Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) has a longstanding history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European folk practices. For scratches, abrasions, and minor skin wounds, the leaves and aerial parts of silverweed were commonly applied as poultices or washes. The rationale for its use lies in its astringent properties, attributed mainly to its tannin content, which can help contract tissue and potentially reduce minor bleeding. Historical herbal texts, such as those by Maud Grieve ("A Modern Herbal") and others, frequently mention silverweed as a remedy for wounds, sores, and skin eruptions.

However, there is a lack of modern clinical or pharmacological studies specifically evaluating silverweed’s efficacy in healing scratches or abrasions. The traditional use is thus supported by anecdotal reports and historical documentation, rather than by rigorous scientific validation. Some general phytochemical analyses confirm the presence of tannins and flavonoids, which are known to have mild antimicrobial and astringent properties; this provides a theoretical basis for its application to superficial skin injuries. Nonetheless, no clinical trials or controlled studies have been published to confirm these effects in humans. In summary, silverweed's use for scratches and abrasions is rooted in tradition, with limited but plausible phytochemical support, and rated as moderate (2/5) in terms of evidential strength.

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