Krovokhlebka / Great burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis
Photo credit: Carl Axel Magnus Lindman
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Mild. High-tannin GI upset/constipation with heavy use.
Contraindications: Pregnancy/lactation (insufficient data — avoid); constipation; tannin sensitivity; bleeding requiring diagnosis should not be self-treated.
Interactions: Tannins reduce iron/alkaloid/drug absorption; theoretical interaction with anticoagulants given haemostatic reputation.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy/lactation: insufficient data — avoid.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
liquid extract · rhizome and root
Part used: rhizome and root
tincture · rhizome and root
Part used: rhizome and root
decoction · rhizome and root
Part used: rhizome and root
Traditional use: diarrhoea/dysentery, intestinal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, wash/gargle for inflamed mucosa and wounds
Proposed mechanism: tannin- and saponin-rich — astringent, antimicrobial, antioxidant, haemostatic (overlaps with TCM Di Yu literature)
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Not a food source; high tannin content.
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- Kostenko et al. 2025 (PMC12415002)