Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Also known as Snake Root, English Serpentary, Dragonwort and Easter Ledges (it was used in various recipes for a pudding at Easter time, and its leaves are usually fully formed by that time too). Hardy perennial. Plant grows 10 � 20 in (25 � 51 cm) high. Member of the Dock family. 2 in (5 cm) spikes of dense pink flowers from May to July.
Found naturally in damp meadows and old scrub, so plant in a moist, shady position.
Bistorta means twice-twisted � the shape of the roots. The underground stem is black on the outside and red within. Sixteenth-century herbals suggest extracts from its roots for treating snake-bites. Used in internal medicine for diarrhoea, and externally for mouth and throat infections. Ancients used Bistort to prevent threatened miscarriage. Bistort is usually administered in powdered form. When combined with gentian, the efficacy of the root increases. Poor people in Siberia eat the root after removing its bitterness with water. The plant also contains tannins and so has been used in leather-making. Also believed to heal internal ulcers.
Plant out in April in moist soil and keep well-watered until established. Cut down to ground level in autumn. Its creeping roots mean it can be invasive.
Food plant of the Small Copper and Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterflies.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*