Potentilla tormentilla

The Tormentil herb is a member of the Rose family. It can be found all over Europe, growing wild in woods, moors and grassy pieces of ground. It is a small plant with yellow flowers. The root is thick and red on the inside, giving rise to its common name Bloodroot.

Tormentil has a high tannin content which gives it a distinct astringent action on the digestive tract. Tannins bind to the proteins present in the irritated lining of the bowel, forming a layer which soothes and, at the same time, provides a barrier against infective organisms and toxins. They also slow down the frequency of bowel motions, encouraging the healing of an inflamed bowel.

Medical advice should be sought if acute symptoms do not improve within 24 to 36 hours, or if diarrhoea is violent and accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, fever or blood loss.