The Amazing Sanicle Plant Health Benefits

The name of the sanicle plant comes from the Latin word sanare (to heal) and references the many properties attributed to this plant.

Sanicle Plant Scientific Facts

1. Other names: European sanicle, wood sanicle.
2. French: Sanicle d’Europe.
3. Spanish: Sanicula.
4. Environment: Spread in Central and Southern Europe’s deciduous tree forests, especially oak trees.
5. Description: Vivacious plant of the Umbelliferae family, growing from 20 to 50cm high, with plain-shaped leaves and a long petiole, almost all rising from the base.
6. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The leaves.

Healing Properties and Indications

This plant contains tannin, allantoin, anti-inflammatory properties, saponins with expectorant properties, and essential oil. The plant has cicatrizant, astringent, vulnerary, and expectorant properties.

When used internally, it is recommended to ease coughs and soften secretions from the bronchial catarrh, but its most important application is external use.

1. Infected wounds, sores, and varicose ulcerations: When applied as compresses or bathing, sanicle has an extraordinary cleaning power on the tissues suffering from necrosis. It also stimulates epithelization (formation of new skin).
2. Bruises and sprains: Poultices with sanicle alleviate inflammation and promote the reabsorption of hematomas (blood bruises).
3. Gingivitis, mouth sores, tonsilitis, and pharyngitis as mouth rinses with its decoction.

How to use Sanicle

1. Infusion with 30g of leaves per liter of water. Drink three cups daily sweetened with honey.
2. Compresses soaked in a decoction made with 50-60g of leaves per liter of water, boiling for ten minutes.
3. Poultices with fresh mashed leaves were applied to the affected area.
4. Baths with the same decoction are used in compresses.
5. Mouth rinses with the liquid of the decoction mentioned above.

American Sanicle Plant

A species similar to the European sanicle grows in America: American sanicle (Sanicula marylandica L.), whose root has the same medicinal properties as the European species. This species is also called black sanicle and black snakeroot.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 725. Print.
2. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-86/sanicle
3. RxList: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/sanicle.htm