Like most other members of the rose family cinquefoils have astringent roots so they are pounded or powdered to treat open wounds and bleeding and made into tea for diarrhea and stomach upset. They are also very common in many vegetation zones from the plains to the alpine so were frequently collected and became a standard addition to medicinal plant mixtures used for nosebleeds, menstrual problems, and as a blood purifier.
The leaves, stems and flowers were taken in tea or added to food as a spring tonic, mild stimulant, to reduce fevers and to restore a feeling of well-being in cases of general malaise. Topically it was used for bruises, sores, bleeding gums, abrasions, sunburn, saddle sores, and to help heal certain skin problems probably related to fungal infections.
Modern clinical research has demonstrated that fresh plant cinquefoil water infusions inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, inflammatory blood enzymes, and bacterial/fungal infection, all factors that can contribute to tissue inflammation. That’s why hikers sometimes put these leaves in their boots to help prevent blistering.
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