Poke root
Phytolacca americana
Also known as Pokeweed and Pocon
$3.00 per Ounce
History: Pokeroot is a very versatile plant and is editable is prepared the correct way. However, one must be careful as the plant’s seeds and mature roots are toxic. The young shoots make a good substitute for asparagus, and the berries are similar to blackberries. Native Americans often used the juices from the berries as a clothing dye and paint. However, it was also used medicinally by natives. Delaware Indians used it as a heart stimulant and as a healing agent for skin disorders.
Warning: Extremely potent herb, only take in small quantities.
ModernUses: Achy muscles and joints , swelling of the nose, throat, and chest, tonsillitis, hoarse throat, swelling of lymph glands, swollen and tender breasts (mastitis), mumps, skin infections including scabies, tinea, sycosis, ringworm, and acne, fluid retention (edema), skin cancers, menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), and syphilis.
Active Ingredients: Tripterpenoid aponins, alkaloid, resins, phytolaccic acid, tannin, formic acid
Actions: Anti-rheumatic, stimulant, anti-catarrhal, purgative, emetic, tonic
Complementary Herbs: Cleavers, Blue Flag