with less benefit. Folk medicine: As a tea for bleeding of the stomach, female
complaints, hemorrhoids. Externally: The fresh leaves slightly bruised and applied to the back of the
neck instead of mustard poultice for headaches. Simmer, covered, ½ pound of leaves 1 hour and add to
sitzbath for bleeding hemorrhoids. Clinically: Strong warning is given about using the extract:
recommended for use by medical practitioners only. Extracts, nastoika (with vodka), and in preparations
with other ingredients for female bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, and to stop pain (Atlas, Moscow,
1963). Recent study and experiment show that the plant is a rich source of vitamin K (coagulating
substance), vitamin P, vitamin C, and rutin. Industrial: For textile dye, Polygonum can be collected from
spring to autumn for beautiful shades of golden green, gold steel, and camouflage shading of green.