Useful properties and contraindications of white cinquefoil, rules of application

The widespread use of white cinquefoil for medicinal purposes began in the 18th century. This herbaceous perennial, somewhat similar to strawberries, was once widespread in Europe and Russia. Nowadays, this beneficial herb is becoming increasingly rare, and has almost disappeared in many regions. Let's explore the beneficial properties and contraindications of white cinquefoil, along with proven recipes and methods of use.

Composition of white cinquefoil

The botanical name for cinquefoil is Potentilla alba, a perennial plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. The most valuable part of the plant is its robust root, which grows up to 1 meter. The white flowers have five petals, giving the plant its common name, "cinquefoil."

Different parts of the plant contain many substances important for the body, which determine its healing properties:

• iodine and iodic acid ions;
• silicon;
• zinc;
• aluminum;
• magnesium;
• flavonoids;
• tannins;
• saponins;
• glycosides;
• iron.

The most valuable substance for medicine is albinin, which has an effect on the endocrine system and stabilizes hormone production.

Beneficial properties

The healing properties of the root and leaves were discovered in ancient times. A 15th-century herbal published in Italy described the plant's benefits for burns and stomach pain.

The following properties of cinquefoil are used:

1. For the endocrine system. Normalizes hormone synthesis, restores metabolic processes. Helpful for weight loss.
2. Cardiovascular system. Stabilizes blood pressure and restores heart rhythm.
3. Improving the functioning of the nervous system, protection from the negative effects of stress.
4. Increases vitality and stimulates performance.
5. Improves the condition of the digestive tract mucosa and promotes the regeneration of damaged areas. Infusions relieve colic and spasmodic pain.
6. The green part has antiseptic properties and is used for skin pathologies.
7. Disinfectant, anti-inflammatory – for gargling and rinsing the mouth.
8. Antioxidant effect. Used to treat joint problems, liver and kidney diseases, and to purify the blood.

Potentilla is most widely used in the treatment of thyroid dysfunction – hyperthyroidism.

Important: The root's healing properties are most pronounced in the 3rd or 4th year of the plant's life. Dig up the plant in the fall or spring, when the green part has died or has not yet begun to grow.

For women

Cinquefoil is used to treat tumors in women (cysts, fibroids) due to its resorptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its positive effect on hormonal balance helps stabilize the menstrual cycle. Infusions and decoctions are taken for dysmenorrhea to reduce pain, and for premenstrual syndrome to normalize the nervous system. Taking Cinquefoil improves energy and improves the appearance of women (skin, hair, and nails). The herb is also beneficial for the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

For men

The use of cinquefoil helps men improve vascular health and stabilize heart function, which positively impacts potency. The herb has a gonadotropic effect, stimulating hormone production. Cinquefoil helps men strengthen the nervous system, improve overall body tone, and increase stress resistance.

For children

White cinquefoil has a significant effect on the nervous and endocrine systems, so the use of the herb in children should be discussed with a doctor (an endocrinologist or pediatrician). The doctor will help determine the course and dosage.

Medicinal recipes with cinquefoil

The plant's tops and roots possess medicinal properties. When harvesting the herb yourself for medicinal purposes, it's important to properly collect and process the raw materials to avoid losing the beneficial substances.

Tincture

An alcohol tincture of the root is used to treat thyroid dysfunction and female reproductive disorders. Chop 50 grams of rhizome, place it in a dark bottle, and add 0.5 liters of vodka or alcohol diluted to 40°. Infuse for 20 days in a cool, dark place, shaking the bottle regularly.

Directions: Dissolve 20-30 drops of the preparation in 150 milliliters of water and drink once daily. The course of treatment is determined individually, depending on the condition.

An herbal infusion (flowers and leaves) is prepared in a thermos. Place 2 tablespoons of each flower and herb in a thermos and add 500 milliliters of boiling water. After steeping for 8 hours, strain the solution. Drink 100 milliliters before meals.

Decoctions

Treatment with rhizome decoctions is indicated for hyperthyroidism and other thyroid conditions. A tablespoon of crushed root is steeped in 200 milliliters of boiled water for 10-15 minutes in a water bath. Cool and strain.

Take one tablespoon 3-4 times daily. Instead of warming up in a sauna, you can steep the mixture in a thermos for 8-10 hours.

Herbal infusions for baths

Cinquefoil baths are used to treat nervous disorders, insomnia, and multiple skin rashes. For the bath, take 10 tablespoons of the herb and steep it in a thermos, then pour it into the water. You can also use a ready-made Cinquefoil Phytobath, which contains salt.

Ointments

Ointments are used to treat nodular goiters, skin rashes, boils, and hemorrhoids. To prepare the remedy, 50 grams of thoroughly ground root is mixed with 50 grams of liquid honey. Ointments are also made using butter or lard. The crushed root is added to 100-150 grams of fat and boiled for 5-7 minutes.

Note: Potentilla is an ingredient in over-the-counter medications such as Endonorm, Endokrinol, and Pyatipal. If natural ingredients are unavailable, ready-made preparations can be used.

For what diseases is it recommended to use?

The main indications for the use of cinquefoil are:

• thyroid pathologies – hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, nodular goiter, hyperplasia, benign neoplasms;
• diseases of the female reproductive organs, including for the normalization of the menstrual cycle;
• high blood pressure;
• prevention of iodine deficiency conditions, formation of neoplasms;
• pathologies of the digestive tract – eliminates infections, inflammations, spastic conditions;
• When used externally, cinquefoil helps eliminate skin inflammations, infections, relieves joint pain, and heals the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
• SSS – cleanses blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, helps recover from stroke and heart attack.

The plant also has a mild diuretic effect, improving urine flow and the removal of toxins.

Features of treatment during pregnancy and childhood

Potentilla is not recommended for treatment by pregnant or breastfeeding women. There is a high risk of uterine bleeding during pregnancy. During lactation, substances from cinquefoil preparations pass into breast milk. When treating children, consult a pediatrician to ensure the correct dosage and frequency of use are agreed upon. Giving children tinctures and decoctions is not recommended, as all parts of the plant can affect hormonal levels.

Side effects on the body

Possible side effects of treatment with cinquefoil include:

• lowering blood pressure;
• dyspeptic disorders – diarrhea, constipation, nausea, most likely atonic constipation;
• uterine bleeding.

A properly chosen course of treatment and precise adherence to dosages will help reduce potential harm to health.

Who is contraindicated to use?

It is not recommended to use cinquefoil for treatment in the following cases:

• in case of hypotension;
• in case of allergy or intolerance to the components of the prepared drug;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• ischemic heart disease, serious heart rhythm disturbances;
• tendency to constipation;
• urolithiasis.

It is better not to use cinquefoil if you have a high prothrombin index, which characterizes the rate of blood clotting.

Advice and recommendations from doctors

Phytotherapy is considered by doctors as an adjunctive treatment, and herbs are often recommended for disease prevention.

In our country, many people experience iodine deficiency, which triggers endocrine disorders and hormone imbalances. Doctors recommend using cinquefoil to replenish iodine levels and prevent metabolic disorders. Combining cinquefoil with other plants is recommended:

• Cetraria (Icelandic moss);
• cocklebur;
• walnut (green).

If you have endocrine or other conditions, consult a doctor to ensure herbal treatment is compatible with your medications and does not pose a risk to your health. The healing properties of cinquefoil have been used for many years to treat and prevent many ailments. Medicinal drugs have not diminished people's trust in herbs and herbal medicine. Most people report positive results from treatment with cinquefoil. The plant helps treat gynecological and endocrine disorders, normalizes thyroid function, and replenishes iodine deficiency in the body.