Tormentil (Cinquefoil): Benefits, Uses and Precautions
Dr. Boris Wydoff
Tormentil, or *calgan*, is a medicinal plant from the Rosaceae family, primarily known for its rhizomes. According to phytotherapy references, preparations from them are traditionally used as an astringent for certain gastrointestinal disorders, as well as topically and for gargling.
What is this plant and where to find it?
Tormentil (*Potentilla erecta*) belongs to the Rosaceae family. In older references, it is also known by other names: *uzik* cinquefoil, wild calgan, or *dubrovka*. This perennial plant is found in the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, and Western Siberia. Its distribution does not extend further east.
According to botanical references, tormentil grows in acidic soils. It can be found on forest edges, glades, and clearings. It also thrives in moist and dry meadows, including damp areas and marshy plots.
There is another notable feature: plants growing in open areas yield the most valuable medicinal raw material. In wet areas, rhizomes tend to develop larger. Old books also classify tormentil as a plant of forest edges and glades. It can be found among other wild medicinal herbs.
How to identify medicinal raw material?
For medicinal purposes, the entire above-ground part of the plant is not used—only the rhizomes. They are the primary raw material of tormentil. In medicinal plant references, the rhizome is designated as *Rhizoma Tormentillae*. Historically, the name *uzik* was also applied to tormentil.
Therefore, during harvesting, it is important not to confuse this plant with other types of cinquefoil. In nature, there are species like silverweed (*Potentilla anserina*), silvery cinquefoil (*Potentilla argentea*), and others in this genus. Each has its own descriptions and applications.
The finished raw material of tormentil consists of dried rhizomes, which may have a cylindrical or lumpy shape. They are harvested specifically as the underground part of the plant, so the presence of stems and excess roots after processing is considered undesirable.
Tormentil: Medicinal Properties and Benefits
The main feature of the rhizome is its high tannin content. According to references, their content can reach up to 31%. In addition to tannins, the rhizomes contain tormentol, the glycoside tormentillin, quinic and ellagic acids, phlobaphenes, resin, traces of essential oil, starch, and other compounds. Another reference lists a similar composition: tannins, phlobaphenes, the glycoside tormentillin, quinic and ellagic acids, wax, resins, gum, and starch.
It is this composition that helps explain the traditional use of the plant. Tormentil is classified as a plant with pronounced astringent properties. Therefore, when considering tormentil, its benefits are primarily associated with the rhizomes and their tannin content. This describes traditional properties, not a guaranteed therapeutic result for a specific disease.
For the stomach and intestines
In medical practice, tormentil preparations—primarily decoctions and tinctures of the rhizome—are described as astringents.
According to phytotherapy references, a decoction of the rhizomes was traditionally taken internally for inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea. Old manuals also describe its use for intestinal catarrh.
Tormentil was also included in various astringent stomach formulations. Its rhizomes were combined with other medicinal plants when an astringent effect was required.
One reference provides a recipe for an infusion containing 10.0 g of tormentil rhizome, along with immortelle, caraway, bilberry, and sage. The finished infusion is taken in ½ cup doses, 2–3 times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals.
Another variation includes the same amount of tormentil rhizome—10.0 g—combined with immortelle, caraway, bilberry, and sage in different proportions. The infusion is also taken in ½ cup doses, 2–3 times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals.
For the mouth and throat
The traditional use of tormentil is not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. References describe a tincture of the rhizome for applying to the oral mucosa during inflammatory processes. Tormentil was also used in formulations for gargling.
There is also a warm gargle mixture for the throat. It includes 15.0 g of tormentil rhizomes, 15.0 g of marshmallow root, 15.0 g of oak bark, 15.0 g of sage leaves, and 5.0 g of fennel fruits. The infusion is used warm for gargling every 2–3 hours.
For oral use, references also mention a water decoction with tormentil rhizome combined with oak bark, young pine cones, and bistort rhizome. It was used for rinsing the mouth in cases of gum bleeding.
For topical use
Old medical literature describes the decoction of rhizomes for external use as well. It was applied for burns, weeping eczema, and some other skin diseases. This use is associated with the astringent properties of the raw material. However, this refers to traditional methods described in references, not a guaranteed result.
What is known about the action of the substances?
References separately note alcohol extracts and polyphenols from tormentil rhizomes. In experiments, they have shown antibacterial properties. It is also mentioned that the tincture, in high concentrations, has a vasoconstrictive effect.
Experimental data should not be automatically applied to human treatment. Therefore, I consider them only as information about the properties of the plant's components, not as a promise of a therapeutic effect.
How are rhizomes usually used?
For tormentil, references describe decoctions, tinctures, and liquid extracts. The main raw material is the rhizome. They are used internally as part of traditional regimens, as well as for external use and gargling.
One specific preparation method is as follows: 20 g of rhizomes are poured into 200 ml of water and boiled for 20 minutes. The finished decoction is taken in 1 tablespoon doses, half an hour before meals, 2–3 times a day.
In references, this method is described for tormentil rhizomes as an astringent for gastrointestinal disorders.
How to brew it correctly?
If we are talking about a water decoction, the rhizome is first crushed, then the specified amount of raw material and water is used. For the given recipe, this is 20 g of rhizomes per 200 ml of water.
After boiling for 20 minutes, the decoction is taken in 1 tablespoon doses, half an hour before meals, 2–3 times a day. For gargling, other compositions are used. For example, an infusion with tormentil rhizome and other plants is used warm every 2–3 hours. It is important to distinguish between infusion and decoction. In the references provided for tormentil, both options are found, and the specific method depends on the composition and purpose.
How to harvest calgan?
The medicinal raw material is the rhizomes of tormentil.
Harvesting is carried out in July–September. The rhizomes are dug up with shovels or plowed out. After that, they are cleaned of soil, stems and roots are removed, and they are washed in cold water.
Another reference indicates autumn harvesting of rhizomes, while the above-ground part has not yet completely died off. Thin roots and stem remnants are removed, after which the rhizomes are washed free of soil.
It turns out that during collection, the main focus is on the underground part of the plant. It is freed from foreign parts and soil before drying.
How to dry and store the raw material?
Cleaned rhizomes are dried in the open air or in well-ventilated rooms. This method is specified in medicinal plant references for obtaining finished medicinal raw material. It is important that after cleaning, the raw material is properly dried and not left damp.
In old descriptions of medicinal raw materials, tormentil is listed specifically as a rhizome. Therefore, during storage, it makes sense to keep the raw material separate from other plants to avoid mixing species.
What are the traditional combinations with other plants?
Tormentil was included in various multi-component mixtures.
For example, for a tendency toward diarrhea, a composition is described with 10.0 g of tormentil rhizomes, 10.0 g of wormwood herb, 20.0 g of field horsetail herb, and 20.0 g of yarrow herb. The decoction is taken in 1–2 cups per day.
In another reference composition for tormentil, 25.0 g of rhizomes are indicated. They are combined with 25.0 g of bloodroot rhizomes and 50.0 g of shepherd's purse herb. The decoction is taken in ½ cup doses, 20–30 minutes before meals, 3–4 times a day.
There is also a variant of a water decoction with tormentil, St. John's wort, and yarrow, which in the reference is described as a traditional stomach mixture.
However, multi-component mixtures require special attention. Each plant has its own properties, limitations, and contraindications. Therefore, I do not recommend replacing a doctor-prescribed regimen with such recipes on your own.
How to find tormentil (*Potentilla erecta*, calgan) abroad
Look specifically for the underground part of the plant—the rhizome of *Potentilla erecta*, also designated as *Tormentillae rhizoma*. Sellers sometimes call it a root, but flowers, leaves, and fruits are not part of the specified medicinal part.
- USA: Ask for tormentil or erect cinquefoil. Ground rhizome for tea is more common, and tinctures are also sold. You can find them from online herb sellers and in specialty health food stores. Do not rely solely on the name bloodroot, as it may refer to a different plant.
- Germany: Names include Blutwurz, Tormentill, Tormentillwurzelstock. The rhizome is sold loose for tea, including *Arzneitee*, as well as in the form of tinctures or drops. You can start your search in an Apotheke or online pharmacy.
- France: Ask for tormentille, potentille tormentille, or rhizome de tormentille. Ground rhizome for *tisane* and *teinture mère* are available. Look in pharmacies, *herboristeries*, and their online stores.
On the packaging, check for *Potentilla erecta*, the plant part (rhizome / Wurzelstock / rhizoma), and the product category: medicinal product or food tea/supplement. For tinctures, additionally check the plant part and alcohol content. Organic or *bio* labeling alone does not confirm medicinal status.
Sales and labeling rules depend on the country, so check the product category and local market requirements.
Tormentil: Contraindications and Precautions
According to current safety data for medicinal preparations from tormentil rhizomes, conclusions should not be extended to any part of the plant or to any form of preparation. If you have a heightened sensitivity to tormentil, do not use it. When taken internally, mild gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including nausea and vomiting, are possible. The frequency of such reactions is unknown. If diarrhea recurs, blood appears in the stool, or symptoms worsen, medical consultation is necessary.
When taken internally, tormentil may slow the absorption of other medications. Therefore, modern recommendations advise separating its intake from other medications by at least 1 hour before or after taking them.
Use is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as safety has not been established. Use is also not recommended for children under 18 years of age due to a lack of safety data, including for oral rinses.
Current data do not contain reports of overdose cases. However, there is insufficient research on reproductive toxicity and other long-term safety aspects. Therefore, the absence of reported overdose cases cannot be considered proof of complete safety for long-term use.
When to see a doctor
Tormentil is a medicinal plant, so caution is needed even with traditional use. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use and seek medical help. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a separate doctor's consultation. If a person takes medications regularly, it is important to consider the possible slowing of their absorption. For chronic diseases, the use of medicinal plants should also be coordinated with a specialist. Self-administration of tormentil preparations is not recommended for children.
It is especially important not to attempt self-treatment for prolonged or recurrent diarrhea. A doctor should be consulted if there is blood in the stool, worsening symptoms, or their recurrence. Medicinal plants can be used as part of traditional phytotherapy but do not replace diagnosing the cause of complaints and medical care.
FROM THE EDITOR
This article is based on information from medicinal plant and phytotherapy references. It is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the health benefits of calgan?
The rhizomes are traditionally used as an astringent for certain gastrointestinal disorders, as well as for gargling and topical application.
Can calgan be consumed as tea or tincture?
Do not use if hypersensitive; use is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children under 18.
How do you properly brew a decoction from calgan roots?
For a decoction, use 20 g of rhizomes per 200 ml of water, boil for 20 minutes, and take 1 tablespoon half an hour before meals, 2–3 times a day.
In which cases is calgan used in folk medicine?
Rhizomes are traditionally used as a decoction, tincture, or liquid extract, including for the gastrointestinal tract and gargling.
Why do people drink calgan and what are its properties?
References primarily describe it as an astringent plant used for certain digestive disorders and topically.
Where does tormentil grow in the wild?
It is found in acidic soils, forest edges, glades, clearings, moist and dry meadows.
What is the best time of year to harvest calgan rhizomes?
Rhizomes are harvested in July–September, cleaned of soil and other plant parts, then dried in the air or in a ventilated room.
What substances are contained in calgan rhizomes?
The rhizomes contain tannins, phlobaphenes, tormentillin, quinic and ellagic acids, resins, gum, starch, and other compounds.
What does tormentil treat?
References describe tormentil rhizomes as an astringent traditionally used for certain gastrointestinal disorders, as well as topically and for gargling. This does not mean the plant treats any underlying cause of such symptoms.
What are the benefits and harms of tormentil?
Traditional use is associated with the astringent properties of the rhizomes and their high tannin content. Possible side effects include nausea and vomiting, as well as slowed absorption of other medications. Use is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children under 18.
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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 →