European-Five Finger Grass (Potentilla reptans or Potentilla anserina, also known as silverweed or cinquefoil) has a history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, primarily as an astringent and for the treatment of diarrhea. In the context of cholera, which is characterized by severe watery diarrhea, the herb was sometimes employed in folk remedies during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its astringent properties, attributed to tannins and other polyphenols, were thought to help reduce intestinal fluid loss. However, this use was based on symptomatic relief of diarrhea rather than an understanding of the bacterial etiology of cholera.

There is no robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of European-Five Finger Grass specifically for cholera. Modern research on its antidiarrheal effects is extremely limited and generally not focused on cholera or infectious diarrhea. The historical use was more about attempting to manage symptoms in the absence of effective antimicrobial therapy or rehydration solutions. Therefore, while its use in cholera is documented in historical herbal texts, this practice is not supported by modern clinical data, and the level of evidence is low.

In summary, the use of European-Five Finger Grass for cholera is grounded in tradition rather than scientific validation, and it should not be considered a substitute for effective medical treatment such as oral rehydration therapy or antibiotics.