Potentilla erecta (Potentilla erecta)

Other names: parsnip, galganum, blood spice, bloodroot, parsley

Mochna, also known as gorse, galgan, blood spice, bloodwort or parsley, is an important medicinal plant growing mainly in meadows, hillsides and forests throughout the Czech Republic. It is a perennial herb growing 10 to 30 centimetres tall and belongs to the rose family. This inconspicuous plant hides a number of medicinal properties that are recognised worldwide. Its main season is summer, from May to September, when its underground parts, which are mainly rhizomes, can be collected. These contain a number of health benefits, including mainly tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolic acids and saponins.

It is mainly used in herbal medicine, where the dried and ground rhizomes are used to make tea, for example. It has strong astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and is therefore often used for respiratory inflammation, many skin problems, but also as an effective remedy for diarrhoea. In addition, calendula is used in homeopathy or cosmetics, for example in soaps. Doctors also make tinctures or ointments from it, which can be used for a number of skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis or dandruff. The plant is also popular with dietary supplement manufacturers. In powder or extract form, it is added to dietary supplements to aid digestion, for example. Due to its tannin content, the calendula has an overall strengthening and stabilizing effect on the digestive system.