Poke

Name:

Biological Name: Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca decandra Phytolaccaceae

Other Names: Poke, Pokeweed, red weed, red ink plant, garget, pigeon berry, scoke, coakum, Virginia polk, pocan bush, American nightshade, red ink berries

Parts Used: Root, leaves, berries

Active Compounds: Triterpenoid saponins; the phytolaccosides A, B, C, D & E. Based on the aglycones phytolaccagenin and phytolaccicacid. Lectins; mixture known as pokeweed mitogen, consisting of a series of glycoproteins

Remedies For:  Anti-rheumatic, stimulant, anti-catarrhal, purgative, emetic, alterative, resolvent, deobstruent, detergent, antisyphilitic, antiscorbutic, cathartic. CAUTION: DO NOT EAT THIS PLANT RAW OR INADEQUATELY COOKED. POKE ROOT SHOULD BE BOILED BEFORE EATING AND THE WATER DRAINED OFF AND DISCARDED; BOIL IT AGAIN IN FRESH WATER AND DRAIN OFF THE WATER AGAIN. IT MAY THEN BE EATEN. Poke Root has a wide range of uses. Used as a remedy for use in infection of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aiding the cleansing of the lymphatic glands. Also for catarrh, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps. It will be found of value in lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body and especially for mastitis, where it can be used internally and as a poultice. Poke Root also has a use in rheumatism, especially where it is long standing. Care must be taken with this herb as in large dosage it is powerfully emetic and purgative. Externally as a lotion or ointment it may be used to rid the skin of scabies and other pests. CAUTION: In large doses Poke Root is a powerful emetic and purgative. Combinations : For lymphatic problems it may be used with Cleavers or Blue Flag.

Dosage: Decoction: only small amounts of this herb should be used. Put l/4 teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer gently for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l/4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety:  CAUTION: In large doses Poke Root is a powerful emetic and purgative. Do not exceed the dosages recommended. THE SEEDS, WHICH ARE PRESENT IN THE BERRIES, ARE POISONOUS AND SHOULD NOT BE EATEN. SEE ALSO THE CAUTION ABOVE REGARDING COOKING. No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.

American Mistletoe

Name: American Mistletoe

Biological Name: Phoradendron flavescens Mistletoe family, Loranthaceae

Other Names: American Mistletoe, Golden Bough, Mistletoe, false mistletoe, goldenbough, birdlime

Parts Used: Leaves

Active Compounds:

History: Romans, celtics and Germans believed that Mistletoe is a key to the supernatural. Mistletoe stood for sex and fertility. Hence our current tradition of exchanging kisses under a sprig of mistletoe.

Remedies For: Emetic, nervine Stimulant to soothe muscle, producing a rise in blood pressure and increases the contraction of the intestine and uterus. This herb had been recommended as an oxytocic in postpartum hamorrhage and menorrhagia and as a circulatory and uterine stimulant. The plant may induce menstruation. It had been shown effective in treating tumors in experimental animals. It is recommended that, due to the toxicity of the plant, internal consumption of this herb be avoided.

Description: This plant is sometimes called false mistletoe to distinguish it from the European genus, Viscum album. There are differences in medicinal properties between the two species. This is a parasitic evergreen shrub. The branching woody stem is swollen at the nodes and bears opposite, leathery, yellowish green leaves which are hairy when young but glabrous at maturity. Small whitish flowers appear in May- July followed by white berries in December.

Dosage: Do not use without medical supervision.