Bistort

Persicaria bistorta

Evidence: TFamily: Polygonaceae

Bistort is used to stop bleeding through its strong astringent action, useful for overflow of menses, nosebleeds, lung hemorrhages, diarrhea, and bleeding hemorrhoids.

Herb Card

Safety Quick Reference

Pregnancyinsufficient data

Breastfeedinginsufficient data

Pediatricinsufficient data

Contraindications: Generally regarded as safe

Interactions: None specifically noted

Drug & Medication Interactions

If you take any medications, review these interactions carefully.

Known Interactions

None specifically noted

Contraindications

Generally regarded as safe

Surgery Warning

Side Effects

None specifically noted

How to Prepare Bistort

Decoction (Roots, Bark & Seeds)Easy · 25-45 minutes

Equipment

Pot with lid (non-aluminum), Strainer, Measuring spoon, Stove

Instructions

1Place 1 tablespoon of dried root, bark, or seeds per 12 oz of cold water in a pot.
2Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
3Cover and simmer for 20-40 minutes. Harder roots (like Astragalus) may need up to 45 minutes.
4The liquid should reduce by about one-third.
5Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the herbs to extract all liquid.
6Drink 1-3 cups daily. Can be combined with honey or blended with an infusion.

Tips

• Use a non-aluminum pot — aluminum can react with plant compounds.
• Decoctions are necessary for roots, bark, seeds, and mushrooms — these are too tough for simple steeping.
• You can simmer mushrooms (Reishi, Chaga) for 2+ hours for stronger extraction.

Some roots are very potent — follow specific dosing guidelines for individual herbs. Avoid decocting herbs with volatile oils (peppermint, chamomile) as you will lose the beneficial compounds.

Refrigerate and use within 48-72 hours. Can be gently reheated.

Alcohol TinctureModerate · 4-6 weeks (passive)

Equipment

Glass mason jar with lid, High-proof alcohol (80-100 proof vodka), Measuring cup, Cheesecloth or fine strainer, Dark glass dropper bottles, Labels

Instructions

1Fill a clean mason jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herb (or 2/3 full with fresh herb).
2Pour 80-proof (40%) vodka over the herbs until the jar is full, covering herbs by at least 2 inches.
3Seal tightly and label with the herb name, alcohol type, and date.
4Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or two.
5After 4-6 weeks, strain through cheesecloth into a clean bowl, squeezing out all liquid.
6Pour the finished tincture into dark glass dropper bottles. Label with herb, date, and menstruum.

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The information on Healix Natural Solutions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare provider.

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7Standard adult dose is typically 30-60 drops (1-2 dropperfuls) in a small amount of water, 2-3 times daily.

Tips

• Use at least 80-proof (40%) alcohol — this extracts both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds.
• For resins and tough roots, use 100-proof (50%) or higher.
• Fresh plant tinctures use a higher ratio of alcohol to prevent spoilage from plant moisture.

Tinctures are concentrated — follow dosing guidelines carefully. Not suitable for those avoiding alcohol (use glycerites instead). Some herbs are only safe as tinctures in very small doses.

Alcohol tinctures last 3-5 years or more when stored properly in dark glass away from heat and light.