Sanguisorba Officinalis

Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as Great Burnet, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the rose family, Rosaceae. Native to the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere — including Europe, northern Asia, and North America — it thrives in moist meadows, grassy banks, and light woodlands, especially in mountainous areas.

Botanical Description:

• Plant Type: Perennial herb

• Height: Up to 1 meter (3.3 feet)

• Flowering Season: June to September

• Flowers: Small, dark red, hermaphroditic (contain both male and female organs)

• Pollination: By bees, flies, butterflies, and self-pollination

• Soil Preference: Grows well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils; tolerates acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions, including very alkaline soil

• Light Preference: Full sun to semi-shade

• Hardiness: Zone 4, frost hardy

Natural Habitat:

Great Burnet flourishes in moist meadows, grassy fields, and shady woodland areas across Europe and parts of northern Asia and North America. It’s fairly common in Britain, though rare in Ireland.

Ecological Importance:

The plant plays an essential ecological role as a food source for the endangered European Large Blue butterflies (Maculinea nausithous and Maculinea teleius), which rely on it for survival.

Medicinal Parts Used:

• The whole herb (collected in July)

• Roots (harvested in autumn)

Medicinal Properties & Traditional Uses:

Sanguisorba officinalis is known for its astringent and tonic properties. Traditionally, it was highly valued as a wound-healing herb — its Latin name derives from sanguis (blood) and sorbeo (to staunch).

Key Uses:

• Treatment for abnormal discharges such as:

  • Diarrhea

  • Dysentery

  • Leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge)

• Managing bleeding disorders and hemorrhages

• Used in traditional herbal beers for its tonic properties

• As a cordial and mild sweat-inducing agent (sudorific)

The root is particularly potent, containing high levels of tannin, an effective astringent and coagulant. Modern pharmacological studies validate its historical use for treating intestinal conditions like diarrhea and dysentery.

Active Components:

• Tannins: Astringent, coagulant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

• Polyphenols and flavonoids: Antioxidant properties

Summary:

Great Burnet is more than a pretty meadow plant — it’s a time-tested herbal remedy known for stopping bleeding, treating digestive ailments, and supporting overall health. Its ecological significance also makes it a valuable species for biodiversity.