Botanical Herb Wood Avens Medicinal and Folk Law Remedies

Wood Avens (Geum urbanum), Herb Bennet, Colewort, Way Bennet, Goldy Star or Colewort is a perennial plant used in medicinal herbal medicine and folklore culture. 1 Also, the herb plant is called 'the Blessed Herb' (Herba benedicta) reference during ancient times (former times) when it was believed the power of the herb ward off evil spirits and venomous beasts. 4 The herbal plant is a family member of the rose or Rosaceae of plants that grow large. 2 The herbal plant grows in cool shaded places on river shores, gardens, alongside country roads, and forests. 3 In Great Britain the Geum urbanum grows massively in woods, and hedges. "It is common in the greater part of Europe, Russia and Central Asia." 4 Also, Herb Bennet grows in the Middle East. 1 Stem of the plant is hairy and red at the bottom. 9 The herbal plant leaves appear dented, and produce yello flowers with five small petals which blossoms from May to October. 5 Bees pollinate the flowers of the plant. 6 Wood Avens attract bees by the source of the herb nectar and pollen. 7 Herb Bennet flourishes in medium to heavy soils and requires well - drained soil. "The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils." 6 Wood Avens grow 10 - 20 inches tall and spread across. 5 "After petals fall off the plant a small round prickly ball is seen". 10 Seedlings of the Wood Avens are planted in the summer into individual pots. 6

During mediaeval times the Herb Bennet symbolized the Holy Trinity and five wounds of Christ as represented by the five golden petals of the herb blossoms. Towards the end of the thirteenth century the herb plant frequently replicated in architectural decoration on columns and in wall patterns depicted as carved leafage. 4 "Astrologically, it was said to be ruled by Jupiter." 1

The medicinal properties of the Herb Bennet derived from the rhizome or radix gei which are the five small petals of the herb plant or part of the yellow flower.(appears cylindrical shape and measures about one inch in diameter) and the roots. Wood Avens give off a pleasant dove smell from the root and rhizome due to the secretion of eugenol (chemical substance). The roots and rhizomes are harvested in the springtime, when the concentration of eugenol is the strongest and before the appearance of leaves. The rhizomes are used in their dry form for therapeutic applications. The roots are dried out in thin layers in the sunlight or indoor without humidity with temperatures of 35 degree Celsius. Once the roots have dried enough to the point they become easily breakable available for applications. "The quantity of dry susbstance obtained from 2 - 3 kg of fresh roots is about 1 kg." 5 Roots are stored in cool dry place and within an airtight container ready for use to be sliced or made into a powder for usage. The Herb Bennet roots are used as a spice in soups, stews, flavoring ale, and made into a beverage. "It is a substitute for cloves with a hint of cinnamon in the flavoring". Medicinally root of the herb known to provide anti - inflammatory, antiseptic and aromatic treatment. The herb Bennet root is ingested to treat intestinal disorders, diarrhea, stomach upsets, liver disorders (removes obstructions in the liver), and irritable - bowel syndrome. 8 Besides treating sore throat, headache, and intermittent fevers. 4 The root extract is applied externally as a wash to treat vaginal discharges, skin afflictions (freckles, spots and eruptions from the face) and hemorrhoids. 8 Also, during ancient times the root is placed among linen to prevent moths and provide a pleasant odor. 4

Recommend daily dosage of Herb Bennet one cup a day: "Use 1 tsp. dried or herb with 1 cup water". 9

Not all uses of Herb Bennet supported by scientific evidence. 1 Wood Avens is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. 11 An overdose of the herb Wood Avens can trigger moments of nausea. Also, the herb is not recommended for consumption between meals, sometimes may produce gastro-intestinal irritations.3

Wood Avens available for purchase at garden nurseries and online websites.

Picture link of Wood Avens: http://www.mattberryphotography.com/photo_200927.html

References:

1.) Wood Avens -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_Avens

2.) Rosaceae - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosaceae

3.) Wood Avens - http://www.liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants/wood_avens.html

4.) Avens - http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/avens083.html

5.) Health Benefits of Wood Avens - http://www.liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants/wood_avens.html

6.) Geum Urbanum - http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Geum+urbanum&CAN=COMIND

7.) Wood avens - Geum urbanum - http://www.plantpress.com/wildlife/o876-woodavens.php

8.) Plants For A Future: Database Search Results - Geum urbanum - http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Geum+urbanum&CAN=COMIND

9.) Herb Information - http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h82.htm

10.) Garden Herbs - Bennet Herb or Blessed Herb - http://www.gardenherbs.org/simples/bennet-herb.htm

11.) Avens - http://www.medbroadcast.com/natural_products_info_details.asp?nhp_id=7