Support for Health
Smartweed has been used historically in Peru to fight bacterial infections. While traditional remedies don’t always stand up to modern scientific scrutiny, smartweed does show promise. In a 2010 study, researchers tested the effectiveness of smartweed, along with 140 other plant species, against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Smartweed not only proved toxic to these bacteria, but it did so at one of the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations among all the plants tested. In other words, a little goes a long way.
Why does smartweed have this effect? Research from 2010 at Loyola College in India provides some answers. Scientists there isolated confertifolin, an active compound in smartweed, and found it effective against several harmful organisms, including Enterococus faecalis—a bacteria that can cause serious infections in humans.
Candidate for Fungal Cleansing
Candida is a type of yeast found on nearly everyone’s skin. Normally, it’s present in small amounts and doesn’t cause any issues. However, an overgrowth of Candida can lead to problems. Smartweed shows potential in protecting against Candida overgrowth. Late last year, researchers at Beijing’s Tsinghua University School of Medicine tested smartweed against Candida and found that it inhibited its growth by more than 50%.
Reduces Redness and Swelling
For people dealing with degenerative bone and joint issues, redness and swelling are common and painful concerns. Smartweed has been traditionally used in Asian countries to relieve such irritation. In 2012, Korean scientists evaluated the plant to see if this traditional use was warranted. Their findings were positive. They discovered that smartweed could inhibit the enzymes responsible for redness and swelling. Additionally, smartweed seems to be a natural remedy for gastritis because of its quercetin content, a flavonoid with powerful antioxidant properties.
Antioxidant Activity
One of the key benefits of fruits, vegetables, and plants in general is their antioxidant content. Antioxidants help defend against oxidation caused by free radicals. Oxidation, which you might think of as “aging” or “wearing out,” is a constant threat from various toxins. While oxidation can’t be completely stopped, its effects can be reduced, and antioxidants are the key defense. The efficacy of antioxidants in supporting neural, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal health is well documented. As with many therapeutic plants, the antioxidant capacity of smartweed has been examined multiple times, and the findings are consistently positive.
Smartweed: A Fantastic Herb for All-Around Health
Smartweed stands out as a remarkable herb with a variety of health benefits. Whether you are looking for bacterial, fungal, or anti-inflammatory support, or seeking antioxidants to combat the effects of aging, smartweed has something valuable to offer.
