Pilewort

(Ranunculus ficaria)

Parts used: dried leaves, root

Also Called: Lesser Celandine

Description:A hairless perrenial 10-25cm (4-10 ins) high with rather fleshy, dark green heat shaped leaves.
In shady places may have bulbils at base of leaf stalk.
Yellow flowers, usually 8-10 petals, whitening when old.
Flowering: April-May

Habitat: Common in moist woods, hedgerows and bare damp ground,
Pilewort flowers in early spring, but is low growing and soon dies back: although it can be invasive, it is well worth encouraging in the garden for the colour it brings early in the year

Actions: astringent, demulcent

Properties and Uses: Highly astringent and contains saponins which have a specific anti-haemorrhoidal action.
The root can be taken in teas, combined with laxatives for piles associated with constipation,
In folk medicine it was used to stop haemorrhages and taken internally for severe bruising.

Pilewort is an excellent example of the medieval Doctrine of Signatures, which reasoned that the appearance of plants indicated their actions.
The roots of pilewort are full of tiny nodules which resemble a severe case of piles - so the plant was recommended as a remedy for haemorrhoids and given its common name.
It is still used in this way and can be extremely effective.

Pilewort creams and ointments made from leaves and root are widely available - or you can make them yourself.
As well as easing the discomfort and pain of piles, they can be used for perineal tears after childbirth.

Caution: Pilewort contains protoanemonin which is irritant but destroyed on drying, so the fresh plant should not be used.