-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Apocynum androsaemifolium (Bitter Root)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Apocynum androsaemifolium

synonyms: Bitter root, spreading dogbane, milkweed, wild cotton, medicine lodge root (Ojibwe)

part(s) used: root

qualities: extremely bitter

affinities: adrenals, gall bladder

actions: emetic, cathartic, diuretic, cardiac stimulant

dosage:

» tincture: 1 - 5 drops

» powdered root: 0.25 - 2 g

» liquid extract: 0.7 - 2 ml.

pulse:

» slow, no pitting (Wood)

therapy: an extremely deep-acting, toxic plant, which influences the mind and body profoundly. Useful for high-impact injuries; blows to the knee, elbow, falls on the head, loss of conscious, or barely retaining consciousness. Weak gall bladder, little bile reaches the stool, resulting in constipation; in patients with weak adrenals; tired, slow, cold (Wood).

toxicity: 4; see digitalis toxidrome

treatment of overdose: EDTA, monitor serum potassium levels

(Ellis, p. 18)

constituents: cardiac glycosides: including strophanthin, strophanthin cymaroside, androsin, apocynin, cymarin, apocymarin and others; essential oil containing acetovanillin

footnotes

toxicity: 4; see digitalis toxidrome

treatment of overdose: EDTA, monitor serum potassium levels

(Ellis, p. 18)

constituents: cardiac glycosides: including strophanthin, strophanthin cymaroside, androsin, apocynin, cymarin, apocymarin and others; essential oil containing acetovanillin

footnotes

footnotes