Evidence supporting the use of: Smartweed
For the health condition: Bites and Stings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum and related species) has a history of traditional use by Native American tribes and early settlers in North America for treating various minor injuries, including bites and stings from insects. The typical method involved crushing fresh leaves to create a poultice applied directly to the affected area, aiming to reduce pain, inflammation, and itching. Ethnobotanical records indicate that several tribes, such as the Cherokee and Iroquois, used Smartweed in this way, although details about its effectiveness are sparse and largely anecdotal.

Despite its traditional use, there is minimal scientific research specifically validating Smartweed's efficacy for bites and stings. Some studies have identified the presence of bioactive compounds in Smartweed, such as flavonoids and tannins, which may possess mild anti-inflammatory or astringent properties. However, there are no clinical or robust preclinical studies directly supporting its application for bites and stings in humans or animals. Therefore, while its use is rooted in folk medicine, the supporting evidence is weak and based primarily on tradition rather than science.

More about Smartweed
More about Bites and Stings

Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings

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basil
beta caryophyllene
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bisabolol
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citrus oil
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Products containing Smartweed

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.