Potentilla is an herb. The flower, leaf, and root are used to make medicine.
People use potentilla for conditions such as sore throat, menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
As food, the roots can be eaten raw or cooked, and the stems and leaves can be eaten as a salad.
Don't confuse potentilla (Potentilla anserina) with agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) or tormentil (Potentilla erecta), which are also referred to as potentilla.
How does it work ?
Potentilla contains chemicals called tannins that might help reduce skininflammation and have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues.
Potentilla contains chemicals called tannins that might help reduce skininflammation and have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of potentilla for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Potentilla is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. It may cause stomach pain.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if potentilla is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Potentilla is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. It may cause stomach pain.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if potentilla is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if potentilla is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for POTENTILLA overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of potentilla depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for potentilla. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Guo T, Qing Wei J, Ping Ma J. Antitussive and expectorant activities of Potentilla anserina. Pharm Biol. 2016;54(5):807-11. View abstract.
Miyanishi K, Eriksson O, Wein RW. The biology of Canadian weeds. 98 Potentilla anserina L. Can J Plan Sci. 1991;71:791-801.
Yang D, Wang L, Zhai J, et al. Characterization of antioxidant, a-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitors from the rhizomes of Potentilla anserina L. and their structure-activity relationship. Food Chem. 2021 Jan 30;336:127714. View abstract.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.