Cinquefoil / Five Finger Grass
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Folk Names: Crampweed, Five Finger Grass, Five Finger Blossom, Cinquefoil, Goosegrass, Goose Tansy, Moor Grass, Pantaphyllon, Silver Cinquefoil, Silverweed, Sunkfield or Synkefoyle
Parts Used: Arial Parts
Cliquefoil belongs to the Rosaceae family and is commonly called Creeping or European Cinquefoil. It’s scientific name is Potentilla Reptans and it commonly blooms in June to August with dainty yellow flowers.
The History of Cinquefoil
In Medieval times knight would often use clinquefoils five leaf symbol as an emblem on shields. The right to use this emblem was determined by heraldry and was only granted to those who had achieved mastery over ones self.
In medieval times cinquefoil was also said to scare off witches, increase a fisherman’s catch when tied to fishing nets and also used by lovers to create love potions and use in romantic divination.
Medicinal Uses of Cinquefoil
Cinquefoil has a long history of being used as a remedy for many conditions. Traditionally it was used as an anti-hemorrhagic and herbal astringent. As a decoction it was used to treat disorders like fever and gargled to relive the pain of a toothache and even gargled to help with oral sores and a sore throat.
The tannic acid in gave cinquefoil it’s potent ability to be used as an astringent to stop bleeding a the root bark was often made into a topical paste to help heal wounds, sores, ulcers, bruises, relieves pain, anti-wrinkle, sunburn and stop nose bleeds.
The roots or leaves are often used in a decoction, tea or tincture to help with diarrhea, other digestive problems, enteritis, bleeding gums, canker sores and dysentery. The tincture is good for sealing hemorrhages, for leucorrhea, and for fevers. The root is used for chronic and infectious catarrhal enteritis, quinsey, epilepsy, toothache, dysentery, and jaundice.
Magickal Uses Of Cinquefoil
Cinquefoils flowers are surrounded by 5 leaves creating a star shape these leaves are said to represent love, money, health, power and wisdom. When you carry cinquefoil it is said grant any of these 5 representations.
Cinquefoil is also used for protection and to remove curses and hexes. For protection it is hung above the door or placed on the bed. It is said that an infusion of the leaves can be used to wash away hexes and curses when you bathe your forehead and hands nine times.
To protect home from negative influences simply fill an eggshell with the herb and leave it in a safe place.
When carried in mojo a bag it brings love, money, health, power, and wisdom.
Warnings
Cinquefoil is considered possibly safe.
We have listed known warnings about this plant. These warnings are a guide only and although some magical herbs are safe in small quantities they can be poisonous in large doses or if used incorrectly. If you are not experienced in herbs the rule to stick by is “when in doubt….don’t risk it”.
Looking for herbs for magickal and ritual use? Check out our website https://thesacredwillow.com.au/
Disclaimer: This site is for informative purposes only and its content should not be considered professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy it is no replacement for the attention of a dedicated professional. The Sacred Willow and it’s proprietors cannot be held responsible for any damage and/or injury suffered resulting from actions and/or decisions based on information found on the site. Please do not self diagnose any condition regarding your own or another’s health. Always seek professional advice or arrange a consultation.
Some of the information provided on this Witchcraft Blog are based on myth, folklore and tradition and may suggest some supernatural or medicinal powers, however we make no claims as to their medical, magickal, psychic or esoteric properties and are sold as curios only.
References: “Wikipedia.org”. Potentilla_reptans. Retrieved 18/06/2016, “Herbs2000.com”. Cinquefoil. Retrieved 18/06/2016, Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (October 1985). Print.
