Phytolacca decandra (Poke Root or Poke Weed) 245

Family: Phytolaccaceae

Part Used: Root usually and berries, without seeds

Active Constituents:

Alkaloids, formic acid, resins, tannins, triterpenoid saponins ( phytolaccoside A-G, phytolaccagenin), vitamins and minerals

Medicinal Actions:

Alterative (relaxing), anodyne (mild), anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory (mild), anti-parasitic, anti-rheumatic, emetic, fungicide (tinea), lymphagogue, purgative

Medicinal Uses:

1)The young, fresh leaves of the plant are the part containing nutrients in higher doses. They have to be young leaves, the toxicity increases with age of the plant. So do not eat poke unless you know how old it is.

2)The nutrients it contains include beta-carotene, iron, vitamin C and calcium.

3)Phytolacca is thought of as a glandular alterative. It enhances glandular function. It focuses on the glands of the throat, skin, lymph, buccal, tonsillar, nose testes and ovaries.

4)Consider it for treatment of hard, painful nodes. Calendula is more indicated for soft nodes.

5)It has a strong action on its own and can enhance the action of other botanicals with which it is combined.

6)Good for acute condition, glandular inflammation or infection, ovarian treatment

7)The phytolaccin is considered the most active constituent, exhibiting a sedative effect on the medulla. It can be useful as a mild relaxant in immune, detoxifying or anti-inflammatory formulas.

8)The botanical can be used orally or topically. It is used topically, even in nursing mothers, for mastitis, though must be cleaned completely off the breast before breast feeding resumes since toxic for infants. It both reduces the inflammation and reduces the associated pain.

9)As a poultice, it has a drawing effect and is used to pull infection to a focal point or a head. It will pull the infection to the surface, it erupts and resolves. It is commonly added to topical alterative formulas to treat arthritis, acne, eczema or psoriasis. Dr. Mary Bove uses a strong tea in a topical wash to treat tinea.

10)Phytolacca has been shown to increase white blood cell number and activity. It is therefore, used to treat many conditions including cancer, mononucleosis, tonsillitis (chronic and acute), gastroenteritis, otitis media and mumps.

11)I use it in detox programs or formulas to stimulate the lymph drainage and clearing of waste products from the body. Bill Mitchell, ND has used it to treat lymphgranuloma venereum (10 drops QID with Vitamin C at 1-3 grams QD for two days, slowly titrating back down to normal dose).

12)Good as a detox tea

Toxicity: Direct contact with the leaves of the plant can cause skin irritation. Symptoms of overodose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of tissues. If taken in very high dose it can reduce respiration, alertness and blood pressure. Death is possible. Affect (interfere the autonomic nervous system)

Pharmacy:

Decoction: PO-1/4 - ½ tsp. Root (used medicinally)/ cup H20 X 20 min or topical 1-2 Tbls/qt H20 X20 min.

Tincture (1:5): 2-10 drops qd to tid (adult male 20 ml per week max)

Fluid Ext. (1:1): 1-10 drops qd to tid (adult male 10 ml per week max)

Topical oil: Apply with heat two to six times a day.

Remove from skin before breast feeding resumes.