Bistort

Bistort, the name under which the plant Polygonum bistorta L. is known in scientific medicine. This name is also given in various places in the USSR to other plants used in folk medicine. 1. Antennaria dioica Gaertn., s. Gnaphalium dioicum L. - cat's foot; brewed as tea and used for tuberculosis of the lungs and whooping cough, for venereal diseases, for leukorrhea and irregular menstruation. 2. Artemisia dracunculus L., tarragon - for scurvy and dropsy. 3. Chenopodium vulgare L., common wormwood - as a carminative. 4. Calla palustris L., water arum - for snake bites. 5. Maianthemum bifolium DC, s. Convallaria bifolia, may lily - used as an infusion for its diuretic properties or in enemas for cleansing the intestines. 6. Orchis latifolia L., broad-leaved orchid; in ancient times, some orchids were already known for their use as an aphrodisiac; in scientific medicine, it is used as a mucilage-containing substance. 7. Rumex aquaticus L., water dock, containing tannin, has an astringent effect, therefore it is used for diarrhea. 8. Stachys silvatica L., wood betony - taken internally in decoctions and infusions for its diuretic and emmenagogic properties.