Bloodroot: use, effects and cultivation of the medicinal plant

In southern Germany, tormentil is traditionally drunk as a digestive schnapps. The medicinal plant also helps with diarrhea and inflammation of the oral mucosa. You can easily plant them in your own garden.

The bloodroot probably got its name because its rhizome contains a blood-red pigment. Dyers used this fabric to dye textiles in the past. In addition, naturopathy says tormentil also has a hemostatic effect. Although it has been used in this function for a long time, this has not yet been scientifically proven.

As a natural remedy, the bloodroot still plays a role today. That Federal Institute for Risk Assessment classifies them as harmless one and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) evaluates their healing effects positively. Various studies have now shown that it has anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Bloodroot against inflammation of the mucous membranes and diarrhea

Tormentil has one anti-inflammatory effect. One study attributes this to the fact that the roots contain large amounts of the tannin agrimoniin. Tannins surround injured or inflamed areas of the mucous membrane with a kind of protective layer that keeps germs away. In the case of diarrhea, this protective layer also means that less water escapes into the intestine.

That tormentil especially against diarrhea is an effective remedy, shows another study: Here a group of researchers looked at how blood root extract affects children with diarrhea. According to the research, the blood root extract shortened the duration of diarrhea and the children also lost less fluid.

Bloodroot comes first and foremost when there are complaints in the gastrointestinal area for use. In addition, a mouth rinse containing blood root can also cause mild inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth or throat treat.

Bloodroot as a tea or mouthwash

You can make one from powdered or chopped bloodroot tea Cook:

1. Stir in 150 milliliters of boiling water two to three grams of powder (equivalent to about a level teaspoon) or pour it over an appropriate amount of pieces of root.
2. Let the tea steep for ten minutes so that the active ingredients of the tormentil can migrate into the water.

There are several ways to use bloodroot tea. at Gastrointestinal complaints – especially if you have diarrhea – it is best to take it between meals, carefully and in small sips. You can three to four times a day drink a cup of bloodroot tea.

at Inflammation of the mouth or throat you can use the tea as a mouthwash or as a gargle solution. To do this, take a sip and gargle it for a minute or two before spitting it out again.

Tormentil is rich in Tanning agents like Agrimonin. On the one hand, this is the reason for its anti-inflammatory effects. On the other hand, tannins can overwhelm your mucous membranes in larger quantities and lead to even more severe discomfort in the stomach and intestines. That’s why you should be tormentil only in moderation take to yourself: The mean daily dose – i.e. the recommended average amount per day – is six grams. In addition, treatment with bloodroot should not last longer than two weeks in total.

Grow tormentil yourself

You can easily find the tormentil on your own garden plant. As a wild plant, it is easy to care for and has very few demands.

1. First find a suitable one Location the end. The tormentil grows best in the Penumbra, but it can also easily cope with a sunnier location. Also ideal is a dry, sandy soil.
2. Then sow the Seeds the end. To do this, wait for the cooler months and either sow in the late autumn (from September) or in the beginning spring (until mid March). The bloodroot is a so-called cold germ. These are plants that not only tolerate the cold, but even depend on them in order to be able to germinate.
3. When sowing, make sure you have one between each row Distance of about 25 centimeters so that the individual plants have enough space to grow.
4. Only lightly cover the seeds with soil after you’ve planted them.

The bloodroot hardly needs any care. You don’t have to fertilize and water only occasionally, for example on very hot, dry days. All in all, the bloodroot gets by with little water.

From the roots to the tea: harvest and dry the bloodroot

The bloodroot blooms from May to September. Although the bright yellow blossoms to catch the eye is only hers for the healing power of the plant root significant. It can only be harvested after the flowering period.

From October you can then take the root to harvest:

1. Carefully dig the entire one Rhizome of the plant. This is usually not difficult, because the tormentil sits rather loosely in the ground.
2. Laundry Then thoroughly clean the roots to free them from debris.
3. Then use a knife to remove the root threads.

Before you get the roots for tea you have to use it first dry.

1. To do this, cut the tormenti with a sharp knife Discs.
2. Then put them on one warm and dry place off, for example near a tiled stove or radiator. It is important that the humidity is not too high, otherwise the root slices will be light go moldy can.
3. Wait one to two weeksuntil the tormentil is completely dry.
4. Then cut or grind the dried root slices powder. Use, for example, a mortar (e.g. online at **Avocado Store) or a spice grinder (also online at **Avocado Store).
5. Then fill in the cut or powdered roots Screw jars around.
6. Store the jars in a dark, dry place so that the tormentil keeps its effect for as long as possible.

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