Bistort, Polygonum bistorta but sometimes labeled Bistorta major or Persicaria bistorta, is also known as Dragonwort (a name which is also used for French Tarragon) or Snakeweed. It’s unusual in its requirement for moist or even wet soil, so may form part of a bog garden, perhaps, so long as it is not in full shade. If it’s happy it will reach a height of 50cm (20″), spreading over about 45cm (18″).
The first leaves should be available from late Winter, so it makes a useful vegetable during the “hungry season” and can be used like spinach. Don’t overdo it, though, as it may cause photo-sensitivity if eaten to excess. It contains quite high levels of oxalic acid, so anyone suffering from rheumatism, gout, arthritis or hyperacidity should probably stick to using it medicinally, rather than eating it as a vegetable.
Bistort is a strong natural astringent. The leaves can be applied to wounds to stop bleeding. Make a decoction using 15g (half an ounce) of dried root to a pint of cold water. Put these into a pan, bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, then strain for use. The dose is up to 1 cupful per day. You can use this to treat heavy periods, diarrhea, cystitis and catarrh. You can also use it as an external wash for vaginal discharge, cuts and grazes, and as a mouthwash for disorders of the soft palate, tongue and gums such as mouth ulcers.
As with all herbal remedies, it’s important that the active constituents are not contaminated by foreign chemicals, so they should always be grown organically. To find out more about growing organic bistort, visit the Gardenzone.
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