Silverweed

Potentilla anserina

Argentine Crampweed Goosewort Moon Grass Silverweed Wild Tansy Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Collection and harvesting

Silverweed - a ground-hugging perennial growing 8 -16 inches tall. Runners, 3 - 6 feet long, link new plants bearing tufts of leaves that are pinnately divided into toothed leaflets with silvery undersides. Each tuft bears a single five-petaled, bright golden yellow flower (June-August) atop a 2 - to 12 - inch-long leafless stalk. The flowers of silverweed close at night and on cloudy days.

Roasted, boiled, or raw, silverweed's starchy rootstock has served as food for North American Indians, Eskimos, and northern Europeans for many years. At times silverweed rootstock - which is said to taste like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or chestnuts - has kept regional populations alive when nothing else was available to eat. Silverweed is also food for many wildlife species. The leaves of silverweed are evidently a favorite of geese, because the common name goosewort means "goose plant," and the species name anserina is Latin for "of or pertaining to geese." The plant reproduces by sending out runners, which develop roots that penetrate the soil and produce leaves. When the main plant dies, the newer portions that have developed along the runners become separate plants. This mode of propagation helps the herb stand up to grazing by animals.

The genus name Potentilla, derived from the Latin potens, or "powerful," refers to the plant's reputed power to cure various ailments. Tea made from silverweed was formerly much used to treat menstrual cramps and indigestion. Boiling the plants produced a decoction used as a mouthwash for sore gums and toothache. An infusion of silverweed and honey has also been taken to relieve sore throat.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts, root.

USES

Contemporary medical herbalists believe that silverweed's main medicinal value lies in its astringency. Silverweed makes an effective gargle for sore throats and is a helpful remedy for diarrhea. Silverweed is less astringent than its close relative tormentil, but it also has a gender action within the gastrointestinal tract. Silverweed is used externally as a lotion or ointment for bleeding hemorrhoids.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Silverweed is found in Europe, Asia, and North America, where it flourishes in dry, grassy places. The aerial parts are collected in late summer, the root at the same time or in autumn.

CONSTITUENTS

Silverweed contains 2 - 10% ellagitannins, flavonoids, choline, and bitters.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Compress: bring 1-2 tablespoonfuls of chopped silverweed to the boil in half a liter (one pint) of water. Let stand for 20 minutes. Make a moist compress with the lukewarm liquid. Moisten again as soon as the compress begins to dry.
Tincture: take 2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

Silverweed should be collected in June, with all discolored or insect-eaten leaves being rejected. Silverweed should be dried in the shade.