© Thomé, Otto Wilhelm; · Public domain · Commons
Bistorta officinalis
Schlangen-Knöterich · (Bistorta officinalis)
Knotweed family (Polygonaceae)
Description
The plant's namesake rhizome twists into a serpentine, S-shaped coil and is dug in autumn. With an unusually high tannin content of 15 to 36 percent, it ranks among Europe's most potent plant astringents: an infusion is traditionally used for diarrhoea, while a concentrated decoction serves as a gargle for pharyngitis and sore gums. Compresses made from the decoction were used in folk medicine for wounds and inflamed skin, and laboratory studies have since confirmed antibacterial activity against skin pathogens. In northern England, the young, vitamin-rich leaves traditionally go into the Easter dish 'Easter-ledge pudding'. Because of the high tannin content, preparations should be taken only in small doses on a sensitive stomach and always after meals; the oxalic acid it also contains can, in larger amounts, impair calcium and iron absorption.
Infusion or decoction of the dried rhizome is used traditionally for diarrhoea and dysentery. The rhizome contains 15–36 % tannins (mainly condensed proanthocyanidins and gallic acid derivatives) that constrict the intestinal mucosa and reduce fluid loss.
Preparation & dosage
Pour 250 ml of hot water over 2–4 g of dried, chopped rhizome, steep for 10 minutes, strain. 3 times daily, for up to 4 weeks.
- Dry amount
- 2–4 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 4 weeks
Gargling with a strong rhizome decoction for pharyngitis, stomatitis, and spongy gums. The high tannin content is anti-inflammatory and astringent on mucous membranes.
Compresses with rhizome decoction or extract were used in folk medicine for wounds, burns, skin infections, and inflammatory skin conditions. Laboratory studies (Pawłowska et al. 2020) confirm antibacterial activity against skin pathogens.
Fresh or briefly warmed leaves were applied as a wound poultice on cuts and ulcers. Gallic acid and tannins in the leaves act locally astringent and antimicrobial.
Rhizome tea was used in folk medicine for excessive menstrual bleeding. PFAF describes the rhizome as styptic and reports use for metrorrhagia.
Sources: [2]
Young leaves are a traditional vegetable in northern England ("Easter-ledge pudding") and can be used as salad or spinach substitute. Leaves contain vitamins A and C but are high in oxalic acid — eat raw only in small amounts.
Rhizome tincture is used in modern herbal medicine as a concentrated tannin preparation — internally for irritable bowel complaints and diarrhoea, externally for gargling in throat complaints.
The rhizome is very tannin-rich (15–36 %). Use small doses for sensitive stomachs and always take after meals. All plant parts contain oxalic acid — in larger amounts this may impair calcium and iron absorption.
No reliable safety data for use during pregnancy. Avoid as a precaution, especially higher doses of the rhizome.
No data available. Avoid or use only in food amounts (leaves as a vegetable).
Due to the high tannin content, use low doses for children under 12 years and consult a health professional.
Drug interactions
Eisenpräparate / Kalziumpräparate
Oxalic acid and tannins can inhibit absorption of minerals — a gap of at least 2 hours is recommended.
Contraindications
- Rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones, or hyperacidity: oxalic acid content may aggravate these conditions.
- Known hypersensitivity to plants of the family Polygonaceae.
Harvested part: rhizome (autumn)
- Time of day:
- Harvest in early spring (when leaves are just shooting) or autumn (after above-ground parts die back).
- Drying:
- Clean rhizome, slice into 5–10 mm pieces and dry at 40–50 °C until pieces are dry and brittle.
- Storage:
- 24 months — Store dark, dry, and airtight in glass jars; keeps up to 2 years.
- Time of day:
- Collect young leaves in spring before flowering — at their most tender and lowest in tannins.
- Drying:
- Use leaves fresh or dry gently at 35 °C. Leaves crumble easily when dried — store loosely in paper bags.
- Storage:
- 6 months — Store dried leaves in paper bags in a dark, dry place; shelf life maximum 6 months.
- Kondensierte Gerbstoffe (Proanthocyanidine, Flavan-3-ol-Derivate)TanninContent: 15–36 %Rhizome
Primary active compounds in the rhizome; responsible for astringent, haemostatic, and antimicrobial activity.
- Gallussäure (Gallic acid)Phenolic acidRhizome
Hydrolysable tannin fraction; strongly antimicrobial, antioxidant.
- Gallotannine (Galloyl-Glucose-Derivate)TanninRhizome
Confirmed by Pawłowska et al. 2020 as major component of aqueous rhizome extract; antibacterial against skin pathogens.
- StärkePolysaccharideContent: ca. 30 %Rhizome
Primary storage compound of the rhizome; makes bistort edible and historically useful as a famine food.
- ChlorogensäurePhenolic acidRhizome
Identified in Pawłowska et al. 2020; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Oxalsäure (Oxalic acid)OtherWhole plant
Present in all plant parts; in high consumption, oxalic acid can inhibit mineral absorption and be problematic for kidney stone patients.
- Vitamin CVitaminRhizome
Detected in the rhizome; historically valuable as a vitamin source in nutritionally poor times.
- Vitamin A (Beta-Carotin-Vorstufen)VitaminLeaf
Present in leaves (PFAF data); supports the traditional use of leaves as a vegetable.
- [2]MonographPolygonum bistorta — Plants For A Future (PFAF)(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [3]MonographPawłowska KA et al. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of bistort (Bistorta officinalis) aqueous extract and its major components. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;260:113077.(accessed: 2026-05-22)
- [1]WikipediaBistorta officinalis (Wikipedia EN)(accessed: 2026-05-22)