Potentilla is an herb, also going by the names of cinquefoils or tormentils. It is found in wetlands, humid regions, around rivers and foothills.
The herb is a perennial, herbaceous plant. It blooms into beautiful yellow flowers, which grow a wrinkled, dried nut with numerous seeds. The usable part of the plant is the root. It is harvested early in spring or in late fall. It contains active ingredients, such as essential oils, tannins, glycosides, organic acids, wax and others.
The levels of catechin tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, as well as ellagic acid, triterpenic acids are impressive. All of these substances contribute to the hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, costive and antispasmodic action of potentilla.
Potentilla is an herb often found in numerous remedies. Infusions made from it are used to cleanse the lungs, against uterine bleeding and blood in the urine. It is used to treat nosebleeds and inflamed tonsils. Pour 1 1/5 cups (300 mL) of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of the herb.
Let the infusion sit for about an hour, then strain it. Drink 1 cup of it 3 times a day before meals. In cases of internal bleeding, there is a risk of harm for the patient. In such cases, it needs to be taken under medical supervision.
The herb also has topical applications for wounds, injuries, wet eczema, chapped skin, enterocolitis, bleeding hemorrhoids and others. To treat these, make a remedy of potentilla. Pour 2 cups (500 mL) of boiling water over 2 tbsp (30 g) of the herb, then strain it. Apply this to the problem areas.
You can also make an infusion of the entire plant in olive oil - 1:1. Use it to treat skin diseases. Fresh roots from the plant are soaked in white wine and left to sit for 10 days. This can be used to increase appetite.
Besides being used for medicinal purposes, potentilla is thought to possess magical properties. When worn as an amulet, it provides the wearer love, money, wisdom and longevity.
