Evidence supporting the use of: Cinquefoil
For the health condition: Blisters
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Cinquefoil (Potentilla species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European folk remedies. Historically, the astringent properties of cinquefoil—attributed to its high tannin content—have led to its external application for minor wounds, sores, and skin irritations, including blisters. Traditional herbalists would often use poultices, washes, or ointments made from cinquefoil leaves or roots to help "dry out" blisters and promote healing, based on the belief that its astringency could reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.
However, there is little to no modern scientific evidence specifically validating the effectiveness of cinquefoil for treating blisters. Most references to its use are found in ethnobotanical texts and historical herbals rather than in clinical studies. While the general astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of plants rich in tannins are sometimes cited as potentially beneficial for minor skin conditions, no rigorous studies have evaluated cinquefoil preparations for blister treatment.
In summary, the use of cinquefoil for blisters is justified primarily by tradition, with the supporting evidence limited to historical usage and general knowledge of its phytochemistry. There is currently insufficient scientific data to confidently recommend its use for this purpose.
Other health conditions supported by Cinquefoil
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Phlebitis