Medicinal Plants : Geum urbanum

Name

Bennet

Biological Name

Geum urbanum

Other Names

Blessed herb, European avens, star of the earth, yellow avens, bennet

Parts Used

Rootstock, flowering herb

Remedies For

Astringent, styptic, tonic.

As an astringent, bennet is useful for diarrhea; and it also makes a good gargle for gum problems and halitosis. It promotes appetite and acts as a tonic during convalescence. A wine extract of the root promotes digestion in older people and can also be used for chronic bronchial catarrh and for intermittent fever.

Description

Bennet is a perennial plant that grows around hedges, fences, walls, and in deciduous forests, preferring shady places. The rootstock is 1 to 3 inches long, finger-thick, yellow to brown outside, pinkish or pink-violet inside.

The erect, hairy stem is red at the bottom and grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet The lower leaves are lyrate and pinnate, the upper ternate or trifid; the leaflets broadly ovate and serrate. From June to August, the plant bears bright yellow, star-shaped, drooping flowers.

Dosage

Decoction: Use 1 tsp. dried root or herb with 1 cup water. Take 1 cup a day.

Tincture (from root): Take 10 drops, 3 times a day.

Powder: Take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp., 3 times a day.

Safety

No information available.