Medicinal burnet: benefits, uses and properties

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Medicinal burnet is a perennial plant with dark purple inflorescences and a rhizome with roots that are used as medicinal raw material. According to herbal medicine reference books, the plant has traditionally been used as an astringent and hemostatic remedy. Reference literature also describes its use for some gastrointestinal disorders.

What does burnet look like and where does it grow?

Medicinal burnet (*Sanguisorba officinalis* L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Rose family. Its stem is upright and weakly branched. It usually reaches from 20 to 100 cm in height.

Underground, the plant has a thick horizontal rhizome. Thin fibrous roots grow from it. It is the rhizomes and roots that are considered the main part of the plant for medicinal use.

The basal leaves of burnet are large, long-stalked, and imparipinnate. The leaflets have sharp teeth along the edges. The flowers are very small and collected in dense oval inflorescences of a dark purple color.

Among people, burnet was called “redhead.” This name is connected with its compact dark red inflorescences. The Latin name *Sanguisorba* is translated as “absorbing blood.” This name is also associated with the Russian name of the plant.

Burnet grows in floodplain meadows, mixed-grass steppes, forest glades, and among shrubs. It is a plant of the forest and forest-steppe zones. It is widespread in the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East. In the European part it occurs less frequently.

The plant usually flowers during the summer period. The dark purple inflorescences are clearly visible among the grass.

History of burnet use

Burnet has a rather long history of use in folk medicine. According to one reference source, in Russia its roots and herb were used for bleeding and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In ancient Russian medical texts, the plant was mentioned under the name “owl eyes,” and it was attributed not only with medicinal but also magical properties.

Later, interest in burnet also moved into official medicine. An extract of the rhizomes and roots was included in the State Pharmacopoeia IX in 1961. Reference literature also describes the use of the plant during the years of the Great Patriotic War, when it was studied and used as an extract for enterocolitis.

A preparation called sanalbin was made from the rhizome — a light brown powder that was considered a substitute for imported tannalbin. Reference books associate its use with intestinal diseases, as well as with some problems of the oral cavity.

Medicinal burnet beneficial properties of the root

The main medicinal raw material of burnet is its roots and rhizomes. They contain tannins. According to reference books, their amount in rhizomes is about 12–13%, in roots — 16–17%, and in some thickened parts it can reach 23%.

The composition of the roots also includes gallic, ellagic, and oxalic acids. The plant contains saponins, including sanguisorbin and poterine, pigments, calcium oxalate, vitamin C, carotene, and sterols.

Other reference sources indicate the presence of tannins, gallic and ellagic acids, saponins, coloring substances, essential oil, and starch.

What else is included in the root composition?

According to one reference source, the content of saponins in the roots can reach 4%. Among them, sanguisorbin and poterine are mentioned separately. In addition, coloring substances and essential oil have been found in the underground parts of the plant.

These details help explain why the rhizomes with roots are considered the medicinal raw material. Their composition differs noticeably from the ordinary above-ground part of the plant, and reference sources associate the pharmacological properties primarily with the underground raw material.

This composition is primarily associated with the astringent properties of the plant. According to herbal medicine reference books, burnet is described as a plant with hemostatic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.

Reference literature also describes the effect of plant preparations on intestinal peristalsis, blood vessel constriction, and uterine muscle contraction. This is why burnet should be used with particular caution during pregnancy.

I view this information as a description of the traditional and reference use of the plant. It is not a promise of a specific result for every person.

What is this plant used for?

Burnet became known primarily because of its astringent properties. In medical practice, the use of decoction, liquid extract, and preparations with dry plant extract is described. According to herbal medicine reference books, burnet preparations are used as an astringent and hemostatic remedy. Rhizomes are also described for some gastrointestinal disorders.

Reference literature mentions the use of plant preparations for enterocolitis and diarrhea of various origins. In addition, the use of decoction or liquid extract for rinsing the mouth and throat during some inflammatory conditions of the mucous membrane is described.

What medicinal forms are described in reference books?

For burnet, not only the usual decoction is described, but also liquid extract, tincture, and preparations with dry extract. The rhizomes were also included in stomach astringent herbal mixtures together with other plants.

One reference book gives a decoction option from rhizomes: 20 g of raw material per 200 ml of water. The mixture is boiled for 20 minutes, after which it is taken 1 tablespoon half an hour before meals 2–3 times a day. This is a reference scheme, not an individual prescription.

External use of extracts is separately described for compresses with bruises, lotions for dermatitis, and sitz baths for external hemorrhoids. Such methods belong to historically described uses of the plant and should not replace diagnosis of the cause of skin or other symptoms.

In folk practice, burnet herb was also used separately. For example, the use of crushed herb for bruises and contusions is described. For this purpose, 3–4 spoons of crushed herb were wrapped in gauze, placed in boiling water, squeezed out, and applied to the needed area.

Also, in folk medicine, a decoction of the herb was used for rinsing in cases of toothache and gum problems. At the same time, any prolonged or pronounced symptoms require specialist evaluation.

How to brew burnet correctly?

Reference books describe a decoction of burnet rhizomes. To prepare it, 10.0 g of raw material is used. This decoction is taken 1 tablespoon 3–4 times a day. This scheme is presented in reference literature as one of the options for using burnet rhizomes. The dosage of plant material should not be considered an individual prescription.

Reference books also describe a mixture that includes tormentil rhizomes — 25.0 g, burnet rhizomes — 25.0 g, and shepherd’s purse herb — 50.0 g. A decoction from this mixture is taken half a glass 20–30 minutes before meals 3–4 times a day.

Before using such schemes, it is important to consider a person’s health condition, other medications, and doctor’s recommendations.

Can burnet be used for rinsing?

Reference books describe the use of burnet decoction and liquid extract for rinsing the throat and oral cavity. This use is associated with the astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant. Reference literature also mentions inflammatory conditions of the oral mucous membrane, including gingivitis and stomatitis. I would not replace an examination with such rinsing if pain, inflammation, or other unpleasant symptoms persist. The cause of the problem should be determined by a specialist.

How to collect and store the root?

For medicinal purposes, rhizomes with roots are harvested. According to herbal medicine reference books, harvesting is carried out in autumn after the above-ground part of the plant has withered.

Rhizomes with roots are dug up, cleaned from soil, washed, and cut into pieces 10–15 cm long. After that, the raw material is dried outdoors. Drying in the sun is allowed.

What does properly prepared raw material look like?

The finished raw material consists of whole or broken, well-dried rhizomes with roots. The rhizomes should be thick and woody, while the roots should be thin, longitudinally wrinkled, with a radiating structure.

The reference book also gives the dimensions of the raw material: the length of rhizomes with roots should not exceed 20 cm, the thickness of the rhizome should be at least 2 cm, and the root should be at least 1 cm. The smell of dried raw material is absent, and the taste is described as astringent.

There are certain quality requirements for raw material. Moisture content should not exceed 13%. Crushed parts passing through a sieve with 2 mm openings are allowed in an amount of no more than 5%. Browned and blackened rhizomes with roots in cross-section should not exceed 10%. Organic impurities are allowed at no more than 1%, and mineral impurities also no more than 1%.

How to identify burnet when collecting?

When identifying the plant, it is important to look not only at the dark purple inflorescences. Burnet is characterized by an upright, weakly branched stem, large basal imparipinnate leaves, and a thick horizontal rhizome with thin fibrous roots.

Burnet belongs to the Rose family, although its small flowers are not very similar to the familiar flowers of rose, apple tree, or tormentil. The unusual appearance of the inflorescences can make the first identification of the plant difficult.

A reference book of wild medicinal plants separately lists medicinal burnet and small burnet. Therefore, the general name “burnet” alone is not enough to confidently identify the species. When collecting independently, it is necessary to make sure that it is specifically *Sanguisorba officinalis* L.

If there is no confidence in identifying the plant, wild-collected raw material is better not to use.

What is important to know about the composition and effects?

The main feature of burnet is the content of tannins in the underground parts of the plant. Reference literature associates the pronounced astringent effect with them. Historically, burnet was used because of its hemostatic properties. Anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties of the plant are also described.

One reference book notes the activity of burnet preparations against some microorganisms of the intestinal group. However, a reference description of plant properties does not mean that it can be used instead of diagnosis or prescribed treatment.

Special attention should be paid to any signs of bleeding. Such symptoms require finding out the cause with a doctor.

How to find medicinal burnet abroad

Abroad, medicinal burnet can be searched for under different names:

• USA: great burnet (sometimes simply burnet).
• Germany: Großer Wiesenknopf.
• France: sanguisorbe officinale or grande pimprenelle.
• Latin: *Sanguisorba officinalis*.

The single word burnet or pimprenelle is not enough for an accurate species choice.

In the USA, dried herb (above-ground part), dried roots, root tincture, and capsules with extract can be found. It is worth looking primarily in online herb and supplement stores. In Germany, dried herb, cut root, and Urtinktur are sold; they can be searched for in herb and tea stores, online, and availability can also be checked at an Apotheke. In France, teinture mère, liquid extract, and dried root can be found online.

Before purchasing, check the packaging: it should state *Sanguisorba officinalis* L., as well as the plant part: herb/Kraut, root/Wurzel/racine, or whole plant. Plant sales regulations differ between countries: for example, the FDA in the USA does not approve dietary supplements before they enter the market.

Medicinal burnet contraindications and precautions

Current data on the safety of *Sanguisorba officinalis* in humans are limited. A lack of information about adverse reactions does not mean that the plant is suitable for everyone. One important limitation is individual allergy to the plant. In case of such a reaction, burnet use should be excluded.

The plant’s effects on the body should also be taken into account. Reference literature describes uterine muscle contraction, so the use of burnet during pregnancy requires particular caution and agreement with a doctor.

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been sufficiently studied. During these periods, medicinal forms of the plant should not be used without consulting a specialist. Interactions with specific medicines have not been sufficiently established. If a person takes medications regularly, combining them with burnet should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist. Safety and dosages of burnet medicines for children have not been established. Such products should not be given to children without professional advice.

Long-term use and the use of large doses also require caution, as there is insufficient data on the safety of such schemes.

When a doctor is needed

If bleeding, severe or unusual pain, high fever, pronounced weakness, or rapid worsening of the condition occurs, medical help is needed. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, any medicinal plants should be discussed with a doctor. If a person regularly takes medications or has chronic diseases, it is important to receive specialist advice before using burnet. If signs of allergy appear, stop using the plant and seek medical help.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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