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Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis syn. Poterium officinalis)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Rosaceae
  • Common Names: Great Burnet, Garden Burnet, Pimpernel, Bloodwort
  • Parts Used: Root, Aerial Parts (Leaves, Flowers)

Description

Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as Great Burnet, is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It has been traditionally valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties, making it useful for wound healing, digestive issues, and circulatory health.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating burns, ulcers, and excessive bleeding.
  • Employed in Western herbal medicine for diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and wound healing.
  • Traditionally consumed as a cooling herb to balance heat-related conditions.
  • Applied externally as a poultice for wounds, burns, and skin irritations.

Constituents

  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids
  • Saponins
  • Phenolic acids
  • Vitamin C

Actions

  • Astringent
  • Hemostatic (Stops bleeding)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Digestive tonic

Medicinal Uses

1. Wound Healing and Hemostasis:
Great Burnet is used topically to stop bleeding, promote tissue repair, and reduce inflammation in wounds and burns.

2. Digestive Support:
Its astringent properties help relieve diarrhea, dysentery, and gastrointestinal inflammation.

3. Skin and Burns:
Traditionally applied as a poultice or wash for burns, eczema, and minor skin infections.

4. Circulatory Health:
Contains antioxidant compounds that support vascular health and reduce oxidative stress.

5. Oral Health:
Used in gargles and mouth rinses for sore throats, ulcers, and gum inflammation.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea from Aerial Parts):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried leaves or flowers per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to twice daily.

Decoction (Root Preparation):

  • Simmer 1 tsp of dried root in water for 20 minutes. Strain and drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Poultice (Topical Use):

  • Crushed fresh leaves applied directly to wounds or burns.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use with caution and consult a healthcare provider.
  • Constipation: The astringent nature may worsen constipation in some individuals.
  • Blood Thinners: May enhance anticoagulant medications; consult a professional before use.
  • Allergic Reactions: Individuals sensitive to plants in the Rosaceae family should use cautiously.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Clears heat, cools blood, and stops excessive bleeding.
  • Ayurveda: Cooling and drying; balances Pitta and Kapha, but may aggravate Vata in excess.
  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Astringent and tonic for digestion, circulation, and skin health.

Combinations

  • For Wound Healing: Combine with yarrow and comfrey.
  • For Digestive Support: Combine with chamomile and marshmallow root.
  • For Skin Health: Combine with calendula and plantain.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Roots are collected in autumn, while leaves and flowers are gathered in summer.
  • Drying: Air dry in a cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried plant material in airtight containers away from moisture and heat.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Sanguisorba officinalis’s hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Great Burnet remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for wound healing, digestive health, and circulatory support.