Cinquefoil vs Bistort Root

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cinquefoil

Potentilla reptans

Digestive

Persicaria bistorta

Digestive

Cinquefoil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Bistort Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Creeping perennial of European grasslands; roots used in folk medicine as astringent for diarrhea and wound healing.

European streamside plant with coiled rhizome used for centuries for diarrhea, wound healing, and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Active Compounds

tannins, ellagitannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids

tannins, gallic acid, flavonoids, oxalic acid, starch

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea in European folk medicine, Wound healing and bleeding, Fever reduction, Used across European folk herbal traditions

Diarrhea in European folk medicine, Wound healing topically as powerful astringent, Inflammatory bowel conditions, Snake bites historically

Modern Uses

Astringent, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

Astringent, Antidiarrheal, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

2–3 g root as decoction; 2–3 mL tincture; topical poultice

2-4g dried root tea 3x daily; 2-3ml tincture 3x daily; compress topically

Contraindications

Pregnancy in large doses, Constipation

Constipation tendency, Pregnancy in large doses, Kidney stones (oxalate)

Side Effects

Constipation with overuse

Constipation with excessive use

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E