Avens

Alternative names: Geum Urbanum, Benedict’s Herb, Herbe du Bon Soldat, Colewort

The popular medicine of Romania says that Avens helps regain power after a long suffering or illness and people under a spell or a curse. Ancient healers used Avens for strengthening the bones and various afflictions of the body and soul.

Part of the Rosaceae family and native to America, Asia, Africa and Europe, Avens is a plant with small, yellow flowers, with 5 petals and toothed leaves, used as a flavoring but also to make medicine. The tannins contained help treat colitis and diarrhea by reducing the inflammation. The root of the plant has antibacterial effects and is an excellent astringent. In cases of severe diarrhea associated with dehydration, 3-4 cups a day of the combined infusion of Avens and Potentilla, in equal parts is recommended.

Avens infusion is also a stimulant of the nervous system, helping the improvement of mental tone and fighting melancholia, asthenia and depression. Used externally, the infusion can remove eruptions, freckles and spots from the face.

The Avens decoction administered in the spring has purifying properties, removing obstructions of the liver.

The tincture is used externally in muscular pains through a 10 minute massage on the sore area combined with a subsequent application of Arnica cream.

Other uses of Avens are: sore throat, pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, uterine bleeding and fever. For tooth pains, a tampon with Avens tincture kept for 5 minutes on the sore tooth has anesthetic effect, relieving the pain for 15 to 30 minutes.