Definition
This astringent plant contracts and tightens mucous tissues.
It firms inflamed mucous membranes, making them less permeable and reducing fluid loss (blood, diarrhea, lymph, etc.). In excess, astringency can cause constipation, irritation and impede nutrient absorption.
Astringency is not a taste, but a bio-mechanical sensation. When an astringent product is consumed, the drying effect occupies the whole mouth, from the tongue to the inside of the cheeks.
Astringency should not be confused with bitterness (…) which is “detected” by the taste buds on the tongue. But some substances (vegetable or chemical) can be both bitter and astringent.
Wikipedia FR
Active ingredient(s)* in astringent plants
An astringent plant is one rich in tannins.
The astringent action consists in precipitating proteins. This action is fast enough to be felt in the mouth when eating an astringent food. This structuring and drying action on mucous membranes and mucus enhances their protective role. Tightened in this way, they form a better barrier to external elements. By extension, tannins are anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, antiseptic, antifungal and antidiarrheal.
Certain condensed tannins are also beneficial to the cardiovascular system, protecting the heart and strengthening vein walls. Sources of condensed tannin include red grapes (and wine), cocoa, hawthorn and witch hazel.
Astringent plants
| Highly astringent (use sparingly over short periods, irritates stomach mucous membranes): |
|---|
| Shepherd’s purse(Capsella bursa-pastoris) #ref:7# #ref:9# #ref:67# , bearberry(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:21##ref:67#, white oak(Quercus alba) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:7##ref:67# , black walnut(Juglans nigra) #ref:20##ref:9# |
| Astringent : |
|---|
| Agrimony(Agrimonia eupatoria) #ref:9##ref:6##ref:67# , alchemilla (Alchemilla vulgaris) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:67# , hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:7#, (cocoa) #ref:107#, comfrey (Symphytum officinal )#ref:9##ref:21##ref:67#, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) #ref:20##ref:6##ref:67# , ground ivy (Glechom hederacea) #ref:20##ref:41##ref:21##ref:67# , St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) #ref:20##ref:7# #ref:67# , potentilla (Potentilla spp.) #ref:6##ref:9#, horsetail (Equisetum arvense) #ref:9##ref:67# , meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) #ref:20##ref:67#, sage (Salvia officinalis) #ref:20##ref:67# , goldenrod (Solidago spp.) #ref:9##ref:20##ref:67# , verbena (Verbena officinalis) #ref:20##ref:67# tea (Camellia sinensis) #ref:9##ref:67#, red vine (Vitis vinifera var. tinctoria) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:67# |
| Mild astringent (suitable for children or long periods): |
|---|
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:67#, raspberry (Rubus spp.) #ref:20##ref:67#, nettle(Urtica dioica) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:67#, plantain(Plantago major) #ref:20##ref:9##ref:67#, strawberry(Fragaria spp.) #ref:9##ref:6##ref:67#, dog rose(Rosa canina) #ref:20##ref:6##ref:67# |
For your own good …
Read the plant sheet
As much as possible, I try to offer a hyperlink for each plant proposed. This link opens a plant sheet that gives not only information about the crop but, if you look further down, also information for safe use of the plant (methods of use, safe doses, precautions, interactions, properties). Naturally, if you have a complicated medical condition, this sheet won’t be enough, and you’ll need to consult a professional herbalist or pharmacist. But even if you’re in good health, for your own safety, take the time to get to know the plants before using them. They’re natural, but they’re also powerful.
Astringent plant: Good uses
Issues: Wounds and healing
For small wounds, astringent plants ( which are also hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic) are a winning combo. Other specialists can be added as required:
– Healing / vulnerary: accelerate healing;
– Analgesic / antalgic / antipruritic: reduce pain and itching;
– Antiseptic / antibacterial: disinfect wounds;
– Hemostatics: stop blood flow.
– Antioedematous: useful for bruises
Here, plants are mainly used externally… They can be used as poultices, ointments or simply poured over the wound.
Plants for external use: Yarrow(Achillea millefolium), Calendula(Calendula officinalis), Comfrey(Symphytum officinalis), Witch Hazel(Hamamelis virginiana), Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia), St. John’s Wort(Hypericum perforatum).
Issue: Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can have a number of causes: heredity, venous weakness, too much pressure (sedentary lifestyle, constipation, heavy lifting…). It’s worth looking for the cause to reduce the chances of recurrence. A number of plant properties can act on hemorrhoids or their causes:
– Astringent: tightens tissues and strengthens venous membranes (applied externally for a few minutes);
– Emollient, antipruritic: reduce discomfort and pain (also externally, e.g. using an ointment or bolus);
– Laxatives: resolve constipation (which may be the cause);
– Hepatic: prevent future constipation.
Caution: consult your doctor to ensure that your hemorrhoids do not degenerate into thrombosis.
Issue: Diarrhea
Naturally, anti-diarrhea plants come to mind as the experts. But how do these plants work? Here are the main properties we look for in cases of diarrhea:
– Antibacterial, antiseptic : if the cause is linked to a micro-organism;
– Astringent: reduces the proportion of water in stools;
– Analgesics / anti-inflammatories: reduce discomfort caused by irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes;
– Antispasmodics: calm and relax the digestive system.
The use of medicinal plants does not alter basic instructions, such as the need to stay well hydrated and consume plenty of salt.
Warning: if you have a fever, blood in your stools and/or if the condition persists for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor.
Issues: Stomach ulcers, gastritis, intestinal ulcers.
Emollient plants are the experts, protecting and helping the mucosa to heal. However, they must also be complemented by plants with the following properties:
– Antibacterial, antiseptic: fight H. Pylori bacteria (if this is the cause of the ulcer);
– Astringent (mild): tightens the mucosa;
– Bitter: stimulates repair of digestive walls;
– Alkalifying: fight acidity;
– Vulnerary: heals mucosal lesions.
Recommended plants: Ginger, licorice, garlic, cabbage, gentian, marigold, marshmallow, sweet gale, turmeric, lemon balm, plantain, German chamomile.
Anti-ulcer fruit salad by J. A. Duke #ref:90#: cube-cut fruit (banana, pineapple, blueberry) seasoned with cinnamon, ground cloves and grated ginger. Can be sweetened with a little honey.
Issues: Sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis
For pain, analgesic plants are the experts. However, they sometimes need to be combined with the following plants to resolve the cause of the pain:
– Antiseptics (antiviral or antibacterial): destroy micro-organisms (bacteria or viruses);
– Anti-inflammatory / Astringent: reduce inflammation, tighten swollen tissues;
– Emollient: repairs mucous membranes and reduces irritation;
– Gargle with apple vinegar or salt water.
Issue: Reducing wrinkles
Antioxidant plants slow skin aging
Astringent plants have a tightening effect on wrinkles, but tend to dry out the skin, hence the importance of nourishing it with vulnerary plants.
Sometimes lack of estrogen (especially during menopause and perimenopause) can accelerate aging. Estrogenic plants can be used (but be careful if you are at risk of developing hormone-dependent cancer).
To avoid premature aging, protect your skin from the sun, avoid smoking and eat a balanced diet.
Note that skin aging is a natural phenomenon and that there is no miracle cream.
Plants for external use: Yarrow(Achillea millefolium), Yarrow(Sempervivum tectorum), Aloe(Aloe vera), Calendula(Calendula officinalis), St. John’s Wort(Hypericum perforatum).
Photo credit: analogicus
Processing and consumption of an astringent plant
Since tea is astringent, herbal teas are, of course, a good way to ingest tannins:
Recommended solvents
Tannins are easy to extract using most solvents.
- Water (cold or hot);
- Alcohol (ideally diluted alcohols – 50% or less);
- Vinegar;
- Glycerine is an excellent solvent for tannins, with which it associates. By binding to tannins, glycerine prevents them from precipitating other active elements such as alkaloids. Glycerine is added to preparations where both tannins and alkaloids are desired.
Astringent plants can interfere with the assimilation of nutrients and medications. Wait 2 hours between taking medication and consuming a strongly astringent plant.
These plants are contraindicated for people suffering from constipation or dietary deficiency.
Astringent and strongly astringent plants can irritate the stomach. In the case of ulcers, choose mild astringents (such as plantain) and work in combination with emollient plants.
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.