AVENS. Geum urbanum. N.O. Rosaceae.
Synonym : Colewort, Herb Bennet.
Habitat : Hedges, woods and shady banks.
Features : This slender, sparsely branched plant reaches a height of one to two feet. The stem leaves have two leaflets, with one margin-toothed terminal lobe. The root leaves are on long stalks with two small leaflets at the base. The yellow, erect flowers, with naked styles, appear between May and September. The root is short, hard and rough, with light brown rootlets.
Part used : Herb and root.
Action : Astringent, tonic, antiseptic and stomachic.
The properties of Avens make for success in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. The tonic effect upon the glands of the stomach and alimentary tract point to its helpfulness in dyspepsia. In general debility continued use has had good results. The astringent qualities may also be utilized in cases of relaxed throat. Although wineglassful doses three or four times daily of the I ounce to 1 pint infusion are usually prescribed, Avens may be taken freely, and is, indeed, used by country people in certain districts as a beverage in place of tea or coffee.
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