Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, as a remedy for external bleeding. Historical records, such as those from medieval European herbals, describe the use of cinquefoil leaves and roots in poultices or washes to help staunch bleeding from wounds, cuts, and minor injuries. The astringent properties of cinquefoil are largely attributed to its high tannin content, which is thought to constrict blood vessels and promote clotting when applied topically. These astringent effects were well recognized by traditional herbalists, and the plant was commonly included in first aid preparations prior to the advent of modern medicine.

Despite its traditional use, there is limited modern scientific evidence to validate the efficacy of cinquefoil for treating external bleeding. Most of the support for its role comes from ethnobotanical sources and pharmacognosy texts, rather than clinical trials or rigorous pharmacological studies. The evidence rating is therefore moderate (2/5), reflecting strong traditional backing but a lack of robust scientific validation. While cinquefoil continues to be used in some modern herbal practices, its role is largely historical, and it should not replace evidence-based medical treatments for significant wounds or bleeding.

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