Bistort
Written by Robert A Wilson   
Thursday, 22 February 2007
Bistort is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, as well as North America. The Bistort plant averages 30 cm to 1m in height and has bluish-green leaves with flowers that bloom from May to August. Young leaves may be cooked and eaten like spinach. Parts usually used: Leaves, root.

Other Names:

Adderwort, Dragonwort, Easter Giant, Easter Mangiant, Oderwort, Osterick, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock

Potential Uses:

  • To treat various digestive disorders, such as cholera, dysentry, and leukorrhea, and particularily diarrhea
  • As a powerful astringent (because of its high tannin content)
  • Externally, the powdered root controls bleeding
  • Internally, the extract controls diarrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding and vomiting
  • As a mouthwash, it heals mouth and throat inflammation and is believed to strengthen loose teeth

Alternative medicine information is provided as a service to familiarize physicians and their patients with medicinal claims available through the media. This does NOT constitute a treatment recommendation.

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )