Arisaema triphyllum

Arisaema triphyllum
Family:Arisaema triphyllum; Acrid; Antiseptic; Contraceptive; Diaphoretic; Expectorant; Irritant; Poultice; Stimulant.
Common name:Jack in the pulpit
The root is acrid antiseptic diaphoretic expectorant irritant and stimulant. It is harvested in early spring and dried for later use. The fresh root is considered to be too dangerous and intensely acrid to use whilst the dried roots become inactive so fresh partially dried roots are used. Due to the potentially toxic nature of this plant it should only be used internally under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The root was applied as a poultice on headaches scrofulous sores rheumatism boils abscesses and ringworm. A decoction of the root has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The root was used as a contraceptive by the N. American Indians. One teaspoonful of the dried powdered root in cold water was said to prevent conception for a week whilst two teaspoonfuls in hot water was said to induce permanent sterility.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:22 []