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Black Root
Leptandra virginica
Scrophulariaceae
Citations
Names : Culvers Root, Culvers Physic, Physic Root, Veronicastrum
virginica
Habitat : North America
Collection : This root, which was introduced to European herbalism via
the Seneca Indians, should be dug up in the autumn and stored for a year
before use.
Part Used : Rhizome and root.
Constituents : Active constituents largely unknown, however it is known
to contain ~
o Volatile oil with esters of cinnamic acid, methoxycinnamic acid and
dimethoxycinnamic acid
o Saponins
o Mannitol, dextrose, tannin etc.
Actions : Cholagogue, hepatic, laxative, diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic.
Indications : Black Root is used as a reliever of liver congestion and
for an inflamed gall-bladder (cholecystitis). When jaundice is due to
liver congestion, also use Black Root, as it will help whenever there is
any sign of liver problems. Chronic constipation can often be due to a
liver dysfunction, in which case this herb is also ideal.
Priest & Priest tell us that it is a mild relaxing hepatic for
torpid and congestive conditions, influencing the liver assisting the
secretion of bile. It also cleanses the alimentary tract of viscid mucus
and stimulates peristalsis They give the following specific indications
: hepatitis, cholecystitis, chronic hepatic torpor, non-obstructive
jaundice, to clear the bowels in febrile states, haemorrhoids and skin
eruptions.
Ellingwood considered it specific for malaise from malarial influence,
great lassitude and torpor, gloomyness or mental despondancy. He states
that it has no superior and is certainly under-estimated. In addition he
recommends it for the following patholgies : malarial conditions, to
tone the gastro-intestinal canal and stimulate the glandular organs,
jaundice.
Kings Dispensatory describes its specific indications and uses as
Drowsiness, dizziness, and mental depression, with tenderness and heavy
pain in the hepatic region, the tongue is coated markedly white, the
skin is yellow, there is a bitter taste, cold extremities, nausea and
dull frontal headache; thirst, with inability to drink; restlessness,
with insomnia; diarrhoea, with half-digested passages, or clay-colored
evacuations; enfeebled portal circulation, with lassitude and gloomy and
depressed mental state.
Combinations : Black Root will combine well with Barberry and Dandelion
Rt. For haemorrhoids combine with Stone Root
Preparations & Dosage : Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried
herb in a cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Simmer for l0
minutes. Take one cup three times a day.
Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
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