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BISTORT
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(Polygonum bistorta)
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Other Names
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Dragonwort, Eatergiant, English Serpentary, Osterick, Patience Dock, Red Legs,
Snakeweed, Sweet Dock.
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Description
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Bistort is a perennial native to Europe and Asia. This hardy plant thrives at
higher elevations. The thick, twisted, rootstock grows up to 3 ft long, producing bluish green
leaves and red flowers that bloom from May through August.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cooling
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Humor
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Fire
ê Water
ê
Air
é
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Uses/Applications
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Use Bistort for dysentery, digestive problems, mucous colitis, and as an
excellent remedy for diarrhea. Externally use to treat laryngitis, pharyngitis, leucorrhea.
Apply Bistort
directly to a wound to stop the bleeding.
Because of its powerful ability to resist poison it is also
used to treat cholera, dysentery, small pox, measles, gonorrhea, and
jaundice.
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Douche
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Use for leucorrhea
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Gargle
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Use for laryngitis, and pharyngitis
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Infusion
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Use for digestive problems, colitis, and diarrhea.
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Mouthwash
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Use for inflamed conditions.
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Ointment
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Use for hemorrhoids
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Combinations
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Raspberry, Nettle, Comfrey, Cranesbill.
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Constituents
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15 to 20% Tannins.
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Action
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Astringent, Anti-Catarrhal, Demulcent, Anti-Inflammatory, Vulnerary, Diuretic,
Alterative.
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Food Values
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Vitamin’s A & C.
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Part Used
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Root, Rhizome.
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Collection
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Collect in the fall, cut lengthwise and dry in the sun.
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Preparation
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. dried herb. Take two times per
day.
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Decoction
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Pour a cup of water onto 1 Tsp. dried herbs. Bring to a boil, let simmer for
10 to 15 minutes. Take three times per day.
It can also be used as a mouthwash.
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Tincture
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2
- 4 ml. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Bistort is propagated easily by dividing roots. It grows in moist, shady
areas. Be
careful where you plant it because it spreads rapidly.
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History
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Traditionaly, both the roots and leaves were considered to have a powerful
faculty to resist poison. It was used to cure fever and to stop the bleeding of
wounds.
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Additional Information
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1. Bistort is also widely used in cooking.
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Cautions
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None
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Female
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Planet:
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Saturn
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Element:
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Earth
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Psychic Powers.
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Magickal Uses:
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Burn Bistort with Frankincense to improve psychic powers or in
divination. Sprinkle Bistort about to drive away evil.
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