Sanguisorba officinalis, also known as Great Burnet, is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter tall throughout the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked and add a cucumber flavor to salads or as a potherb. The plant's fresh or dried leaves can also be used as a tea substitute. Additionally, it is an excellent food source for the European large blue butterfly. Sanguisorba officinalis is also used for its extensive root system in erosion control and bioremediation to reclaim derelict sites such as landfills. The plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine where it is known as Di Yu and has been used to cool the blood, stop bleeding, clear heat, and heal wounds. Polysaccharides extracted from Sanguisorba officinalis also display antioxidant activities, and ethanol extracts of the roots exert anti-inflammatory effects. It is a versatile and beneficial plant with various commercial and medicinal uses.
