This section is from the book "A Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology", by David M. R. Culbreth. Also available from Amazon: Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology.
Polyg'Onum Bistor'Ta, Bistort. Europe, Asia, N. America, in meadows. Produces an S-shaped rhizome, bent upon itself - bistorted, 5 Cm. (2') long, 15 Mm. (3/5') thick, flattened or channeled, upper side transversely striate, root-scars on under side, red-brown; contains tannin 20 p. c, starch, calcium oxalate; tonic, astringent. Dose, gr. 5-30 (.3-2 Gm.).
 
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