Polygonum bistorta

Polygonum bistorta
Family:Polygonum bistorta; Astringent; Demulcent; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Laxative; Styptic.
Common name:Bistort
Bistort is one of the most strongly astringent of all herbs and it is used to contract tissues and staunch blood flow. The root is powerfully astringent demulcent diuretic febrifuge laxative and strongly styptic. It is gathered in early spring when the leaves are just beginning to shoot and then dried. It is much used both internally and externally in the treatment of internal and external bleeding diarrhoea dysentery cholera etc. It is also taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including catarrh cystitis irritable bowel syndrome peptic ulcers ulcerative colitis and excessive menstruation. Externally it makes a good wash for small burns and wounds and is used to treat pharyngitis stomatitis vaginal discharge anal fissure etc. A mouth wash or gargle is used to treat spongy gums mouth ulcers and sore throats. The leaves are astringent and have a great reputation in the treatment of wounds.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:14 []