Indications

Strong astringent.

Dermatologic (topical application)
• varicosities
- varicose veins
- hemorrhoids
- phlebitis
- venous insufficiency
• trauma
- sprains
- hematomas
- bruises
• dermatitis
- wheeping eczema
- contact dermatitis

Gastrointestinal
• over-relaxed or inflamed mucous membranes with bleeding:
• prolapsed rectum (enema or suppository)
• rectal bleeding
• proctitis (topical application)
• hemorrhoids (topical application)
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• apthous ulcers
• gastric ulcers
• infections
• infectious diarrhea (dysentery)

Gynecological (douche)
• leukorrhea
• vaginal prolapse
• post-partum uterine bleeding

Actions

• Astringent
• Antiinflammatory
• Antihemorrhagic
• Styptic

Constituents

Tannins (Gallic Acid )

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 60% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Decoction (dried herb): 1 tsp tid

Safety

Contraindications: Externally, over large areas of open skin; tannins can be toxic when absorbed systemically.

High doses (internal): Avoid use.

Long-term use (internal): Avoid use; tannins may decrease absorption of nutrients, cause constipation, irritate the stomach and cause liver disease.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002