Bloodroot

There are about 500 species in this large genus, which is distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. Most are perennials or shrubs, with some annuals, and biennials, and many are found on heaths and in woodland. Several species are used medicinally for their high tannin content, which in P. erecta approaches 20 percent. These include P. anserina (silverweed) and P. reptans (creeping cinquefoil, fiveleaf grass), which contains less tannin but are still useful astringents. Potentilla means "powerful", from the Latin potens, alluding to the plant's curative powers.

Perennial with a thick, woody rootstock, red inded, and slender, branched stems, bearing 3-lobed basal leaves and 5-lobed stem leaves. Small, bright yellow, 4-petaled flowers are borne from early summer.



Common Name:
Bloodroot
Other Names:
Tormentil
Botanical Name:
Potentilla erecta syn. P. tormentilla
Genus:
Potentilla
Family:
Rosaceae
Cultivation:
Moist or dry acid soil in sun or light shade. Invasive.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn or spring; by division in autumn or spring.
Harvest:
Roots are lifted in autumn or spring and dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, powders, and tinctures. Whole plants are cut in summer and dried for use in infusions, lotions, and ointments.
Native Location:
N Europe, W Asia, and Siberia
Height:
50cm (20in)
Width:
20-30cm (8-12in)
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Roots, whole plant.
Chemical Constituents:
  • Ellagic Acid
  • Kinovic Acid
  • Tannins
    		•
    Properties:
    A bitter, astringent, cooling herb that controls bleeding, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
    Known Effects:
  • Shrinks tissues
  • Prevents secretion of fluids
  • Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally
    		•
    Possible Additional Effects:
  • May treat diarrhea
  • May treat sore throat
  • May treat wounds when used as poultice
    		•
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally for diarrhea, enteritis, Chrohn's disease, mucous colitis, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcer, and inflammation of the colon. Externally for hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, sore throat, mouth ulcers, cuts, sores, ulcers, burns, sunburn, frostbite, and shingles.
    Warnings and Precaution:
    Care is needed in topical application of strong tannins, which can cause scarring.

    Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis

    • Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herbs for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs

    • Pregnancy:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Breastfeeding:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Infants and Childrens:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.

    • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to Do
    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Kidney damage characterized by blood in urine, decreased urine flow, swelling of hands and feet Seek emergency treatment
    Nausea and Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Bibliography:
    Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 329
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 453-454