"Wood avens is an astringent herb, used principally to treat problems affecting the mouth, throat and gastro-intestinal tract. It tightens up soft gums, heals mouth ulcers, makes a good gargle for infections of the pharynx and larynx, and reduces irritation of the stomach and gut[254]"

"Young leaves - cooked"

"All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic[4, 9, 21, 165, 238]. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, intestinal disorders, stomach upsets, irritable bowel syndrome and liver disorders, it is also applied externally as a wash to haemorrhoids, vaginal discharges etc[238, 254] and to treat various skin afflictions - it is said to remove spots, freckles and eruptions from the face[4, 9]. The root is best harvested in the spring, since at this time it is most fragrant[4]. Much of the fragrance can be lost on drying, so the root should be dried with great care then stored in a cool dry place in an airtight container, being sliced and powdered only when required for use[4]. The powdered root had a great reputation as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of intermittent fevers [301]"

"Root - cooked. Used as a spice in soups, stews etc, and also as a flavouring in ale[4, 5, 8, 13, 183]. It is a substitute for cloves with a hint of cinnamon in the flavour[12, 74, 183]. It is best used in spring[12]. The root is also boiled to make a beverage[161]. The root is up to 5cm long[4]."