Known for its powerful astringent property, potentilla is a plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Despite the rather complicated name, some locations tried to make it easier, making it also known as tormentil and seven in raw.It is a small plant, which hardly exceeds 50 centimeters, with flowers of equal proportion that draw attention for their vibrant yellow color. Its leaves are green with small whitish parts at the bottom, in addition to being arranged in a composite and serrated way.

The potentilla is originally from France, but it can also be found in several other countries, including Brazil. From its astringent action, the plant has figured in the list of species that can be used to benefit human health. However, it is necessary to take some care.

As with any other species, before inserting it into the process of treating and curing any disease, the doctor has to be consulted. Only he is able to certify its use, preventing other unwanted effects from affecting patients.

During the exam, the professional will make sure that the patient will not have any type of allergic reaction or that it will trigger another, more serious illness.

Benefits of potentilla

As has been well said so far, this species of plant has an astringent property, capable of acting directly on the body, decreasing the secretion of mucous membranes and contracting tissues. As such, potentilla can be used to treat heat stroke, burns, tuberculosis and chronic diarrhea.

How to use potentilla in alternative treatments

Depending on what kind of ailment you are trying to treat, the potentilla has to be used in a specific way. For cases of diarrhea, for example, a mixture with port wine is used, with 70 grams of crushed roots of the plant. After that, let it rest for eight days and drink three glasses a day.

potentilla tea

This species of plant can also be used in the form of tea. Treatment, however, requires medical supervision, as there are health risks. To prepare the drink you will need 200 ml of filtered water and a tablespoon of dried herb.

The first step is to bring the water to a boil in a pot with a lid. As soon as it starts bubbling, turn off the heat and add the potentilla. Expect to rest for about 10 minutes. After this time, before ingesting, use a sieve to remove all the herb. Consumption must be monitored by a doctor.