-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Leptandra virginica, Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Leptandra virginica, Veronicastrum virginicum, Veronica virginica

synonyms: leptandra, blackroot, Culver's root, black root, Beaumont root, Bowman's root, Culver's physic, hini, oxadoddy, physic root, purple leptandra, tall speedwell, tall veronica, whorlywort

part(s) used: dried root, rhizome

qualities:

affinities:

actions: mild cathartic, diaphoretic, spasmolytic, cholagogue, alterative with special action on liver, laxative

dosage:

» powder: 0.5 - 4 g

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy: headache; chronic constipation associated with liver dysfunction, jaundice, constipation with clay-colored stools, liver disease, gastrointestinal atony

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating:

» root: 1

» fresh root: 2b, 2d

toxicity: 2

» contraindicated during pregnancy, especially threatened miscarriage (Brinker, 1996, p. 104) due to its teratogenic effect and abortifacient activity when fresh (Felter and Lloyd)

» contraindicated in gallstones, hardened stones, or bile duct obstruction due to its cholagogue effect (Brinker, 1989; Felter and Lloyd)

» contraindicated in internal hemorrhoids or during menstruation due to its cathartic effect (Felter and Lloyd)

» potential gastrointestinal irritant; the fresh root is dangerously cathartic, causing violent hematemesis, bloody purging, and vertigo; therapeutic preparations use the dry root (Felter and Lloyd, p. 1128)

» may have side effects due to tannic acid content (Duke, p. 568)

constituents: volatile oil, saponins, mannitol, dextrose, tannins

footnotes

Brinker F. 1989. To Health With Herbs (from Eclectic Dispensatory of Botanical Therapeutics. vol. I, Alstat E (comp.)), Portland, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

ical Publications.

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

R: Eclectic Medical Publications.