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 Potentilla erecta/P. tormentilla (Rosaceae)
TORMENTIL, BLOODROOT, EWE DAISY, SHEPHERD'S KNOT
This herb, used whole, is a
long-established European remedy for colic, and is now given by herbalists
as a treatment for diarrhoea, and stomach inflammation, as a mouthwash, and
as a vaginal douche.
The name tormentil comes from the Latin, tormina, meaning colic, which was what the
herb was traditionally used for in the 16th century. The whole plant is highly astringent
and was also used as a therapeutic tooth powder to ease bleeding and infected gums.
Native to northern Europe and west Asia, it thrives in lowland areas on damp acid soils.
It is a perennial with a thick red-centred rootstock, five-lobed serrated leaves, and
bright-yellow flowers in summer.
PARTS USED
Root, whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Tannins; red pigment, phlobaphene.
ACTIONS
Astringent.
MEDICINAL USE
Used internally to treat gastritis (stomach inflammation) and diarrhoea,
as a mouthwash for gingivitis (inflamed gums) and throat infections,
and as a vaginal douche in leucorrhoea (excessive white vaginal discharge).
PREPARATIONS
Decoction of root, infusion, tincture.
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