Smartweed

Uses

What is smartweed used for?

Smartweed is an herb. The entire plant is used to make medicine.

People take smartweed tea to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids, as well as menstrual bleeding and other uterine bleeding. They also use it to treat diarrhea.

Some people put smartweed directly on the skin to wash bloody wounds.

How does it work?

There are not enough studies about how smartweed works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, it is thought that smartweed contains chemicals that can stop bleeding.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using smartweed?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
• You have allergy with any substances of smartweed or other medications or other herbs.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

The regulations for an herb are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herb must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is smartweed?

It is not known if smartweed is safe.

Special precautions & warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of smartweed during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Ulcers or other stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) disorders: Smartweed can irritate the tissues that line the stomach and intestines, making ulcers and GI problems worse. Avoid using smartweed if you have ulcers or another GI disorder.

Side effects

What kind of side effects may I have from smartweed?

Smartweed can cause side effects such as stomach irritation when taken by mouth.

When the fresh plant is handled it can cause skin irritation and swelling (inflammation).

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Interactions

What interactions may I have with smartweed?

Smartweed may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbalist or doctor before using.

Products that may interact with smartweed include:

• Warfarin

Smartweed contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, smartweed might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.

What is the usual dose for smartweed?

The dose for smartweed may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbs are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.

What form does smartweed come in?

Smartweed may be available in the following forms:

• Raw smartweed

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.