Phytolacca americana

Phytolacca americana [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.ilgazzettinovesuviano.com/2013/11/02/natura-gli-alieni-sono-tra-noi/

Common name: 
Poke Root 
(Bone, 2003, p. 376).  

Latin binomial:
Phytolacca americana  
(Bone, 2003, p. 376). 

Family:
Phytolaccaceae 
(Bone, 2003, p. 376).  

Parts used:
Root 
(Bone, 2003, p. 376). 

Active constituents:

• Tripterpenoid saponins
• Alkaloid
• Resins
• Phytolaccic acid
• Tannin
• Formic acid

    (Hoffman, 1983, 219).

Actions:

• Anti-rheumatic
• Stimulant
• Anti-catarrhal
• Purgative
• Emetic 

 (Hoffman, 1983, 219).

Indications:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
•  Removing catarrh
• Tonsillitis
•  Laryngitis
• Swollen glands
• Externally it can be used as a lotion for scabies and other pests
• Rheumatism 

 (Hoffman, 1983, 219).

 

Contraindications/ Cautions:
Poke Root is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. It is also contraindicated in people suffering lymphocytic leukemia and gastrointestinal infection 
(Bone, 2003, p. 376). 

Dosage:

• 0.15-0.7 ml of 1:5 tincture dose per day
• 1-5 ml of 1:5 tincture dose per week 

 (Hoffman, 1983, 219).

Combinations: 
Combined with cleavers and blue flag for the use of lymphatic problems 
(Hoffman, 1983, 219).

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.