Scientific Name: Potentilla reptans, Potentilla canadensis - Rosaceae Family
AKA: Five Fingers, Synkefoyle, Five-Finger Blossom, Sunkfield. Potentilla Canadensis, European five finger grass, finger grass, five finger grass finger leaf
Parts Used: Leaves and rhizome - rootstock
Active Compounds: No information available.
Background: Cinquefoil was a popular ingredient in magical potions during the Middle Ages, and thought to be especially powerful as a love potion. Fishermen used it in their nets to ensure a good harvest from the sea.
Applications: Astringent/Antipyretic
Astringent: Cinquefoil constricts tissue, used as a mouthwash, a remedy for diarrhea, and a beneficial gargle.
Antipyretic: Cinquefoil reduces fever.
Other uses: Cinquefoil arrests nosebleeds and internal bleeding.
Description: A perennial plant, Cinquefoil is found primarily in dry, arid places in Canada and the United States. Its name Five finger grass comes from the growth pattern of the petioled leaves, which resemble small chubby fingers. The bright yellow flowers appear from April through August.
Cinquefoil Dosage:
Tincture: 4 to 10 teaspoons of Cinquefoil is considered a dose.
Powdered root: Administer ¼ to ½ teaspoon per dose.
Infusion: Drink 1 cup daily. Soak 2 or 3 teaspoons of Cinquefoil leaves in 1 cup water.
Decoction: Reduce a mixture of 1½ cups water and 1 ounce of root bark until 1 cup remains. Dose is ¼ cup, twice to three times daily.
For educational purposes only This Cinquefoil information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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