It is a 10-80 cm tall, annual member of the smartweed family (Polygonaceae) with an erect stem. The flowers are white or pinkish. Lady's thumb is found throughout Latvia, particularly in wetland margins and depressions in meadows where vegetation is sparse.

Preparations made from lady's thumb narrow blood vessels, tone the uterine muscles, increase blood viscosity and clotting ability, promote intestinal peristalsis, and enhance diuresis. In medicine, products derived from lady's thumb are used for constipation, hemorrhoids, and cases of uterine bleeding. The plant also possesses antibacterial properties.

Photo: www.redzet.eu

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia