Adderwort, Bistorta, Couleuvrée, Couleuvrine, Dragonwort, Easter Giant, Easter Mangiant, Langue de Bœuf, Langue-de-Veau, Oderwort, Osterick, Patience Dock, Polygone, Polygonum bistorta, Red Legs, Renouée Bistorte, Serpentaire, Serpentaire Bistorte, Serpentaire Rouge, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock.
Bistort is a plant. The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine.
Bistort is used for digestion problems, particularly diarrhea.
Some people apply bistort directly to the affected area for mouth and throat infections, and for wounds.
How does it work?
Bistort contains chemicals called tannins that can help improve diarrhea and mouth and throat irritation by reducing swelling (inflammation).
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Digestion problems such as diarrhea, when taken by mouth.
- Mouth and throat infections, when applied directly.
- Wounds, when applied directly.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowMedications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Bistort contains a large amount of chemicals called tannins. Tannins absorb substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking bistort along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medicine. To prevent this interaction, take bistort at least 1 hour after medications you take by mouth.
The appropriate dose of bistort 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 bistort. 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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.