Health benefits of Redshank plant

Persicaria maculosa, also called “Redshank” or “Lady’s-thumb,” is an ornamental plant in the same family as knotweed, renouées, and buckwheat.  The plant is native to Azerbaijan, Russia, Tajikistan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, as well as Nepal in the Indian Subcontinent and Taiwan, Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia in eastern Asia. It is also an introduced and invasive species in North America, where it was first seen in the Great Lakes area in 1843 and has since spread to most of the continent. Some common names for the plants are Jesus plant, Heartweed, lady’s-thumb smartweed, persicaria, red shank, Redlegs knotweed, redshank, lady’s thumb, spotted lady’s-thumb, Spotted knotweed, spotted ladysthumb, spotted lady’s thumb, Red-legs, Knotweed smartweed, and Pinkweed.

The name “Persicaria” comes from the Latin word “persica,” which means “peach.” Some of the plants in this genus were thought to be linked to peach trees, so they were given this name. But these plants are not connected to peach trees. They got their name because people thought their leaves looked like peach tree leaves. The name “maculosa” comes from the Latin word “maculosus,” which means “spotted” or “marked.” The leaves of Persicaria maculosa have dark spots or marks that make them stand out. This is one of the things that make this plant unique. It is a common weed that grows in places like parks, fields, and wetlands. It is known for being able to grow well in a wide range of environments.

Plant Description

Redshank is an annual plant that grows up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) tall and has flowers. It is a grass plant. The plant grows along riverbanks, the edges of streams and drainage canals, marshy areas, roadside ditches, mudflats, the edges of yards and gardens, moist weedy meadows, waste areas and along water bodies, disturbed areas, wetlands, fallow fields and the edges of cultivated fields, vacant lots, and moist areas along railroads. It grows well in different kinds of dirt, like loam, clay, and sand. But it grows best in grounds that hold water and have a lot of organic matter.

Redshank facts

Appropriate growing environment for Redshank

“Redshank” can refer to several different plant species, but one common plant with this name is “Persicaria maculosa,” also known as “Redshank” or “Lady’s-thumb.” Here are general guidelines for growing Persicaria maculosa:

• Climate: Redshank is a tough plant that can grow in a wide range of settings, from temperate to subtropical to tropical. It likes places that are moist and can grow well in both full sun and light shade.
• Soil: Redshank grows well in loam, clay, and sandy soil, among others. But it grows best in grounds that hold water and have a lot of organic matter.
• Moisture: Redshank grows best in places where there is a steady amount of water because it likes to be wet. It can live in wet or damp places, which makes it a good choice for marshy or pond areas.
• PH Level: The plant can grow in a wide range of pH levels, but it usually does best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0).
• Propagation: Redshanks can be spread by seeds or by separating them into new groups. In the spring or fall, you can plant seeds right in the ground. You could also split mature plants early in the spring to make new plants.
• Maintenance: Redshank isn’t too hard to take care of. If you water the plant regularly during dry times, it will stay healthy. But it can also survive for a short time without water.
• Invasive Nature: It’s important to note that Redshank can be a problem in some places because it spreads quickly. So, it’s important to keep an eye on how much it grows and stop it from taking over other native plant types.

Root

The roots of the redshank plant are made of fibers. In this kind of root system, many thin roots that branch out a little bit grow from the bottom of the stem. These roots grow in different ways to hold the plant down in the soil and take in water and food. Roots can be different lengths based on how old the plant is and how deep and rich the soil is where it grows. Most of the time, the roots can go down a few inches or even a few feet into the dirt. Most of the time, the roots are white or light brown. The color makes it easy to tell the roots apart from the dirt around them.

The main job of the roots is to hold the plant firmly in the ground and give it support, especially when it’s windy or raining hard. Also, the roots are very important for the plant’s growth and development because they help the plant get water and nutrients from the soil. Rhizomes are sometimes made by the plant. Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that grow in the same direction as the top of the soil. They have nodes along their length that can send out new shoots and roots. This helps the plant grow and form colonies.

Stem

The stem of a redshank plant is herbaceous, which means it is soft, green, and doesn’t have any woody tissue like the stems of trees and bushes. Herbaceous stems tend to be bendy and can be straight or trailing, based on how the plant grows. Usually, the stem is green with a reddish tint, especially at the joints. When the stem is young, it is more reddish, but as it gets older, the reddish color fades. The stem is smooth and has a grassy feel; it is not rough or woody. The plant grows indefinitely, which means that its roots keep growing all through the growing season. This makes it possible for the plant to keep growing and making new leaves, flowers, and stems.

There are nodes and internodes on the stem. The leaves, flowers, and buds are connected to the stem at nodes. The parts of the stem between two nodes are called internodes. The Redshank plant has nodes that send out branches. The number of stems and how they are set up can change based on how the plant grows and how old it is.

Bark

Since the Redshank is a grass plant, it doesn’t have the complex bark structure of woody plants. Instead, its stem is soft, green, and has a feel like that of a plant all the way along.

Leaves

Along the stem, the leaves are grouped in pairs. This means that each leaf grows from a different side of the stem, not straight across from the other leaves. The leaves are either lance-shaped or oval, which means they are long and wider in the middle and narrow to a point at both ends. Most leaf borders are smooths (entire) or have a slight wave to them, but they don’t have any big teeth or serrations. The veins on the leaves are pinnate, which means that the main veins run along the midrib and split into smaller veins as they get closer to the leaf tips.

The top side of the leaves is usually a medium green color, while the bottom side may be a little bit lighter. The leaves are smooth and generally have no hair on either side (glabrous). The size of the leaves can change depending on how old the plant is and what the weather is like. The leaves are usually between 2 and 10 cm (0.8 to 4 inches) long and 0.5 to 3 cm (0.2 to 1.2 inches) wide. The thin stalk that holds each leaf to the stem is called the petiole. Compared to the length of the leaf blade, the petiole isn’t very long. One thing that makes the leaves stand out is that they have dark spots on the top that look like thumbprints. Because of these spots, it is sometimes called “Lady’s Thumb.” The leaves of the Redshank are very important to photosynthesis, just like the leaves of any other plant. They have a substance called chlorophyll in them that helps plants get energy from the sun. Also, the leaves make it easier for chemicals like carbon dioxide and oxygen to move in and out of the air.

Flowers

Flowers grow in groups called racemes that are thick, long, and thin. The leaf axils are where these racemes grow, making a beautiful show of flowers along the stems. The peduncle is the main stalk of the raceme. It grows from the leaf axil and holds up the whole clump of flowers. Each flower in the raceme has its own stalk that connects it to the main stalk (called the “peduncle”). The lengths of these pedicels change, which lets the flowers, grow at different heights on the raceme. Small flowers with five petals and a reddish-pink to purple color grow on the plant. Most of the time, the flowers are bisexual, which means that they have both male (the stamens) and female (the pistil) reproductive parts.

Five green sepals make up the outer part of the flower. They cover and guard the developing bud before it opens. There are five beautiful petals inside the sepals. These petals give the flower its unique color. When the flower is fully open, these petals are often joined at the bottom to make a small tube. The tube is then split into five lobes, making the flower look like a star. Several stamens, which are the male reproductive parts, are inside the petals. Each stamen is made up of a thin stalk and a pollen-filled part called an anther. The anthers produce pollen, which is needed to fertilize the female reproductive structures. The pistil is the female reproductive organ. It is in the middle of the flower and is ringed by the stamens. There are three main parts to the pistil. They are the stigma, the style, and the ovary.

The sticky, often swollen part at the top of the pistil is the stigma. This is where pollen grains land and start to grow when the flower is pollinated. A thin tube-like structure called the style links the stigma to the ovary. It gives the pollen a way to get from the stigma to the egg. The ovary is the base of the pistil that is bigger and holds the ovules. After being pollinated and fertilized, the ovary turns into a fruit, which is where the seeds are stored. Some kinds of Redshank plant may also have glands at the base of the petals that make nectar. This attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects that help pollinate the plant.

Fruits

The fruit is called an achene. It is small, dry, and has only one seed. Many plants in the Polygonaceae family, which the Redshank is a member of, have achenes. A simple fruit that doesn’t split open to let the seed out is called achenes. Instead, the fruit stays whole even after it’s ripe, which helps the seeds spread. If the conditions are right, the achenes that have been spread may finally grow into new plants. When there is enough water, light, and the right temperature, the seed coat breaks and the baby inside starts to grow into a new Redshank plant.

Seeds

The seeds are small and have a form that looks like a lens or lenticel. This means that they are mostly flat and have rounded corners, like a biconvex lens. Most of the time, they are very small, measure only a few millimeters across. The seed coat or testa is the outside layer of the seed. The seed coat is tough and protective. It keeps the young plant and its stored nutrients safe from outside dangers and keeps them alive while the plant is dormant. Depending on the type of Redshank plant, the color of the seed coat can be different. Most of the time, the seeds are dark brown or black. This helps them absorb and hold heat, which helps them grow when the conditions are right.

Varieties of Redshank plant

The Redshank plant is a widely distributed herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. It is known for its reddish-pink to purplish flowers and is commonly found in moist habitats such as marshes, riverbanks, and disturbed areas. There are several varieties and subspecies of the Redshank plant, some of which are recognized for specific morphological or ecological characteristics. Here are some of the notable varieties of the Redshank plant:

• Persicaria maculosa var. maculosa: This is the most common type of Redshank. It lives in different parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It has flowers that are reddish-pink to purple and leaves that are lance-shaped with a dark spot or blotch in the middle.
• Persicaria maculosa var. longistipulata: The small leaf-like structures at the base of the leaves of this variety are longer than those of the standard variety. It can be found in some parts of Europe.
• Persicaria maculosa var. runcinata: This type has leaves that are deeply cut, or runcinate. This means that the edges of the leaves are deeply cut and look like they have teeth. Parts of Europe and Asia are where it comes from.
• Persicaria maculosa var. praetermissa: Polygonum praetermissum is another name for this type of plant. It lives in swamps and other wet places in North America, where it was born.
• Persicaria maculosa var. sylvestris: This type is often called “Woodland Knotweed,” and it grows in wooded areas and along the edges of forests. Compared to the normal variety, it grows more upright and may have longer flower stalks.
• Persicaria maculosa subsp. confertiflora: This type comes from parts of Asia and has a more compact inflorescence with flowers that are close together.
• Persicaria maculosa subsp. pantotenica: This form can be found in southeastern Europe, and it grows in a prostrate way.
• Persicaria maculosa subsp. serotina: This subspecies is from Europe, and it is different from the usual variety because it blooms later.
• Persicaria maculosa var. microstachya: This variety is from Asia, and its flower groups, called inflorescences, are small and close together. Most of the time, the flowers are reddish-pink to purple, just like the typical type.
• Persicaria maculosa var. setacea: Parts of Europe and Asia are home to this type. It is known for its thin, needle-like leaves, which give it a different look from other types.
• Persicaria maculosa var. tenuicaulis: This kind comes from Europe and has thinner stems (caulis) than the usual kind. Along the length of the tree, the flowers are set up in long clusters called racemes.
• Persicaria maculosa var. densiflora: This type is known for its dense and compact inflorescences, which are groups of flowers that are close together. It can be found in some places in Europe and Asia.
• Persicaria maculosa var. aquaticum: This type of water plant is also called Polygonum amphibium. It grows in swamps, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and lakes. It has leaves that float on the water or sink, and it grows flower spikes above the water.
• Persicaria maculosa var. humile: This type comes from Asia and is known for growing low and spreading out. Some of the nodes on the stems can grow roots, which lets the plant spread and form thick mats.
• Persicaria maculosa var. montanum: This type lives in hilly parts of Europe and is used to living at higher altitudes. The color of the flowers and the shape of the leaves may vary.
• Persicaria maculosa var. angustifolia: The narrow leaves of this type are a sign that it is from parts of Europe and Asia.

Health benefits of Redshank

Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of using Redshank plant

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

Traditional medicine has used redshank as an anti-inflammatory, and it is thought to help lower inflammation in the body. People with inflammatory conditions like arthritis or certain skin conditions might benefit from this trait.

2. Antioxidant activity

Redshank has chemicals in it that may have protective effects. Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress by getting rid of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to a number of chronic illnesses.

3. Digestive support

Redshank is used in some ancient ways to help the digestive system. It is thought to have mild astringent qualities that could help calm the digestive system and ease problems like indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea.

4. Urinary health

Redshank has been used for a long time to help keep the urinary system healthy and relieve pain linked to it. It is thought to have diuretic qualities, which could make you pee more and help flush toxins out of your urinary system.

5. Wound healing and hemostatic properties

Traditional medicine has used redshank to help heal wounds and stop bleeding when it was put on the outside of the body. It might help stop minor bleeding from cuts and wounds if it has hemostatic qualities.

6. Respiratory support

Redshank has been used in some traditional ways to treat respiratory problems like coughs and bronchitis. This is because it may have anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities.

7. Cardiovascular health

9. Some old herbal practices say that redshank may be good for the health of the heart and blood vessels. But there isn’t much science to back up these claims.

8. Fever reduction

Redshank has been used in traditional medicines to help lower fever and ease the symptoms that come with it.

9. Anti-microbial properties

Redshank has been used for a long time to kill bacteria. It is thought to have qualities that could help fight against some types of bacteria and fungi. But more study is needed to find out more about its antimicrobial properties and possible uses.

10. Anti-allergic potential

Redshank has been used to treat allergy complaints in some traditional ways. It might help reduce allergic reactions in the body because it is anti-inflammatory, but there isn’t enough scientific proof to say for sure.

11. Skin health

In some countries, redshank has been used topically to improve the health of the skin. It is thought to have soothing qualities that could help with small skin problems and irritations.

12. Pain relief

Redshank has traditionally been used to treat small aches and pains by making them less painful. It may help relieve pain because it may have anti-inflammatory qualities.

13. Women’s health

In some herbal traditions, redshank has been used to help women with health problems like painful or irregular periods. But there isn’t much solid proof to back up these claims.

14. Diabetes management

In traditional medicine, redshank has been used to control the amount of sugar in the blood. Even though this could be useful because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it shouldn’t be used instead of normal diabetes treatment.

15. Anti-diarrheal

People have used redshank to treat diarrhea, and its astringent qualities may help stop too many bowel movements.

16. Anti-diuretic properties

Even though redshank has diuretic qualities (it makes you urinate more), it has also been used traditionally as an anti-diuretic to help stop people from urinating too much.

17. Anti-hemorrhagic properties

Some traditional remedies say that redshank may have anti-hemorrhagic properties, which means it could help stop or control bleeding in different scenarios.

18. Mouthwash and oral health

Redshank has been used as a mouthwash or gargle in some countries to improve oral health and treat mouth sores or small gum problems.

19. Fungal infections

Redshank has been used to treat small skin infections caused by fungi. It might stop some fungi from growing if it has antifungal qualities.

20. Gout and joint pain

Redshank has been used in some ancient ways to ease the pain of gout and joint pain. Its ability to stop inflammation might have something to do with these benefits.

21. Eye health

Some traditional herbal methods say that redshank may be good for eye health, but there aren’t many specifics about how it can be used.

Traditional uses and benefits of Redshank plant

• The Cherokee, Chippewa, and Iroquois Indians in North America use this plant’s decoctions for skin, gastric, and urinary problems, as well as for animals.
• The plant’s infusions are used to treat stomach pain and kidney stones.
• To get rid of the redness caused by poison ivy, crushed leaves were rubbed on the affected areas.
• A plaster made of a decoction of the plant and flour was used to treat pain.
• A decoction of the plant has been used to treat arthritis by soaking the feet or taking a bath.

Different uses of Redshank plant

Redshank plant has various uses, ranging from medicinal and ecological to historical and traditional applications. Here are some of the different uses of the Redshank plant:

• Ecological Uses: The Redshank is an annual grass plant that has a part to play in the ecosystem. It helps to keep the earth stable in places where it has been disturbed and can give pollinators and other insects and animals a place to live and food.
• Forage for Wildlife: Birds and small mammals eat the seeds of the Redshank plant, which helps the food chain and variety of the ecosystem around it.
• Historical and Cultural Uses: Even though the Redshank isn’t used much in modern cooking, history records show that it may have been eaten in some cultures when there wasn’t enough food or as a wild vegetable. But specific cooking methods from the past can be very different and may not be well known.
• Ornamental Plant: In some places, the Redshank plant is grown because it looks nice. It can add color to gardening and landscaping with its bright pink to purple flowers.
• Soil Improvement: Some plants in the Polygonaceae family, which includes the Redshank, have been used as “green manure” cover crops in farmland. When these crops are turned back into the soil, they add organic matter, which improves the soil’s fertility and structure.
• Erosion Control: The Redshank plant can be used to stop erosion on slopes, embankments, or building sites because it can grow in places that have been disturbed. Its dense growth and deep roots help stabilize the soil and stop erosion, especially in places where water runs off and moves dirt around.
• Wildlife Habitat Restoration: As a place for wildlife to live, the Redshank plant could be useful in projects to restore the environment. By making a good place for insects and other small creatures to live, the plant can indirectly help higher levels of the food chain.
• Dyeing: In the past, some plants in the family Polygonaceae were used to dye fabrics and crafts. Even though the Redshank is not a well-known dye plant, some sources say that it may have been used to dye in some countries. However, there isn’t a lot of information about how it was dyed and what colors it made.
• Fodder for Livestock: In some places, the Redshank plant can be used to feed animals like cows and sheep, especially when it grows in large numbers on meadows or rangelands. But because it might be poisonous, it may not be very useful as forage, and this is not a very common way to use it.
• Bee Forage: The Redshank plant has flowers that make nectar those bees and other insects like to drink. Even though it might not be a honeybee’s main food source, its appearance in natural places and gardens can help pollinator populations.
• Traditional Craft and Weaving: Some parts of the Redshank plant may have been used by people in some countries to make crafts and weave. The stems or leaves that have a lot of fiber could be used to make baskets, mats, or other small projects.
• Fiber and Cordage: Like other plants in the Polygonaceae family, the Redshank plant may have been used to make fiber and cordage. The strong, bendable fibers in the stems or leaves could be taken out and twisted into ropes, cords, or threads that could be used for different things.
• Tannin Source: Tannins can be found in some plants in the Polygonaceae family. Tannins can be used to make leather and as a mordant in natural dyeing methods. Even though these things aren’t usually done with the Redshank plant, it may have tannins like other plants in the same family.
• Traditional Crafts: Different parts of the Redshank plant may have been used in traditional arts and crafts in some countries. The dried stems and leaves could have been used to make mats, hats, and other useful or decorative things.
• Compost and Organic Mulch: The Redshank is a fast-growing plant that can be used to add to garbage piles or as organic mulch in gardens. Plant matter that has been chopped or crushed can break down to improve the soil’s structure and make it richer.
• Insect Repellent: Some sources say that the strong smell of the Redshank plant may keep insects away on its own. But there isn’t a lot of evidence that it keeps insects away, and you can get more reliable bug repellents from stores.

Side effects of Redshank

As an herbal remedy, Redshank may have potential side effects or interactions with other medications, but information on its specific side effects may be limited or not well-documented. Some possible side effects or allergic reactions associated with herbal remedies, in general, could include:

• Allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to certain herbs, which could cause rashes, itchiness, swelling, or trouble breathing.
• Gastrointestinal upset: Herbal medicines can sometimes make your stomach hurt, make you sick, or give you diarrhea.
• Interactions with medications: Some herbal remedies can combine with prescription drugs and make them less effective or make the risk of side effects higher.
• Liver or kidney problems: There have been times when herbal medicines made someone’s liver or kidneys sick.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding concerns: There hasn’t been enough study on the safety of many herbal remedies during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it’s best to be careful.
• Other potential side effects: Depending on the plant and how it works, there could be other side effects.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=823821#null

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=409768

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/POLPE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persicaria_maculosa

http://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000488462

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/kew-2572628

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.42691

https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/ladys-thumb

https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/lady_thumb.htm

https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Redshank.html

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=POPE3

80%

80%

Awesome

Comments

comments

See more