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BISTORT POLYGONUM BISTORTA The root in powder taken in drink expelleth the venom of the plague, the smallpox, measles, purples, or any other infectious disease, driving it out by sweating. Also known as Snakeweed, English Serpentary, Dragon-wort, Osterick and Passions, the plant has a thick short knotted root which is blackish on the outside and reddish inside, and shaped like a letter 'S'. The leaves are oval with heart-shaped bases, rather like a Dock leaf. The flowers are a pale flesh colour. Where to find it: Shadowy moist woods, at the foot of hills and nourished in gardens. Flowering time: Late spring. The seed is ripe in midsummer. Astrology. It is a plant of Saturn ... cold and dry. Medicinal virtues: Both leaves and roots have a powerful faculty to resist all poisons. A decoction of the powdered root, prepared in wine, stayeth inward bleeding or spitting of blood, fluxes in the body of man or woman, or vomiting. It is also used against ruptures, burstings, bruises or falls, dissolving congealed blood and easing the pains. It also helpeth the jaundice. The water distilled from leaves and roots is a remedy to wash any place bitten or stung by any venomous creature and for running sores and ulcers. The decoction of the root hinders abortion and miscarriage. The leaves will kill the worms in children. With the juice of the Plantain added to it and applied outwardly, it helpeth the gonorrhoea, or running of the reins. Modern uses: It is mainly the root that is now used. Rich in tannin, it is one of the strongest astringents available to herbalists. The chief indications are diarrhoea, haemorrhages and mucous discharges when it is prescribed in the form of a medicine, a gargle or an injection. A decoction of the root can be used as an enema, usually in the ratio of 1 oz (28 g) of root to 2 pt (1.1 l) of boiling water. Strain and allow to cool before use. The same preparation can be used as a vaginal injection in leucorrhoea. Mixing in equal parts with other astringents, such as Cranesbill, and demulcents such as Marsh Mallow, makes it suitable for treating haemorrhoids. A teaspoonful of tincture of Bistort and one of Bloodroot added to half a glass of boiling water is used as a gargle or spray for sore throat and tonsillitis. |
