Herb's Introduction
Potentilla supina L. is an annual or biennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family, commonly known as the rose family. It's often recognized by its common name, spreading cinquefoil, which hints at its low-growing, branched nature and its characteristic leaves typically divided into five or more leaflets, though the name "cinquefoil" literally means five leaves. Historically, plants in the Potentilla genus have been valued for their powerful medicinal properties, which the genus name itself—derived from the Latin diminutive of potens (powerful)—alludes to.
Name in Different Countries
English: spreading cinquefoil Arabic: زغلول (zaġlūl), زغلولى (zaġlūlī) Chinese: 朝天委陵菜 (chao tian wei ling cai) Dutch: Liggende ganzerik Finnish: Rentohanhikki French: Potentille couchée German: Liegendes Fingerkraut Hindi: Ratanjoth
Terminology
The plant's scientific name is Potentilla supina L., with 'L.' designating Linnaeus as the original describer. The term supina refers to its spreading or prostrate growth habit. Family: Rosaceae (Rose family) Synonyms: The plant has an extensive list of synonyms reflecting its wide distribution and historical classifications, including Argentina supina, Chamaephyton supinum, and Potentilla supina var. paradoxa. North American material is often treated as a subspecies, Potentilla supina ssp. paradoxa, sometimes called Bushy Cinquefoil. Duration: Annual or biennial herb, sometimes short-lived perennial. Key Chemical Constituents: Contains tannins and flavonoids, which are thought to contribute to its medicinal effects.
Availability
Potentilla supina has a broad distribution, originally Eurasian and northern African, but it is also found in North America, where it's sometimes considered an introduction. It is generally found in moist to dry, well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils and prefers full sun or light shade. Its habitats often include sandy stream banks, lake shores, floodplains, low fields, roadsides, and waste ground. In certain regions, like parts of Michigan or Missouri in the US, specific subspecies (like ssp. paradoxa) may be considered less common or even threatened, often linked to shoreline and floodplain habitats. It is primarily harvested from the wild for local use in both food and traditional medicine, but is also easily grown from seed or division in suitable conditions.
External Look
The plant typically reaches a height of 20–50 cm (about 8 to 20 inches) and features stems that are spreading, ascending, or erect with dichotomous branching, meaning the stems branch in two parts. Leaves: The leaves are either 3-foliolate or pinnate with 2–5 pairs of leaflets (7 to 11 in total on lower leaves). The leaflets are oblong or obovate-oblong, with coarsely toothed or serrated margins and can be pilose (softly hairy) or glabrescent (becoming smooth) on both surfaces. Lower leaves are on longer petioles, with smaller, shorter-stalked leaves higher up. The leaves are generally green on both sides. Flowers: The flowers are relatively small, 6–8 mm in diameter, and are found in terminal, corymbose-cymose inflorescences. They have five bright yellow, obovate petals that are typically slightly shorter than the sepals. Fruit: The fruit consists of numerous cylindrical, rugose (wrinkled) achenes (small dry one-seeded fruits). Roots: The roots are slender with sparse lateral rootlets.
Healing Properties
Potentilla supina and related Potentilla species are historically valued for their astringent and potentially anti-inflammatory effects, largely attributed to their high tannin content. Astringent Action: The presence of tannins provides a drying and constricting effect on body tissues, making it useful for conditions involving excess fluid or bleeding. Anti-inflammatory/Antispasmodic: Traditional use suggests it may help reduce swelling and alleviate cramps. Febrifuge: The roots are traditionally noted as a febrifuge, meaning they help reduce fever. Tonic: The roots are also described as a tonic, suggesting a general strengthening or invigorating effect on the body.
Advantages
The key advantages of using Potentilla supina in traditional settings stem from its natural chemical composition: Diarrhea and Digestive Health: Its astringent properties are particularly effective in treating diarrhea by tightening the intestinal lining. It also helps to regulate the digestive system and reduce bloating. Sore Throat and Oral Issues: As a gargle or mouthwash, the astringency is beneficial for mouth and throat inflammation, including mouth ulcers, spongy gums, and sore throats. Wound Healing and Skin Care: Applied topically, the astringent and antimicrobial properties promote faster healing of minor cuts and wounds and can soothe skin irritations like rashes. It has also been included in some cosmetic preparations. Relief from Cramps: Traditionally used as an antispasmodic, particularly effective for menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) and stomach cramps. Historical Use for Fever: The roots have been used as a febrifuge in traditional medicine.
Uses
The different parts of the plant have varied uses: Medicinal Uses: Root: Tonic, febrifuge, and astringent; used internally for fever and diarrhea. Flowers and Fruits: Decoction used for fever. Leaves and Whole Herb: Used to make teas or infusions for diarrhea, cramps, and as a gargle for sore throats and mouth inflammations. Used externally as a poultice, lotion, or compress for wounds and skin irritations. Food Uses: Young Shoots and Leaves: Can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a pot herb, though sometimes noted only as an emergency food. Roots: Edible raw or cooked, described as having a starchy consistency and sometimes compared to the taste of sweet potatoes or parsnips when harvested in the spring.
Using Way
Traditional methods of preparing Potentilla supina include: Decoction: Boiling the roots, or flowers and fruits, in water for a period to extract the active compounds. This is used internally for conditions like fever and as a tonic. Infusion (Tea): Steeping the dried or fresh leaves and stems in hot water to create a tea, primarily used internally for diarrhea and cramps. Gargle/Mouthwash: Using a cooled infusion or decoction to treat sore throats, gum issues, and mouth sores. Topical Application: Preparing a compress, poultice, or lotion from the boiled or crushed leaves and stems for external application to wounds, minor burns, and skin irritations. The powdered or crushed root can be applied to small cuts as a styptic to stop bleeding.
Conclusion
Potentilla supina, or spreading cinquefoil, is a widely distributed herb of the Rosaceae family with a rich history in traditional medicine across multiple continents. Its primary medicinal value lies in its high content of tannins, which provide potent astringent effects, making it an effective remedy for diarrhea, various inflammations, and minor wounds. While evidence for some uses remains insufficient by modern scientific standards, its historical application as a febrifuge, tonic, and treatment for cramps and oral issues highlights its versatility. As with any herbal remedy, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially for pregnant or breast-feeding individuals.
