Cinquefoil
BotanicalPotentilla species (likely Potentilla reptans)Also calledFive-finger grass, Five-leaf grass, Creeping cinquefoil
An old European hedgerow herb named for its five-fingered leaves, brewed into a dry, earthy, astringent tea that blends well with others.
Cinquefoil means five leaves, and the name fits: each leaf is split into five toothed fingers like a small open hand. The creeping kind runs along hedge bottoms and field edges across Europe, with bright yellow buttercup-like flowers in summer. Its tea is dry, earthy and noticeably astringent, the puckering feel that comes from tannins.
Cinquefoil is a European folk herb with no place in classical Ayurveda, and we found no reliable Ayurvedic profile for it. Its plain taste is astringent, which in Ayurvedic terms is drying and toning. There are many Potentilla species, and the exact one in our product is not stated on the supplier's label.
Ayurvedic Properties
Not described in classical Ayurveda, and we have not found a reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, so most of its energetics are shown as unknown.
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Not known
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Not known
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Not known
There is no Ayurvedic basis; its strong astringency is drying, so it is best taken with or after food.
- GunaQualities
- Not known
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: not known
- Pitta: not known
- Kapha: not known
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Cinquefoil has no established Ayurvedic profile, so we do not rate its effect on the doshas. Its astringent taste is drying, so vata types may prefer it blended with softer herbs.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support comfortable digestion and settled bowels in European folk herbalism.
- Traditionally used to support a soothed mouth and throat as a gargle.
- Traditionally used to support toned skin as a cooled wash.
How People Use It
- TeaSteep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried cinquefoil in a cup of just-boiled water, covered, for 10 minutes. It is strongly astringent, so it is often blended with milder herbs.
- WaterA cooled, strained cup of the tea can be used as a mouth rinse or gargle.
Cinquefoil, Raspberry Leaf and Peppermint Tea
A dry, earthy blend softened with mint.
- 1 teaspoon dried cinquefoil
- 1 teaspoon dried raspberry leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried peppermint
- 2 cups just-boiled water
- Place the herbs in a teapot and pour the water over them.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and sip warm, ideally with or after a meal.
- Keep it an occasional cup rather than an all-day tea.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- There is little safety research on cinquefoil in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Avoid it unless your doctor or midwife approves.
- Cinquefoil is high in tannins. Strong or frequent cups can upset a sensitive stomach and may cause constipation. Use it in moderation.
- Tannins can reduce the absorption of iron and some medicines. Drink it at least 2 hours apart from iron supplements or regular medication.
- Little formal safety research exists for cinquefoil. Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using it regularly.
In Our Shop
Organic Cinquefoil, from $4.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.
Shop Cinquefoil →Sources and Further Reading
This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.