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Information about the herb Bistort
Polygonum bistorta, also known as Adderwort is part of the Polygonaceae plant family. Native to parts of Northern Europe, Northern England, Southern Scotland, Siberia, Japan and Western Asia to the Himalayas.
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Botanical Name: Polygonum bistorta
Common Name: Adderwort, Dragonwort, Easter Giant, Easter Mangiant, English Serpentary, Osterick, Passions, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock
Plant Family: Polygonaceae
History: The name Bistort is from the Latin bis meaning 'twice' and torta, 'twisted' because of its twisted, creeping nature.
Contains:
- gallic acid
- gum
- starch
- tannic acid
Action:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- styptic [an agent that contracts tissues; astringent; specifically, a hemostatic agent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels]
The word 'Mangiant' is a corruption of mangeant, meaning 'a plant to be eaten at easter', which was an old custom in the north of England.
Medicinal Parts Used: Rootstock and leaves
Bistort is commonly used for:
Bacterial Conditions
- cholera
- measles
Blood Conditions
- all bleedings internal and external
- hemorrhoids
- lung hemorrhages
- nose bleeds
- stomach hemorrhages
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- bowel complains
- diarrhea, especially with blood in the stools
- dysentery
Genitourinary Tract Conditions
- incontinence
Immune System Conditions
- infectious diseases
Liver Conditions
- jaundice
Externally:
- bruises
- loose teeth
- nasal polyps
- stops bleeding in cuts and wounds
Leaves:
- worms in children (powdered leaves)
Leaves and Root: As a gargle for:
- all gum problems
- hardening spongy gums
- looseness of teeth
- sore mouth
- sore throat
- stomatitis
Externally: As a wash for:
- bites from venomous creatures
- discharging ulcers
- hemorrhages
- running sores
Other
- diabetes (combined with other tonics)
- intermittent fever
- mucous discharges, especially from ears, nose, vagina, urethra
Other Uses:
- in leather tanning
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Bistort without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if your taking any of the following medications:
- None known
Global Herbal Supplies has Bistort available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
