Since the 12th century, some Europeans have claimed avens can ward off evil spirits and repel Poisonous creatures. A volatile oil, avens is extracted from the dried herb, rhizome (underground stem), or root of Geum urbanum, a member of the family (Rosaceae).
Common doses of Avens
Avens comes in a tincture and a tea. Some experts recommend the following dose:
- 1 dram (fluid extract of the herb), 1/2 to 1 dram (fluid extract of the root), or 15 to 30 grains as a tonic (Powdered herb or root) taken orally three times a day.
Why people use avens herb
- As an antiseptic
- Chills
- Chronic bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Inflammation
- Insect bite
- Plague
- Sore throat
- Stomach problem
- Vaginal discharge
- Wound healing
Side effects of avens
Call your health care practitioner if you experience unusual symptoms when using avens.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking.
Important points to remember
- Don’t use avens if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Report unusual symptoms to your health care practitioner.
What the research shows
Studies comparing avens to Tylenol or other drugs that contain acetaminophen and other drugs used to reduce inflammation suggest that the herb may have some anti-inflammatory effect. However, experts know little about its safety.
Other names for Avens: –
Other names for avens include Benedict’s herb, city avens, clove root, colewort, geum, goldy star, herb bennet, way bennet, wild rye, and wood avens.
No known products containing avens are available commercially in the United States.
Useful References