Greater burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis): what it does and how people use it

Greater burnet, also called Sanguisorba officinalis, is a perennial herb used in traditional medicine across Europe and Asia. People use its roots and leaves as teas, tinctures, or topical pastes. It’s known for astringent and mild anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it handy for small wounds, bleeding gums, and mild digestive upset.

At a glance: greater burnet offers astringency (helps tissues tighten), some anti-inflammatory activity, and traditional support for digestion. That doesn’t mean it replaces modern medicine, but it can be a useful short-term option for minor issues when used correctly.

How people use greater burnet today

Most common uses you’ll see: a cooled tea or infusion applied to irritated gums, a weak decoction taken for mild diarrhea or loose stools, and topical poultices for small cuts or skin inflammation. In some countries, standardized extracts appear in herbal supplements aimed at digestive comfort or skin support.

If you buy a commercial product look for the Latin name Sanguisorba officinalis on the label and a clear list of ingredients. For a home remedy, steep 1–2 grams of dried root or leaf in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Don’t brew stronger than recommended — the benefit is in mild action, not high doses.

Safety, dosing and tips from a pharmacist's view

Safety first: greater burnet is usually well tolerated in low, short-term doses. Still, it can interact with blood-thinning medicines because of its astringent and tannin content. If you’re on warfarin, DOACs, or have a bleeding disorder, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not times to experiment. Research on safety during pregnancy is limited, so avoid it unless a clinician says otherwise. Also watch for allergic skin reactions when applying it topically — try a small patch test first.

Quality matters. Choose products from reputable brands, check for third-party testing, and avoid suppliers with vague sourcing or extraction details. If you combine greater burnet with OTC anti-inflammatories or prescribed drugs, check with your pharmacist to avoid unwanted interactions.

Final practical note: greater burnet can help with minor issues, but persistent symptoms need medical evaluation. If bleeding, high fever, severe pain, or lasting digestive problems appear, stop the herb and seek professional care. Use it as a simple, short-term tool — not a substitute for prescribed treatment.

Explore related posts on our site for more on herbal supports, drug interactions, and safe online sources for supplements and medications. If you want, ask a pharmacist about specific doses or product recommendations based on your health and current meds.