The Avens Herb

LATIN NAME:

Geum urbanum

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The avens herb is a perennial plant with a single round stem that is divided into 3 branches which become petioles for yellow and pale pink flowers.

Its thick, brown root smells like cloves.


In the 19th century the roots were used to flavor ale and was put in with linens to keep them smelling fresh and to keep the moths away.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* intestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and stomach pains, and peptic ulcers.

* irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

* dysentery

* canker sores

* gingivitis * sore throat

* chronic bronchial catarrh

* feverish colds

* can be used as a douche for treating excessive vaginal discharge.

Use externally as a lotion or ointment for:

* hemorrhoids

* eczema

* hives

PREPARATION:

Preparation and Dosage

Decoction

Place one teaspoonful of the root in a cup of cold water, bring up to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Take one cup 3 times daily.

Tincture

Take 1-3ml of the tincture 3 times a day.

Parts used: Roots and aerial parts

Collection: The aerial parts of the avens herb are collected in mid-summer when the flowers are at their best. The roots are collected in spring when they are the richest in volatile oils.

Constituents: Essential oils with gein and eugenol, organic acids, tannins, flavone, bitter principle, resin

Actions: Astringent, styptic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, aromatic, tonic

Combinations: The herb is often combined with Agrimony in the treatment of digestive troubles such as colitis.

SIDE EFFECTS:

None expected.