Cut root avens – Geum urbanum

A perennial plant of the Rosaceae family, Geum urbanum grows on forest edges and in temperate hedgerows. Its root, once dried and chopped, is traditionally used for its stimulating and aromatic properties. This product is subject to strict regulations in France.

Description

Hard, brown root, cut into irregular fragments. Warm, spicy odor similar to cloves. Used primarily in decoction. Do not confuse with other non-medicinal species of avens.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Avens, St. Benedict's herb, urban avens
• Latin name: Geum urbanum
• Family: Rosaceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, Western Asia
• English name: Avens root
• Name in German: Benediktenkrautwurzel
• Name in Spanish: Raíz de benoita
• Name in Italian: Radice di cariofillata
• Name in Arabic: جذر البيونيت (Jadhar al-Bayūnīt)

Main virtues

An aromatic plant rich in tannins, avens is traditionally used for its tonic, digestive, and cleansing effects. Its clove-like scent also makes it a popular natural flavoring in decoctions.

Main constituents

Tannins, eugenol (trace, responsible for the clove smell), ellagic acid, mucilages, bitter substances.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of water, boil for 10 minutes then infuse for 10 minutes.
• Restricted use: exclusively reserved for pharmaceutical pharmacies and for controlled professional use.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Use reserved for the pharmaceutical monopoly in France.
• May interact with certain anticoagulant treatments (presence of tannins).
• Not recommended for prolonged use without medical advice.

History and origin

Known to medieval herbalists, avens was used for its purifying and digestive properties. It takes its name from its ancient use in blessings and religious medicinal rituals. Its root was also used in the composition of certain medicinal liqueurs.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: Protect from humidity and light.
• Packaging: kraft bag, glass jar, airtight metal box.
• Appearance: Dark brown, dry, hard root fragments.
• Smell: warm, woody, reminiscent of cloves.

Sources and references

• French Pharmacopoeia – List of reserved plants
• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European medicinal plants
• References in medieval and traditional herbalism

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