Avens in traditional herbal medicine was considered useful as an antiseptic and as a tonic. It was also used to cheek bleeding, to reduce fever and induce perspiration.
Avens was used in the treatment of stomach complaints, such as colic, and in the treatment of diarrhea.
Headache, sore throats and chills were also treated with it, and it was used in heart disease and disorders of the liver.
It was used externally to remove blemishes and spots and relieve skin conditions. Another use was as a gargle and mouthwash.
Because it is a strong aromatic it was once alleged to have the power to drive away evil spirits. It was once believed that anyone carrying a sprig of avens would not bitten by a rabid dog or by a poisonous snake.
It was once held to be an antidote to poison and animal blites. Another piece of folklore advised that if someone dug up the root of an avens plant before sunrise and hung it in a linen bag round the neck it would improve the eyesight. The same strange practice was also once thought to be a cure for piles.
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