Astringent are known as "drying" agents in Greek medicine. These plants contain tannins which cause a contraction of tissue and close pore so that fluids cannot leak out of the body. If you've ever experienced the puckering effect from drinking wine, you have experienced astringency.
Astringents have a role in a wide range of problems in many parts of the body, but are of special importance in wound healing and conditions of the digestive system.
Their therapeutic benefits include:
- A reduction of irritation on the surface of tissues due to a form of numbing
- A reduction in surface inflammation
- A barrier against infection is created which is of great help in wounds and burns
Long-term internal use or too much in the diet can be detrimental to health, as there may be an eventual inhibition of proper food absorption across the gut wall.