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Pokeweed
( Phytolacca decandra )
Family
Phytolacca
Synonyms
Poke, pokeroot, pokeweed,
pokeberry
Character
Anti-inflammatory, antiviral,
spermicidal, antibiotic, antitumor, parasiticide, febrifuge, purgative,
lymphatic stimulant
Description
While most members of the
pokeweed family grow in the Americas, certain species thrive in tropical and
subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. There are seventeen genera and over
100 species of this particular herb. Over thirty-five species of the
phytolacca family grow in forested regions of the Americas, South Africa and
Asia. Pokeweed usually grows in the form of a woody shrub with meaty roots.
Phytochemistry
Cinnamic acids, flavonoids,
betacyanins, saponins and triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids,
bitter principles, sugars
Traditional rain forest use
Called "pocon" by Native
Americans, pokeweed was used for its ability to treat skin diseases and
wounds, and as a way to clear the blood of impurities. The Andokes people
use infusions of phytolacca leaves to reduce wound inflammation and to ward
off bacterial infections. The Tanimukas also use leaf poultices for skin
irritations. In regions of Ecuador, leaf poultices are used to treat tumors.
Root decoctions have also been utilized by Kamsa shaman for reducing fevers.
Members of the Tikunas tribe soaked the leaves of the Petiveria
plant, a species belonging to the pokeweed family, and used the water to
bathe anyone suffering from fever. A mixture of crushed leaves combined with
lemon juice was prescribed for respiratory infections. Juice extracted from
the leaves was used to directly treat an earache.
Modern medicinal applications
Pokeweed is currently used to
treat arthritis, cancer, colds, tonsillitis, glandular fever, mastitis,
eczema, rheumatism, and various skin ailments.
Authentication
Traditional herbalists considered
pokeweed a good agent to clear the blood and purify the lymph glands. It was
employed for swollen glands, inflamed breasts, cysts and tumors. Poultices
were used to treat sores and abscesses.
Safety
The fresh plant should never be
ingested as it is considered toxic and can cause vomiting. Even the dried
root should be used judiciously or violent vomiting can occur. Pregnant or
nursing mother should not use this herb. Pokeweed is a very powerful herb
and should never be used without professional supervision. |
