Also known as: Potentilla Anserina, Anserine, Bec d’Ole, Goose Grass
Perennial edible plant, Potentilla is an herb containing chemical substances called tannins with drying effect on the tissues, reducing skin inflammatory processes. A distilled water of the herb was in the old days used as a cosmetic lotion for removing spots, freckles and pimples.
When used as a powder or hydroalcoholic extract, Potentilla acts like an astringent, reducing the mucous secretions and the permeability of capillaries and cellular membranes.
Potentilla tea has amazing results in healing intestinal infections accompanied by diarrhea and severe dehydration. Due to its flavonoid content, it has a mild spasmolytic effect on intestinal and uterus smooth muscles. Women can benefit from using Potentilla, when confronted with painful menstrual periods, metrorrhagia (abnormal bleeding) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Used as a diuretic, Potentilla tea is also useful in renal gravel.
Externally, Potentilla may be used as a compress, poultice, gargle or bath to treat various conditions such as gingivitis, eczema, skin burns and ulcerations and leucorrhoea.
Fresh leaves of Potentilla can be used in salads and stir fry-s, while the roots, having a nutty taste can be consumed raw or cooked.
The plant is commonly confused with Tormentil (Potentilla Erecta), or Agrimony (Agrimonia Eupatoria), which are also referred to as Potentilla and must be distinguished from Jewelweed, even if both Potentilla and Jewelweed are known as Silverweed.
Generally safe for most people, Potentilla is not recommended for patients suffering from chronic liver and kidney diseases and can occasionally cause stomach irritation.
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