Tormentil

Potentilla erecta

Barren Strawberry Tormentil Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take

Tormentil is a small, much-branched herb. The sparsely hairy leaves are digitately dissected into four or five dentate leaflets which are borne directly on the stems (leaf stalks are absent). The flowers are solitary, relatively small, yellow and differ markedly from those of all other Potentilla species (and most other Rosaceae) in the presence of four rather than the more usual five petals.

PARTS USED

The sliced and dried rhizomes, with the roots removed.

USES

Tormentil is taken orally in case of diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, and enterocolitis. Tormentil is also used as a gargle or rinse to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Tormentil can be applied externally to sores, wounds and other skin disorders.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Tormentil is native to central and eastern Europe. The product is wild-harvested mainly in eastern Europe.

CONSTITUENTS

The rhizomes contain large amounts of tannins (up to 22%), mainly of the catechol type. Non-hydrolysable tannin is present in the form of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (up to 20%); the main hydrolysable tannin is agrimoniin and other ellagitannins and catechol gallates. Also present is tormentoside, a triterpene saponin known as a glucoside of tormentillic acid.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

An infusion of 2-3 g of the dried rhizome is made in a cup of boiling water. One cup is taken two to three rimes per day between meals to treat diarrhea and related disorders. The infusion may also be used externally. Tinctures can be diluted (10-20 drops in a glass of water) to rinse the mouth and throat. Tormentil is included in many commercial stomachic, anti-diarrhoeal preparations and mouth sprays.