Cinquefoil Herb – Comarum palustre L – Herba Organica

Description

Cinquefoil Herb (Comarum palustre L.) – Loose Dried Herb for Infusions, Blends & Creative Use

Cinquefoil Herb (Comarum palustre L.) by Herba Organica is a carefully dried botanical prepared from the above-ground parts of the plant, offering a natural, mildly earthy aroma and a soft herbal profile. The finely cut herb retains its natural colour and aroma thanks to gentle drying methods that preserve the plant’s visual and aromatic qualities. Known across traditional European landscapes, this herb has long been valued for its versatility in blends, infusions, and creative household preparations. Its adaptable character makes it suitable for both everyday use and more specialised herbal mixtures.

Our Cinquefoil Herb is supplied in convenient loose form, making it easy to portion, mix, steep, and incorporate into a variety of preparations. Whether used alone or combined with other dried botanicals, it provides a balanced herbal foundation with a mild, pleasant fragrance. Ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with traditional ingredients and exploring new aromatic combinations.

Botanical Overview

Comarum palustre L., commonly known as marsh cinquefoil, is a perennial plant found in moist meadows, marshes, and wetlands across northern and central Europe. It is recognised by its distinctive compound leaves and reddish stems, which give the plant an attractive natural appearance during its growing season. Traditionally harvested in summer, the aerial parts of the Cinquefoil plant have been used in various household preparations for generations.

When dried, Cinquefoil Herb retains its characteristic natural tone, with shades of green and brown blending into a soft, earthy palette. The cut pieces carry a subtle herbal aroma that becomes more pronounced during steeping or blending. Thanks to its fibre-rich structure and natural botanical form, the dried herb remains robust during preparation, making it easy to incorporate into a wide range of everyday uses.

Appearance and Aroma

Cinquefoil Herb by Herba Organica consists of dried, cut plant material in fine to medium pieces. Its colour ranges from muted green to light brown, reflecting the natural characteristics of the plant. The aroma is mild, earthy, and slightly woody, providing a balanced background for standalone infusions or multi-herb blends. When steeped, the herb releases a gentle fragrance that develops gradually, making it well-suited for longer infusion techniques where subtle aromatic extraction is preferable.

The texture remains stable during steeping, allowing the herb to provide consistent flavour and colour without becoming overly dense or powdery. This creates a smooth infusion base that blends well with many botanical ingredients.

Traditional and Cultural Uses

Cinquefoil has roots in European folk traditions, particularly in rural regions where local plants played an important role in the kitchen and in home preparations. Families often collected and dried Cinquefoil during the growing season, storing it in cloth bags or jars for year-round use. It was commonly included in household herbal mixtures, added to warm beverages, or used as part of multi-plant preparations designed for everyday use.

Due to its subtle flavour, the herb paired well with more aromatic plants, making it a useful base for layered blends. In many areas, this herb was combined with other meadow herbs to produce mild herbal teas, rustic kitchen mixes, or fragrant botanical assortments for the home. Its pleasant, unobtrusive character allowed it to adapt to many roles, from simple infusions to traditional household craft projects.

Versatile Uses of Cinquefoil Herb

Cinquefoil Herb Herba Organica offers flexibility in preparation, making it easy to incorporate into diverse recipes and creative applications. Its mildness allows it to function as a foundational element in both traditional and modern herbal blends.

Herbal Infusions and Teas

Cinquefoil Herb is often used to prepare warm herbal beverages. Its neutral, earthy background provides a gentle infusion suitable for drinking on its own or as a supporting ingredient alongside more aromatic herbs.

Basic Infusion Method:

Use 1–2 teaspoons of the dried herb per 250 ml of hot water. Pour water just off the boil over the herb and steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain before drinking. This longer steeping period allows the subtle flavours to fully develop while maintaining a naturally smooth herbal profile.

Cold Infusions and Iced Herbal Preparations

Cinquefoil Herb also works well for cold-steeping methods, which extract aroma gradually without intensifying the earthy notes too strongly. Simply add the herb to cool water and leave it to infuse in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. The result is a mellow herbal base suitable for iced teas, chilled blends, or layered beverage preparations.

Complementary Blends

Cinquefoil pairs well with various flowers, roots, leaves, and aromatic botanicals. It balances bright herbs and supports stronger notes without overpowering them.

Popular blend partners include:

• Lemon Balm Leaf – adds light citrus-herbal brightness.

• Chamomile Flower – gives floral softness and gentle sweetness.

• Raspberry Leaf – contributes a pleasant, full-bodied herbal structure.

• Peppermint Leaf – introduces refreshing cool notes to the blend.

• Calendula Petals – adds colour and a delicate floral background.

• Nettle Leaf – provides a robust leafy quality for more complex blends.

These combinations offer endless possibilities, supporting both simple daily infusions and more distinctive botanical mixtures.

Culinary and Decorative Applications

While primarily used for herbal beverages, Cinquefoil Herb can also be incorporated into culinary or decorative projects. Its mild flavour makes it suitable for rustic kitchen mixtures, homemade sachets, or dried botanical displays. Some people include cinquefoil in potpourri blends with complementary herbs and petals for visual variety and subtle aroma.

Storage and Handling

Store Cinquefoil Herb in a cool, dry place away from strong odours and direct sunlight. Keep the pouch tightly sealed or transfer the herb to an airtight container. Proper storage helps maintain its aroma, colour, and character for long-term use in beverages, culinary mixes, and botanical preparations.

Why Choose Herba Organica Cinquefoil Herb?

Herba Organica selects quality plant material and dries it carefully to preserve its natural properties. Each batch is hand-packed to provide a clean, consistent product suitable for infusions, blends, and creative uses. With its adaptable character and gentle aroma, is an excellent addition to any botanical collection.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.