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Tade

Smart Weed, Water Pepper, Smartass, Arse Smart, Peachwort, Ciderage, Hung-la-liao, Hosoba-tade

Polygonum hydnopiper syn. Persicaria hydropiper

F. Polygonaceae

This information on Herbs is provided 
free from Isabell Shipard’s Herb book.
…  … have been used to indicate omitted text.
Please see
Isabell’s book of herbs and their uses

 How can I use HERBS in my daily life?
for full text.

Herb Book Commendations

Australia has waited 20 years for her first home-grown herbal, but here it is at last! Isabell has always been the source of plants and advice for many of us, her admirers. We can be proud of her encyclopaedic work (Acerola to Yucca) on plants, which includes a vast reference background, as well as practical advice. "Shipard on herbs" is destined to be one of those foundation books that will be in print for the next century. Buy one for yourself, and your grandchildren.
Bill MollisonFounder, The Permaculture Institute
In all the places I have travelled and worked in the world as a Permaculture designer and teacher, I've never met anybody who has such a depth and diversity of knowledge of individual plants, their functions, cultural uses and the growing conditions they require as Isabell Shipard. This book is destined to become a classic reference for everyone who needs to understand all the vital characteristics of herbs, for medicinal, culinary and functional uses. In the quest for sustainability, we are lucky to have such information available in explicit detail.
Geoff LawtonDirector, Permaculture Research Institute, The Channon, NSW, Australia
This is an impressive book. The real breadth and depth of Isabell Shipard s experience combined with detailed and extensive research makes this a very rich and empowering book. Giving you most practical and accessible ways to actively participate in caring for your health, it is a highly valuable source of guidance and help.
Lynnette WebbyLife-change Consultant and Researcher, Sunshine Coast
Staying healthy is important to me. Many people, who make an intelligent decision to take responsibility for their own personal health and wellbeing, value the holistic approach to health care. This comprehensive herbal handbook is an indispensable reference tool. Whether you need a textbook on herbs, a handy survival manual or a practical guide to growing herbs, this book is it! You will love this book, it will inspire and motivate you to use the knowledge, to get growing, and reap the benefits of a living, sustainable, food supplementation and first-aid kit - in your own backyard. Be prepared to change your lifestyle, increase your savings, to have a healthier family AND to enjoy a great read!
Christine BennettFull-time Carer, Sunshine Coast
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… … omitted text, please see How can I use HERBS in my daily life?  for full text.

Medicinal Uses

A herb with a tradition of uses: beneficial for colds, respiratory ailments, edema, hemorrhoids, ulcers, eczema, rheumatism, toothache, diarrhea, indigestion, heat stroke, spleen and liver malfunction, gout, thrush, mouth ulcers, hypochondria, cholera, jaundice, vertigo, gallstones, lethargy, epilepsy, hemorrhaging, menstrual pain, and to strengthen the stomach.

Tade
Tade

It is said, heating or drying the plant can destroy the properties, therefore, an infusion is preferable with 2 teasp. of finely chopped fresh leaves added to a cup of cold water; stir vigorously and leave to steep 5-10 minutes. Take 1-3 cups a day. Honey may be added to sweeten, as the herb has a pungent peppery taste that tickles the tongue, which is reflected in some of the common names of the plant. It is not as hot as chillies and the hotness only lingers on the tongue for a short time.
Tinctures, like for an infusion, should be prepared with the fresh plant. For toothache, try a few bruised leaves placed between cheek and gum. For thrush, mouth ulcers and sore throat, gargle using a cold infusion. Externally, tade has been applied as a poultice or infusion for bruises, inflammation, ulcers, proud flesh, felons, hard to heal wounds, gangrene and tumours.

Sufferers from rheumatism will benefit by using an infusion in their bath water, as well as drinking 2 cups of tea a day. Crushing some fresh leaves and dabbing in the ear on a cotton bud may relieve earache.

A folk use for this smart weed was to put a handful of the herb under the saddle of your horse if you wanted it to travel long distances. It is said the herb would spur the horse on and also allay thirst. If you are one to procrastinate, or have lost your get up and go, try a handful of smart weed (also called smartass) in your pants, it just might be enough, to spur you on!

… … omitted text, please see How can I use HERBS in my daily life?  for full text.

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