Evidence supporting the use of: European five-finger grass
For the body system: Gums

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Synopsis

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

European-Five Finger Grass (Potentilla reptans), also known as cinquefoil, has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, especially as a remedy for ailments involving the mouth and gums. Historically, it was valued for its astringent properties, largely attributed to its tannin content. Traditional herbalists used decoctions and mouth rinses made from the leaves or roots of cinquefoil to treat swollen, bleeding, or inflamed gums, as well as mild oral infections and sore throats. Folk medicine texts from the Middle Ages and early modern periods frequently mention cinquefoil as a supportive herb for "firmness of the gums" and for general oral health. However, there is limited scientific research to support these traditional uses. While the astringent action of tannins can theoretically help tighten tissues and reduce minor bleeding—mechanisms relevant to gum health—there are no robust clinical studies demonstrating efficacy of cinquefoil specifically for gum conditions. Modern herbal compendia sometimes still list it as a traditional astringent, but it is not commonly found in scientifically validated oral care products. In summary, while historical and ethnobotanical records justify its use for supporting the gums, scientific evidence for its effectiveness is currently weak or lacking.

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Products containing European five-finger grass

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