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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Cinquefoil
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedThe herb and root Description of Plant(s) and CultureA hardy, creeping, low perennial plant 6-18 inches high; its blackish rootstock sends out slender, rooting runners (somewhat like strawberries) and also produces a rosette of basal, dark green, pinnate leaves consisting of 13-21 oblong, serrate leaflets that are dark green on top and covered with silvery hairs beneath. In the leaves, large leaflets alternate with small leaflets. The bright-yellow flowers grow singly on long peduncles, stalks growing from the leaf axils; blooms from May to September. The root has a bitter, styptic taste. Other varieties: Tall cinquefoil (P. arguta), (P. reptans),
and dwarf cinquefoil (P. canadensis). Where FoundFound in dry fields, wet meadows and banks, and pastures and also
in damp marshy places all over North American and Europe. Found across
Canada to the arctic circle, South in northern areas of the United
States and the Rockies to New Mexico. Medicinal PropertiesAntispasmodic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, tonic, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, hemostatic Legends, Myths and StoriesCinquefoil was used as a laxative by Paiutes; cook the whole plant which looks silvery and silky. Also makes a red dye. Industrially, tormentil is used to process leather; in the textile industry for dying in the color red. In ancient China, this herb was used in magic for casting spells
and as a love-divining herb. UsesThe decoction, tea and tincture (made with water or milk) are used for diarrhea, enteritis, and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and bleeding gums, canker sores, dysentery. The tincture is good for sealing hemorrhages, for leucorrhea, and for fevers. Diluted it makes a good mouthwash and gargle for sore throat. The root is used for chronic and infectious catarrhal enteritis, quinsey, epilepsy, toothache, dysentery, and jaundice. Especially helps intestinal problems where diarrhea and constipation alternate. Externally, used to help heal wounds, sores, ulcers, bruises and relieves pain. Culpeper claims that this herb expels any venom or poison, or the plague, other contagious diseases, as pox, measles; even cures the "French pox" he notes one writer, Andreas Valesius, to declare. As an antispasmodic, it can relieve abdominal cramps and painful periods; but it is generally mixed with balm leaves and German chamomile flowers to make a tea for that purpose. The tea is also
useful as an external astringent for skin problems, jaundice, malaria, cystitis,
palsy, shingles, itch, sciatica, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, quinsey, epilepsy, toothache, bleeding
gums, mouthwash, fever, and throat sores, hoarseness,
cough, ague, colds, flu, canker sores. When added
to bath water, it will stop bleeding from piles, boils, ulcers, sores, and wounds. Formulas or DosagesUse the fresh or recently dried rootstock. Infusion or Decoction: use 1 tbsp. root to 1 cup water. For infusion, steep 30 or more minutes; strain. Take lukewarm in the course of a day in mouthful doses. Tincture: take 20 to 30 drops, 2 or 3 times per day. Powder: use 1/4 to 1/2 tsp., 3 times per day or as directed by a doctor. Use the entire plant except the roots, dried in the shade. Decoction: boil 2 tsp. herb in 1 cup of water or milk. Mixed tea: mix equal parts of silverweed, balm leaves and German chamomile flowers. Steep 1 tsp. of the mixture in 1/2 cup water. Sweeten with honey. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups a day, a mouthful at a time. Infusion: use 1 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup of boiling
water. Cover with a saucer and steep for 30 minutes; strain. Nutrient ContentIron, magnesium, calcium
Bibliography
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Crampweed
The Herb Book
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.
, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.