Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeuschel
Family: Rosaceae
Description: “Perennial with thick, woody rootstock, red inside, and thin branched stems, bearing 3-lobed basal leaves and 5-lobed stem leaves. Small, bright yellow 4-petalled flowers are borne from early summer. H 50cm, S 20-30cm. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 183)
Habitat: Distributed widely in northern Europe, western Asia and Siberia; found on heaths and in woodland.
Harvest: Roots lifted in autumn or spring, (Bown, 1995).
Parts used: Roots; (also leaves traditionally);
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 2-4ml, tds; Fluid Extract: 1-3ml, tds; Dried: 2-4g, tds;
Actions:
-ASTRINGENT,
-TONIC;
Organ systems: DIGESTIVE;
Indications:
-DIARRHOEA, (Ody, 1993);
-dysentery;
-acute and chronic colitis, (Weiss cited by GT);
External usage:
-Sores and ulcers (as a lotion), (Wren, 1988);
-Laryngitis (with Sage as a mouthwash);
Safety: Safe.
Contra-indications: None found.
Key Constituents, (GT):
-Tannins, (up to 20%, Ody);
-Pigment: ‘tormentil red’;
-Glycosides;
Pharmacology: A component of the tannins, dimeric ellagitannin, exhibited weak anti-allergenic, immuno-stimulating and interferon inducing activity in vitro, (Wren, 1988).
Toxicology: No studies found.
History: Generic name from Latin potens, ‘powerful’, probably alluding to the herbs curative qualities. Root has been used in tanning of leather and as a dye, (Smith, 1977).
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“The root taken inwardly is most effectual to help any flux of the belly, stomach, spleen, or blood; and the juice wonderfully opens obstructions of the liver and lungs, and thereby helps the yellow jaundice.” Culpeper, (1995: 260).
“When used as a gargle, it is a most valuable remedy for relaxed and ulcerated throats. It will relieve twinges of toothache. It is also an ideal remedy used as a douche for leucorrhoea.” William Smith, (1977: 147).
“TORMENTIL [is] very astringent and reduces the inflammation associated with diarrhoea. Add 20g herb to 600ml water for a decoction or take 2-3ml tincture up to 3 times a day. Add soothing herbs like ribwort plantain or marshmallow root to ease gut inflammation.” Penelope Ody, (1993: 152)
“To control diarrhoea: Add 30g tormentil, 1 cinnamon stick (broken), 1tsp caraway seeds and 2 slices ginger to 600ml water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink a wine glassful four times a day.” Michael McIntyre (1990: 109)
