Bistort root cut – Polygonum bistorta

Native to Europe and temperate Asia, Polygonum bistorta grows in damp meadows. Its thick, knobbly, and twisted root (hence the name "bistort," meaning "twice twisted") has been used since the Middle Ages. Highly concentrated in tannins, it was once used to make tightening decoctions and external applications for the skin.

Description

Reddish-brown, hard, knobbly root, cut into segments. Fibrous texture. Earthy odor, strongly bitter and tannic taste. Use exclusively as a decoction or externally.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Bistort, serpentaria, ox tongue
• Latin name: Polygonum bistorta (syn. Bistorta officinalis )
• Family: Polygonaceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
• English name: Bistort root
• Name in German: Schlangen-Knöterichwurzel
• Name in Spanish: Raiz de bistorta
• Name in Italian: Radice di bistorta
• Name in Arabic: جذر البستورتة (Jadhar al-Bistūrta)

Main virtues

An astringent plant par excellence, traditionally used to tighten tissues, purify locally, or support certain external functions. It also finds its place in natural dyeing for its tanning properties.

Main constituents

Catechin tannins (up to 20%), gallic acid, starch, mucilages, saponins.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of cold water, bring to a boil for 10 minutes, infuse for another 10 minutes. For professional use only.
• External use: lotion or localized bath, after filtration.
• Tincture: alcohol-based, available in specialist pharmacies.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated plant – use reserved for the pharmaceutical monopoly.
• Not recommended for prolonged or internal use without supervision.
• May cause constipation or irritation in high doses.

History and origin

Highly valued in medieval European pharmacopoeias, bistort was renowned for its ability to "tighten the flesh." It was included in monks' longevity elixirs and in folk remedies for its astringent properties. It is also mentioned in ancient medicinal botanical texts.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an airtight container, away from light and humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag, glass jar or metal box.
• Appearance: Dried, hard, knotty brown fragments.
• Odor: earthy, slightly astringent.

Sources and references

• French Pharmacopoeia – Monopoly Plants
• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European Phytotherapy
• Traditional and ancient medicinal herbals

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