> Supplement Index > Bistort / Polygonum bistorta / Adderwort / Dragonwort / Easter Giant / English Sepentary / Osterick / Passions / Patience Dock / Red Legs / Sweet Dock > Bistort General Information Bistort Uses & Scientific Evidence For Bistort Dosage Information Bistort Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Bistort General Information Bistort is a hardy perennial with slender stems that grow up to 30 inches in height. Each stem has a dense cylindrical cluster of tiny white or pinkish flowers. The word Bistort is the Latin name for “twice-twisted” and refers to the gnarled appearance of its dark brown rhizome, or underground stem. In the 17th century juice of Bistort was used for nasal polyps. Boiling the rhizome in wine was a decoction useful for treating diarrhea and dysentery, but also worked in slowing heavy menstrual bleeding, stopping vomiting, and healing mouth and throat inflammations. It was also used as a gargle that would tighten loose teeth. The rhizome has also been served as food in lean times boiled or roasted in a soup, or ground to make flour. The leaves were cooked and eaten like spinach. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Bistort Uses & Scientific Evidence For Bistort is strongly astringent and is used to contract tissues and help stop a heavy blood flow. It works well as a mouthwash and gargle for treating spongy gums, canker sores, and sore throats. This herb works well in treating peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, dysentery, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge. Externally, Bistort is useful in treating burns and wounds and in an ointment, works well in soothing hemorrhoids and anal fissures. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Bistort Dosage Information Bistort comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. To use a decoction, take 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 3 times a day. The same decoction can be used as a mouthwash or gargle. For using a tincture, take 2-4 ml 3 times a day. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Bistort Safety & Interaction Information Bistort is generally regarded as safe when taken in the recommended doses. If you are experiencing internal hemorrhaging, it is best to consult with your physician before using Bistort as a treatment for your condition. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. If you are taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) it is best to seek the advice of your physician before using Bistort. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -