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 Leptandra virginica/Veronicastrum virginica/Veronica virginica
(Scrophulariaceae)
BLACK ROOT, CULVER'S ROOT,
PHYSIC ROOT
Learned of from North American
Indians, use of the dried root spread to herbal medicine, which uses it as a
laxative when there are liver or gallbladder problems.
Native to North America and widespread through mountain meadows and open
woodlands, black root was used by the North American Indians as an emetic to
cause vomiting in both rituals and medicine. The fresh root is strongly cathartic (empties
the bowels) but this property is much reduced in dried roots. A perennial, it grows
from a black taproot and has spear-like leaves that grow in whorls resembling a star.
Pink, blue, or white flowers appear in late summer on spike-like branches.
PARTS USED
Dried root.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil; saponins; bitter
principle, lepandrin; tannins.
ACTIONS
Increases the flow of bile; mild laxative.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for constipation associated with signs of liver congestion,
jaundice, and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).
PREPARATIONS
Tincture.
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