Sanicle
(Sanicula europaea L., Umbelliferae)
Also Called: Wood Sanicle, Pool Root, Butterwort.
Description: Perennial plant with short brown rhizome and
rootlets.
The short, woody rootstock produces a naked stem 15-50cm (6-20in) high ,
unbranched except in the floral region.
Leaves 4-10cm (1.5-4in), with long petiole, circular
or cordate in outline, palmately divided into 3-5 lobes that are irregularly
dentate in the upper part.
Small, white or pink to reddish flowers grow in compound umbels.
Flowering: May-July.
Later the plant produces a globular fruit with hooked prickles.
Parts Used: Dried leaves; rarely the entire flowering plant, or the rhizome.
Habitat and Collection: Commonly found in shady, moist
places in woods and copses,
seldom in coniferous forests, throughout Europe.
Common in Britain in chalk
beechwoods and in oakwoods.
Leaves are collected when the plant is in flower; rhizomes are collected in
autumn; drying is in the shade.
Constituents and Action: A small amount of volatile oil,
a saponin and tannins are present.
Astringent, expectorant, styptic.
It is anti-inflammatory especially on mucosa and assists the healing of wounds.
European sanicle
tea helps to relieve mucous congestion in the chest, stomach, and intestines.
As a gargle and mouthwash, it is good for mouth and throat inflammations
and sores.
It is sometimes used externally to treat skin eruptions, scrofula,
and suppurating wounds.
The plant also has a mildly styptic action which
makes it helpful for internal hemorrhage.
Its supposed haemostatic action (especially for haemorrhages of the stomach and for profuse menstruation) is very doubtful and needs verifying.
Preparation and Dosage:
The infusion may be used as a mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth and
throat.
Infusion: Steep 2 tsp. in r/2 cup water for 10 minutes. Take 1/2 cup a day.
Powder: Take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp., three times a day.
Externally as a lotion (boil for 2 minutes 1-2 table-spoonfuls
of finely chopped drug with 1 litre (1 -75pt) of water and allow to stand)
for wound healing.
The bruised leaves are often used also.
Its use as a haemostatic, either internally or externally, is uncertain.
