Geum urbanum Wood avens (Rosaceae)

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Geum urbanum
Wood avens
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The Geum urbanum plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Rosaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wood avens.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Geum urbanum
Common Name:  Wood avens
Family:  Rosaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.5   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Woods, hedge banks, walls etc, usually on damp soils[9, 13].

Medicinal Information: Wood avens is an astringent herb, used principally to treat problems affecting the mouth, throat and gastro-intestinal tract. It tightens up soft gums, heals mouth ulcers, makes a good gargle for infections of the pharynx and larynx, and reduces irritation of the stomach and gut[254]. All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are antiinflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic[4, 9, 21, 165, 238]. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, intestinal disorders, stomach upsets, irritable bowel syndrome and liver disorders, it is also applied externally as a wash to haemorrhoids, vaginal discharges etc[238, 254] and to treat various skin afflictions - it is said to remove spots, freckles and eruptions from the face[4, 9]. The root is best harvested in the spring, since at this time it is most fragrant[4]. Much of the fragrance can be lost on drying, so the root should be dried with great care then stored in a cool dry place in an airtight container, being sliced and powdered only when required for use[4].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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