Potentilla erecta
Also known as Common Tormentil, Five Finger blossom or grass, Barren Strawberry, and Blood Root (Bavarian).
Cinquefoils are holarctic or almost exclusive to the cool to cold regions of the world.
The cinquefoil, P. erecta, which is specific to the Scottish Highlands has been used for inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. In fact, research is being done on its safety and efficacy on disorders such as ulcerative colitis. Other species of cinquefoil, P. discolor and P. mutlifida are used in Chinese medicine for diabetes treatment. Obviously, Claire would be limited to using P. erecta.
Potentilla spp. roots, or actually their rhizomes, are used as an astringent due to unusually high tannin levels for an herbaceous plant. A decoction can be used as a mouthwash for loose teeth, spongy gums, thrush, and periodontal disease as well as can be put on infections, sores, and rashes. It can be taken as an aid for dysentery and diarrhea as well as for fevers and weakness (debility). Powdered root/rhizome can be used to stop bleeding. Fresh juice mixed with honey relieve and relax sore throats and coughs.
In beauty regimens, an infusion of the leaves can be used in a lotion for skin cleansing and soothing. It is an ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams.
Other uses include using the roots as a red dye for leather and to make a bitter herbal liqueur called Blutwurz, which means "Blood Root" - not be confused for Sanguinaria canadensis which is also called Blood Root.
As with the other herbs covered thus far, the young shoots may be eaten raw in a salad or used as a pot vegetable.
Interestingly, cinquefoil was used in many recipes for magic. One such recipe called "Witches' Ointment" called for the juice of five finger grass, smallage, and wolfsbane to be mixed with the fat of children dug up from their graves and added to fine wheat flour. It was also used in many love potions - likely due to the root's red color.
The cinquefoil, P. erecta, which is specific to the Scottish Highlands has been used for inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. In fact, research is being done on its safety and efficacy on disorders such as ulcerative colitis. Other species of cinquefoil, P. discolor and P. mutlifida are used in Chinese medicine for diabetes treatment. Obviously, Claire would be limited to using P. erecta.
Potentilla spp. roots, or actually their rhizomes, are used as an astringent due to unusually high tannin levels for an herbaceous plant. A decoction can be used as a mouthwash for loose teeth, spongy gums, thrush, and periodontal disease as well as can be put on infections, sores, and rashes. It can be taken as an aid for dysentery and diarrhea as well as for fevers and weakness (debility). Powdered root/rhizome can be used to stop bleeding. Fresh juice mixed with honey relieve and relax sore throats and coughs.
In beauty regimens, an infusion of the leaves can be used in a lotion for skin cleansing and soothing. It is an ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams.
Other uses include using the roots as a red dye for leather and to make a bitter herbal liqueur called Blutwurz, which means "Blood Root" - not be confused for Sanguinaria canadensis which is also called Blood Root.
As with the other herbs covered thus far, the young shoots may be eaten raw in a salad or used as a pot vegetable.
Interestingly, cinquefoil was used in many recipes for magic. One such recipe called "Witches' Ointment" called for the juice of five finger grass, smallage, and wolfsbane to be mixed with the fat of children dug up from their graves and added to fine wheat flour. It was also used in many love potions - likely due to the root's red color.
The cinquefoil is used on the Scottish Clan Hamilton's arms of chief.
Cinquefoil; P. erecta
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