Avens is a downy perennial herb growing to 60 cm (2 ft) member of the rose family Rosaceae, having ligneous wiry stems, compound leaves, small yellow 5-petaled flowers and fruit covered with hooks, native to Europe and central Asia.
Its usually grows in mountainous areas of plains and hills, cool shaded places in forests, on river shores alongside country roads and its root when freshly dug has a strong smell of cloves.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Species of Avens
Wood
(geum urbanum)
Mountain
(dryas octopetala)
Water
(geum rivale)
Yellow
(geum aleppicum)
White
(geum canadense)
• Mountain Avens flowers are of a creamy white color and are quite popular for rock gardens, found in the rocky lands of the Central and Eastern Arctic, high mountain areas of Northern Wales, Northern England, Scotland, and in Asia.
• Water Avens need moist living conditions and grow near the edges of lakes or rivers, mainly be found in Europe, Central Asia and North America.
• Yellow Avens plants can grow up to one (1) meter tall and has yellow flowers, found in Eastern Europe, Asia and North America.
• White Avens can commonly be found in woodland borders, meadows, and clear spaces in wooden areas.
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Aerial parts, root
The root is dug up in spring, and the aerial parts are picked in summer.
Directions of Preparation
Recommended Dosage
Dried herb – 1–4 g as an infusion three times daily.
Liquid extract – 1–4mL (1 : 1 in 25% Alcohol) three times daily.
Its Active Constituents:
• Avens contain the following active constituents:
• Phenolic Glycosides (including eugenol),
• Tannins,
• A volatile oil,
• A sesquiterpene lactone (cnicin).
Health Benefits of Avens
Detoxification
• The herb is also known to clear The Liver out of its toxins and facilitate the process of detoxification in the body.
Foods & Detoxification
Digestive System
• It reduces irritation of The Stomach and gut.
• Avens based herbal cures can be used in the treatment of disorders like Peptic Ulcers, problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
• Its effectively treats Diarrhea and intestinal Infections.
• Its roots contain Tannin, which is useful as an Astringent for Diarrhea, dysentery and Wound healing.
Foods & Digestive System
Infections
• Its reputedly has a mild quinine-type action in lowering Fever.
• Its root acts against Poison in food as an Anti-Poisoning and a good antidote for other types of Poisoning (such as from excess Alkaloids and heavy metal Poisoning).
Foods & Infections
Intestine
• Avens ointments can be used to treat symptoms which lead to Hemorrhoids.
• It has been used in a lotion (or ointment) as a soothing remedy for Hemorrhoids.
• It may be taken for Peptic Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, and dysentery.
Foods & Intestine
Oral & Dental
• Its an Astringent herb, used principally for problems affecting the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract.
• Its good for gargling due to its anti-septic properties that makes it potent in case of toothaches, dental abscesses, amygdalitis, stomatitis, Gingivitis (Periodontitis) and plaques.
• Its gargling helps in tightening of soft Gums, healing Canker Sores and treatment of Infections in the region of the pharynx and the Larynx.
• The herb tightens up soft Gums, heals Mouth Ulcers.
• It makes a good gargle for Infections of the pharynx and Larynx.
Foods & Dental
Women Health
• Its a good disinfectant, the herb is recommended in alleviating enteroColitis and Menstrual pains (because of its haemostatic properties it can stop bleedings) and for general cleansing of the vaginal cavity.
• The herb may also be used as a douche for treating excessive vaginal discharge.
Foods & Women Health
