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BISTORT

   

BISTORT

(Polygonum bistorta)

Other Names

Dragonwort, Eatergiant, English Serpentary, Osterick, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock.

Description

Bistort is a perennial native to Europe and Asia.   This hardy plant thrives at higher elevations.   The thick, twisted, rootstock grows up to 3 ft long, producing bluish green leaves and red flowers that bloom from May through August.

Classification

 

Taste

 

Balance Yin/Yang

Cooling

Humor

Fire ê Water    ê   Air    é

Uses/Applications

Use Bistort for dysentery, digestive problems, mucous colitis, and as an excellent remedy for diarrhea.   Externally use to treat laryngitis, pharyngitis, leucorrhea.    Apply Bistort directly to a wound to stop the bleeding.   Because of its powerful ability to resist poison it is also used to treat cholera, dysentery, small pox, measles, gonorrhea, and jaundice.

 

Douche

Use for leucorrhea

 

Gargle

Use for laryngitis, and pharyngitis

 

Infusion

Use for digestive problems, colitis, and diarrhea.

 

Mouthwash

Use for inflamed conditions.

 

Ointment

Use for hemorrhoids

Combinations

Raspberry, Nettle, Comfrey, Cranesbill.

Constituents

15 to 20% Tannins.

Action

Astringent, Anti-Catarrhal, Demulcent, Anti-Inflammatory, Vulnerary, Diuretic, Alterative.

Food Values

Vitamin’s A & C.

Part Used

Root, Rhizome.

Collection

Collect in the fall, cut lengthwise and dry in the sun.

Preparation

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. dried herb.   Take two times per day.

 

Decoction

Pour a cup of water onto 1 Tsp. dried herbs.   Bring to a boil, let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.   Take three times per day.   It can also be used as a mouthwash.

 

Tincture

2 - 4 ml. three times per day.

Growing Directions

Bistort is propagated easily by dividing roots.   It grows in moist, shady areas.   Be careful where you plant it because it spreads rapidly.

History

Traditionaly, both the roots and leaves were considered to have a powerful faculty to resist poison.   It was used to cure fever and to stop the bleeding of wounds.

Additional Information

1.   Bistort is also widely used in cooking.

Cautions

None

Magick Information

 

Gender:

 Female

Planet:

 Saturn

Element:

 Earth

Deity:

 None

Powers:

 Psychic Powers.

Magickal Uses:

 Burn Bistort with Frankincense to improve psychic powers or in divination.   Sprinkle Bistort about to drive away evil.

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