-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