Cut top avens – Geum urbanum

Geum urbanum , or urban avens, is a perennial plant common in Europe. The aerial part is used fresh or dried for its gentle properties, in infusion or decoction. It has a light herbaceous scent with a note close to clove due to the presence of eugenol, although less concentrated than in the root.

Description

Dried flowering tops, green to light brown fragments. Sweet, woody scent. Easy to use as an infusion or in combination with other sweet plants.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Avens, St. Benedict's herb, urban avens
• Latin name: Geum urbanum
• Family: Rosaceae
• Part used: Aerial part (flowering top)
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, temperate zones
• English name: Herb Bennet tops
• German name: Nelkenwurz Kraut
• Name in Spanish: Suma aérea de benoita
• Name in Italian: Parte aerea di cariofillata
• Name in Arabic: القمة الزهرية للبيونيت (al-Qimmah az-Zahriyah li-l-Bayūnīt)

Main virtues

Known for its aromatic properties, it is used in wellness infusions. Appreciated for its herbal flavor, it is also incorporated into gentle tonic blends.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, light tannins, traces of eugenol, ellagic acid.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of boiling water, infuse for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Blends: with lemon balm, nettle, or mallow for softening herbal tea.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• No known adverse effects at usual doses.
• Not recommended in case of sensitivity to plants rich in tannins.
• To be consumed in moderation as a limited-time treatment.

History and origin

Prized in the European countryside, avens was used both for its virtues and its fragrance. Its leaves and flowers accompanied family infusions or were used in recipes for light medicinal wine.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a closed container, away from light and humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag, glass jar, opaque metal box.
• Appearance: dry green to brown, floral and leafy fragments.
• Smell: sweet, slightly spicy and woody.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• European corpus of unregulated medicinal plants
• Traditional herbalism and popular uses

🔎 Information

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