Cinquefoil, Latin name Potentilla spp., is a member of the rose family. While roses come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, cinquefoil flowers are usually yellow with five petals and about an inch across. This common perennial is found all over the western United States at higher elevations and northern latitudes in meadows and pastures and along streams. Bush cinquefoil, Potentilla fruticosa, is frequently used in commercial and residential landscaping, and so most everyone should be able to find some growing nearby. While all of the over fifty species are medicinal, they are not used identically. Some species use the root, while others use leaves to treat a variety of infections. This post focuses on the use of Potentilla fruticosa.
Because it is so soothing to the urethra, bladder, and kidneys,
cinquefoil is an excellent herb for the urinary tract. It works very
well with cypress or juniper in treating lower urinary tract
infections. It is also good for managing the early stages of
incontinence and helps reduce bedwetting in children.
Cinquefoil works well for women to reduce heavy bleeding during menstruation and mid-cycle spotting.
Harvest the leaf, flower, and stem, or new growth, in the spring and summer and then dehydrate it for use throughout the year. The flowers are edible and may be added to salads.
Infusion: Add 1/2 to 1 cup boiling water to 1 teaspoon dry herb, cover, and let steep 10-15 minutes. This is used two to three times per day.
Tincture: Tincture the dried herb in a 1:5 ratio (1 ounce herb by weight to 5 ounces 50% alcohol by volume). Use 30-60 drops, 2-3 times per day.
Bath: Add the tincture or dried herbs to a warm sitz bath. While this is quite soothing for vaginal infections, it is not particularly antimicrobial. It also helps manage post-partum bleeding.
Links to related posts:
Juniper
Tinctures
Urinary Tract Infections
References:
Charles W. Kane, Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States, 105.
No comments:
Post a Comment