Phytolaccaceae Alterative Pokeweed

Phytolaccaceae Alterative Pokeweed
Family:Phytolaccaceae Alterative; Anodyne; Antiinflammatory; Antiviral; Cancer; Cathartic; Expectorant; Homeopathy; Hypnotic; Narcotic; Purgative.
Common name:Pokeweed
Pokeweed has a long history of medicinal use being employed traditionally in the treatment of diseases related to a compromised immune system. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis.All parts of the plant are toxic an excess causing diarrhoea and vomiting. This remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women.The root is alterative anodyne anti-inflammatory cathartic expectorant hypnotic narcotic and purgative.The dried root is used as an anodyne and anti-inflammatory. The root is taken internally in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis) tonsillitis mumps glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen glands chronic catarrh bronchitis etc. The fresh root is used as a poultice on bruises rheumatic pains etc whilst a wash made from the roots is applied to swellings and sprains. The root is best harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use.The fruit has a similar but milder action to the roots.The juice is used in the treatment of cancer haemorrhoids and tremors. A poultice made from the fruit is applied to sore breasts. A tea made from the fruit is used in the treatment of rheumatism dysentery etc. The plant has an unusually high potassium content and the ashes which contain over 45% caustic potash have been used as a salve for ulcers and cancerous growths.The leaves are cathartic emetic and expectorant.A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root. Its main action is on the throat breast muscular tissues and the joints.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:03 []