The Herb Bistort
Writtern By Juniper (specialized writer for this section)
Bistort (polygonum bistorta) is also known as Dragonwort, Easter Giant, Osterick, Passions, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, Sweet Dock and Knotweed.
Bistort is a feminine plant who falls under the planet Saturn. It’s element is earth and it is known for it’s psychic powers and powers of fertility.
Magically, it is said if you carry Bistort with you, it will aid in conception. See May 19th in the Spell A Day section for a spell utilizing this herb.
You can also burn Bistort with frankincense incense to increase your psychic abilities or when using divination.
It is also said that if you spread droplets of a Bistort infusion around a building in which poltergeists are said to reside, that it will drive them out.
Bistort is also a common ingredient in money attracting sachets and added to wealth and money incenses.
To grow Bistort, you must have full sun to partial shade. The soil must be rish and kept moist. This herb will ggrow to approximately two feet tall, good for borders and hedges. Bistort can be seeded or grown by propagation in the spring or autumn.
Medically, some herbalists say that Bistort may be helpful in treating diarrhea, hemorrhoids and cuts.
This herb is a common food source in much of Northern Europe. The leaves are plesant tasting and is often used in salads.
References: Cunningham, Scott; The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, pg 57.
Hutchison, Francis, Ed.; Encyclopedia of Herb Gardening, pg 243.
Mabey, Richard; The New Age Herbaslist, pg 97.