Donum ∞ Dei
About💌 FeedbackImprintPrivacyImage Credits
Photo of Argentina anserina

© Walter Siegmund (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons

Argentina anserina

Gemeines Gänsefingerkraut · (Potentilla anserina)

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Description

Silverweed creeps across path edges, riverbanks and grazed ground on long, rooting runners. It is recognised by its pinnate leaves, whose undersides shine silver from dense hairs — the source of its English name — together with solitary yellow flowers from May to August. The flowering herb is the part used. Its high tannin content acts astringently on mucous membranes, and the German Commission E has recognised three applications on that basis: as a tea for mild, acute diarrhoea, for mild menstrual pain, and as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth and throat. Animal studies show increased tone in the uterine muscle, which may explain the second use, though the evidence for it is weaker than for the first. In sensitive stomachs the tannins can irritate, so the herb is not suited to long-term daily drinking.

  • TeaAerial partsInternalCommission E

    Infusion of the herb for mild, acute diarrhoea. The German Commission E recognised this indication for Potentillae anserinae herba. The astringent effect is due to the tannin content.

    Preparation & dosage

    Pour 250 ml boiling water over 2 g dried herb, steep 10 min, strain. Total daily amount 4–6 g crude drug.

    Dry amount
    4–6 g
    Doses per day
    3×

    Sources: [4] [5]

  • TeaAerial partsInternalCommission E

    For mild dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain), the use of silverweed herb is recognised by the German Commission E. Animal studies show uterine muscle tone- and contraction-enhancing effects.

    Preparation & dosage
    Dry amount
    4–6 g
    Doses per day
    3×

    Sources: [4] [5]

  • GargleAerial partsExternalCommission E

    Gargling with a more concentrated infusion for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, also recognised by the German Commission E for Potentillae anserinae herba.

    Preparation & dosage

    Sources: [4] [5]

  • TeaRootInternalTraditional use

    The root contains higher tannin levels than the aerial herb and was traditionally used in stronger infusions for diarrhoea and bleeding. The root is considered the most tannin-rich plant part.

    Preparation & dosage
    Dry amount
    2–4 g
    Doses per day
    2×

    Sources: [1] [3]

  • CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

    Bruised or powdered herb was applied as a compress for ulcers and wounds. Folk medicine also used it as a local pain remedy for dental and joint complaints.

    Sources: [1] [3]

  • RawRootInternalFolk medicine

    The carbohydrate-rich roots were used as a food source in various cultures (North America, Tibet) and resemble parsnip in taste. They were especially harvested in spring and autumn.

    Sources: [2] [3]

Distribution in Europe

More from this family · Rose family

DEENFRESBG