© Otto Wilhelm Thomé, Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz (1885) · Public domain · Commons
Tormentil
Blutwurz · (Potentilla erecta)
Rose family (Rosaceae)
Description
Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) is a low, clump-forming herbaceous perennial of the rose family, growing just 10–30 cm tall. It bears glossy three-part leaves and small yellow flowers with a characteristic four petals from late spring into autumn. Its reddish, tuberous rhizome — blood-red when cut — is the very tannin-rich part used medicinally.
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Use in children and adolescents under 18 not recommended.
- TeaRhizomeInternalTraditional use
Tannin-rich tea for acute mild diarrhoea — the tannins act astringently on the intestinal mucosa.
Preparation & dosage
DECOCTION: Briefly boil 1.4–3 g of comminuted rhizome in water and steep for 10 minutes, then strain; one cup several times a day (as a decoction max 6 g of drug per day, as an infusion up to 12 g). For acute, mild diarrhoea. If diarrhoea lasts more than 3 days or bloody stools occur, consult a doctor.
- Dry amount
- 1.4–3 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Use in children and adolescents under 18 not recommended (insufficient data).
- GargleRhizomeExternalTraditional use
Astringent rinse for minor inflammations of the mouth and throat — for example sore gums.
Preparation & dosage
RINSE/GARGLE: Prepare 1.3–2 g of rhizome per 100 ml water as an infusion or decoction, let cool; rinse the mouth or gargle several times a day. Do not swallow. For minor inflammations of the oral and throat mucosa. If complaints last more than 1 week, consult a doctor.
- Dry amount
- 1.3–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Use in children and adolescents under 18 not recommended.
- TinctureRhizomeInternalTraditional use
Concentrated astringent form for travel use in mild diarrhoea.
Preparation & dosage
TINCTURE (1:5 in 45 % ethanol): 2–4 ml single dose, up to 3 times daily in a little water, for mild diarrhoea. Due to the alcohol, not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or people with liver disease.
- Liquid amount
- 2–4 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Alcohol-containing tinctures only for adults from 18 years.
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