Avens

Botanical

What is it

Avens (Geum urbanum, also called Benedict's herb, herb bennet, or wood avens) is a perennial herb of Europe and Asia. The root and aerial parts have been used traditionally as an astringent and aromatic for diarrhea, gum disease, and sore throat.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Diarrhea (astringent)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional astringent for acute diarrhea. Limited modern clinical evidence.

Sore throat / gum disease

Mixed Evidence

Used as a gargle traditionally; clove-like eugenol provides mild antiseptic effect.

How it works

Avens root contains tannins (predominantly ellagitannins), the volatile eugenol-related compound geosmin (responsible for the clove-like aroma), flavonoids, and bitter principles. The tannins provide astringency for diarrhea and mucosal complaints; eugenol contributes mild antiseptic and analgesic effects useful for oral applications.

Dosage

Traditional decoctions use 1 to 3 grams of dried root daily.

When and how to take it

Traditional use spread across the day; avoid taking with iron supplements.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried avens root

Powder, tincture, or decoction.

Tannins act locally.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Tannin-rich preparations can cause GI upset and reduce mineral absorption.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Use cautiously in iron-deficiency anemia.

Interactions

Tannins can reduce absorption of iron and certain medications. Take separately from supplements and medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is avens safe?⌄

Short-term traditional use is generally well tolerated. Long-term high-dose use is not recommended.

References

Avens on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Avens (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.