ENGLISH NAME: Common Knotgrass
LATIN NAME: Polygonum aviculare
LOCAL NAMES:
Georgia: მატიტელა ჩვეულებრივი (matitela chveulebrivi)
Turkey: Kuşekmeği
Bulgaria: Пача трева (Pacha treva)
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: All regions of Georgia; widespread in temperate Eurasia
Elevation: Sea level up to subalpine regions (typically 0–1,800 m)
Terrain: Fields, lawns, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed areas
DESCRIPTION:
Polygonum aviculare is a hardy, low-growing annual herb with slender, prostrate
stems that can form dense mats. Leaves are small, lance-shaped, and alternate
along the stems. Tiny green or pinkish flowers cluster at leaf axils. The plant
is highly adaptable and can grow from 10 to 40 cm tall, often rooting at stem
nodes.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves and stems; roots
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Leaves and Stems: Traditionally used as a mild diuretic to promote urine
production and relieve fluid retention. Also considered mildly
anti-inflammatory and sometimes used for mild respiratory or digestive issues.
Roots: Traditionally associated with urinary tract health, such as
addressing discomfort during urination and mild urinary tract infections.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Rare allergic reactions may occur. Overconsumption may lead to mild digestive
discomfort.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Not widely documented, but may be paired with other diuretic herbs for urinary
health (e.g., horsetail).
PREPARATION:
Leaves and stems: For tea, use 1–2 tsp of dried, crushed material per cup of
hot water, steep 5–10 min, strain, and sweeten if desired.
Roots: For tinctures, finely chop dried roots and cover with alcohol (vodka/brandy),
steep for several weeks, strain and store in dark glass. For infused oil, grind
dried roots, cover with oil, and infuse for several weeks before straining.
HARVEST TIME:
Leaves and stems: Spring and summer.
Roots: Fall or early spring.
HARVEST METHOD:
Leaves and stems: Clip young, healthy growth with clean scissors on a dry day
for best quality.
Roots: Carefully dig with a garden fork or spade, leaving much of the root
system intact for sustainability.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Air-dry leaves and stems in a single layer in a well-ventilated area; store
dried material in airtight containers away from sunlight. Clean and slice
roots, then air-dry before storing. For tinctures and infused oils, use dark
glass bottles and keep in a cool, dark place.