Bitter Root

November 17th, 2007

Asclepias syriaca showing flowers and latex li...

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Botanical Name: Apocynum androsaemifolium (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Apocynacae
Other Names: Bitterroot, catchfly, flytrap, honeybloom, milk ipecac, milkweed, mountain hemp, spreading dogbane, wallflower, wandering milkweed, western wallflower, dogbane

Parts Used: The dried rhizome, roots.
Habitat: North America.Dogbane is a native perennial plant found in both the Atlantic and Pacific coastal states

Description:
The genus Apocynum contains only four species, two of which Apocynum androsaemifolium and A. cannabinum, or Black Indian Hemp, resemble each other very closely, the roots being distinguished by the thick-walled stone cells, which in the former are found in an interrupted circle near the middle of the bark, and in the latter are absent.

A. androsaemifolium is a perennial herb, 5 or 6 feet in height, branching, and, in common with the other three members of the genus, yielding on incision a milky juice resembling indiarubber when dry.

The leaves are dark green above, paler and downy beneath, ovate, and from 2 to 3 inches long. The flowers are white, tinged with red, having five scales in the throat of the corolla which secrete a sweet liquid, attractive to flies. These scales are very sensitive, and when touched bend inward, imprisoning the insects.

The tough, fibrous bark of all four species is used by the Indians of California as a substitute for hemp, in making twine, bags, fishing-nets and lines, and linen.

The milky root is found in commerce in cylindrical, branched pieces, about a quarter of an inch thick, reddish or greyish brown outside, longitudinally wrinkled, and having a short fracture and small pith. There is scarcely any odour, and the taste is starchy, afterwards bitter and acrid.

It is normally found in dry, sandy soils and around the edges of forests. A large, horizontal, milky rootstock sends up a glabrous stem with tough, fibrous bark to a height of 1 to 4 feet. The leaves are opposite, roundish to oblong-ovate or ovate, dark green above, lighter and hairy beneath, and grow on short, reddish petioles. The nodding flowers grow in terminal cymes and are pink outside, pink and white striped inside. Flowering time is May to August The fruit is a pair of long slender pods. All parts of the plant contain a milky juice.

Constituents: -The nature of the active principle is uncertain. A glucoside, Apocynamarin, was separated, but the activity is thought to be due not to the glucoside, but to an intensely bitter principle, Cymarin

Medicinal Action and Uses: One of the digitalis group of cardiac tonics, apocynum, is the most powerful in slowing the pulse, and its action on the vaso-motor system is also very strong. Being rather irritant to mucous membranes, it may cause nausea and catharsis, so that some cannot tolerate it. It is a powerful hydragogue, helpful in dropsies due to heart-failure, and in the ascites of hepatic cirrhosts has been called the ‘vegetable trocar.’

It is used as an alterative in rheumatism, syphilis and scrofula.

Dosage: 5 to 15 grains.
Not recommended for use without medical direction. DO NOT USE.

Infusion: Steep 1 tsp. rootstock in I pint boiling water. Take cold, 2 to 3 tsp. six times a day.

Tincture: Take 5 to 10 drops in water before meals

Poisons and Antidotes: The absorption in the gastro-intestinal tract being very irregular, the dosage and patient must be carefully watched and guarded.

Safety:
CAUTION: Eating the leaves has killed livestock.

Other Species:
A. cannabinum, or Black Indian Hemp, Canadian Hemp, American Hemp, Amyroot, Bowman’s Root, Indian Physic Bitter Root, Rheumatism Weed, Milkweed, Wild Cotton, Choctaw Root, is diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic, emetic, and cathartic. It should not be substituted for A. androsaemifolium or vice versa.

It is not the Indian Hemp (Cannabis Indica) which yields ‘hashish.’

A. hypericifolium bears some resemblance to the above.

A. venetum contains an alkaloid, Apocynteine, said to be a cardiac sedative.

BITTER ROOT is also a common name of Gentiana lutea, or Yellow Gentian, the wellknown bitter, and of Lewisia rediviva or Spathulum, with a starchy, edible root.

MILKWEED is also a common name of Asclepias.

DOG’S BANE is also a common name of Aconitum Cynoctonum.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bitroo47.html
http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h232.htm