Bryonia alba (White Bryony)

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Part Used: Root

Active Constituents:

Glycosides (Curcubitacins named B, D, E, I, J, K, L and tetrahydrocucurbitacin I), fatty acids, tannins, volatile oils

Medicinal Actions:

Anodyne, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, cathartic, diaphoretic, hypotensive, smooth muscle relaxer

Medicinal Uses:

1)       Bryonia is a medicine of powerful action in a very small dose. It can enhance the action of an anti-hypertensive formula by relaxing smooth muscle and causing diuresis, diaphoresis and laxative. It has been used to treat pleuritis, pulmonary edema that may be secondary to congestive heart failure. It is also known to reduce fluid accumulation around the joints in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatic pains are worse with motion and also present with edema. The Eclectics described the fluid accumulations as serous or sanguineous in nature. It has been used to reduce fevers due to infectious processes, especially late in the fever stage. Bryonia has a strong anodyne effect. Homeopathic Bryonia is indicated for use in a patient with a red, flushed face, very irritable emotionally and physically and where the pain is worse with motion. Often a 3X, 6X dose may be given in addition to a tincture dose.

2)       Hypotensive agent.

3)       Good diaphoretic

4)       Antodine of any pain relief

5)       Anti-inflammatory

6)       Has glycoside

7)       No flavanoid and volatile oil

8)       Used in tincture form and homeopathic

9)       Add few drops to a bottle of formula

10)    Good diuretic

Toxicity:

Bryonia is a toxic plant. Even a small dose of 5 berries is cause for concern in a child. They should be taken to the emergency room and charcoal given while the stomach is pumped clear. It is contraindicated for use in pregnancy or lactation. Signs and symptoms of toxicity include a read face, colic, diarrhea, intestinal colic, cardiac depression with a weak and thready pulse, chills, congestive headaches, dizziness, mydriasis, cold perspiration, collapse and death.

Pharmacy:

Tincture (1:1, 1:2, 1:5): 1 drop in a cup of water, sipped throughout the day

2 drops per day