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A common perennial weed. Once identified, it is easy to remember. The leaves are broadly ovate, entire or toothed, characterized by a thick, channeled footstalk. The flower stalks are 6-8 inches, tipped with long, slender spikes of greenish-white flowers but overshadowed by the brown sepals and bracts. The leaves of P. lanceolata are lance leafed, more grass-like and darker green. The stems are tipped by a short spike of tiny white flowers. Both are common around the world in moist waste places, lawns and stream beds in mountains.
It is a astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, andhemostatic. Leaves of the fresh plant makes an excellent poultice for insect bites. Chew to make a bolus and place on bite. The leaf tea is historically used for thrush in children, hemorrhage, heavy menstruation, parasites, sore eyes, edema, bladder, lung, stomachache, stomach ulcers, skin problems, ringworm, toothache, dysentery, hemorrhoids, and stimulates the healing process. Steep 1 teaspoon of the fresh or dried leaves in 1/2 cup water.Take 1-1 1/2 cups a day, mouthful at a time.
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