Herbs - Bistort (Polygonum bistorta).

What Is It?

Bistort or adderwort is a traditional herb used in European herbal medicine. The root and rhizome have key medicinal properties.

Action

It contains many compounds, but in particular high amounts of tannis. The tannis gives this herb powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. It is also said to be anti-catarrhal, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-haemorrhagic and a demulcent herb.

Uses

Historically bistort have been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Catarrh
• Diarrhoea - especially for children
• Diverticulosis
• Incontinence
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Nasal polyps
• Nose bleeds - and other situations where bleeding needs to be slowed
• Sore mouth and inflamed tongue (as a mouthwash)
• Uterine infections with discharge (vaginal douche)

Other information

Bistort is normally available to make herbal tea for internal use, although a qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures.

Cautions

• The safety of bistort during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied, so it is best avoided unless directed by a physician.



• At the time of writing there are no well known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications from using bistort.

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