Bistort

Bistort - Polygonum bistorta

• Introduction
• Bistort Properties
• Bistort - Chemical Compounds/Constituents
• Bistort - As a Treatment For
• Bistort - Side Effects & Cautions
• Bistort Preparations

Introduction

Bistort medicine comes from the Polygonaceae family. The name comes from Latin word ‘bis’ which means ‘twice’ and torta ‘twisted’. It is derived from its twisted, creeping nature. There are about 40 varieties of Polygonum which contain medicinal properties such as knotgrass, smartweed and buckwheat.  Bistort is also known as adderwort, drgaonwort, easter giant, patience dock, red legs and others.  This herb is often found in parts of Northern Europe, Northern England, Southern Scotland, Siberia, Japan and Western Asia to the Himalayas. 

Bistort often utilizes the rootstock and leaves.  These parts contain gallic acid, gum, starch and tannic acid. Bistort herb herbal medicinal does the following actions to the body:

Other uses for bistort aside from herbal medicine include leather tanning.  Bistort comes in the following formulations: dried and extracts.

Synonyms

• Adderwort
• Dragonwort
• Easter Giant
• English serpentary
• Fleece Flower
• Knotweed
• Oderwort
• Osterick
• Patience Dock
• Red Legs
• Smartweed
• Snakeweed
• Sweet Dock
• Twice Writhen
  

Bistort Properties

• alterative
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-diarrhea
• astringent
• demulcent
• diuretic
• febrifuge
• laxative
• styptic

Bistort - Chemical Compounds/Constituents

Bistort - As a Treatment For

• Cholera
• Measles
• Bleedings both internal and external
• Lung  hemorrhages
• Nose bleeds
• Stomach hemorrhages
• Bowel complains
• Diarrhea especially in cases where there is blood in stools
• Dysentery
• Incontinence
• Infectious diseases
• Jaundice
• Diabetes
• Intermittent fever
• Mucous discharges especially from ears, nose, vagina and urethra
• Bruises
• Loose teeth
• Nasal polyps
• Stops bleeding in cuts and wounds
• Worms in children

Leaves and roots of bistort are used as gargle for the following conditions:

• Gum problems
• Hardening spongy gums
• Looseness of teeth
• Sore mouth
• Sore throat
• Stomatitis

Bistort can be used as external wash for:

• Bites from poisonous creatures
• To discharge ulcers
• Hemorrhages
• Running sores

Bistort - Side Effects & Cautions

Bistort Preparations