By: Blonde One
The humble tormentil is a common inhabitant of Dartmoor’s moorland. It is a simple yellow flower with four petals that is probably ignored or unnoticed by most of us. It is an interesting flower though and has many myths about its medicinal properties as well as many facts about its use. I only just found out that it has a red dye in its roots that is used for artist’s materials. It can apparently treat mouth ulcers and stop bleeding (definitely don’t try this at home!). The tormentil root is one of the ingredients in the German alcoholic beverage Blutwurz (translated to blood root).
I have heard it suggested that it is a good cure for stomach problems but that it also can cause madness! I think I would rather have a bad stomach!
