Other common names for this plant are pennywort and livewort.
Medieval herbalist used it to treat disorders of the kidneys, hence its name. In early folk medicine it was used to treat gout.
Kidneywort is a diuretic and is also to reduce inflammation. It was particularly used to reduce inflammation in the liver and spleen and was thought to be beneficial in cases of gout and sciatica. Bronchitis was sometimes treated by it.
The bruised leaves were applied in a poultice to cure piles and to treat minor burns or scalds and pimples and sores. Kidneywort was also used in some eye treatment.
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