Family Name: Polygonaceae
Botanical Name(s): Polygonum bistorta
Popular Name(s): Dragonwort, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock
Parts Used: Root
Habitat: Bistort is found in Europe and Asia.
Description: Bistort is a mountain perennial with a bluish-green basal leaves. Its root is thick, black in colour on the outer side and up to 3 feet long. Its flower-stalk is erect, slender, 12 to 18 inches high and bears leaves smaller than the root-leaves. Its red to rose-coloured flowers appear from May to August.
Uses: Bistort has alterative, astringent and diuretic properties. It is used to cure cholera, diarrhea, dysentery and leucorrhea. Traditionally, it was used as a remedy for smallpox, measles, pimples, jaundice, insect stings and for expelling worms.
