Poke Root
Also known as
Also known as- Phytolacca americana, Pokeroot, American Poke, Pokeweed, Inkberry, and Pigeon Berry.
Introduction
Poke is a visually attractive 8 to 10 foot (250-300 cm) perennial with dark green leaves, purple stems, and bright red to bluish-black berries. This common understory tree is native to the temperate regions of the United States east of the Mississippi. Poke was a common herbal remedy long before Europeans settled North America. The Mohegan Indians used a poultice of mashed pokeberries to relieve breast pain. The Delaware Indians reportedly used the pokeroot teas and poultices to relieve the joint pain. During the first half of the nineteenth century, American physicians promoted pokeroot as a topical treatment for cancer, applied to areas of the skin where cancer was visible. A poultice of root or compress of its tincture was used to treat inflammations and cancer. After the Civil War, pokeroot was more commonly used internally as an "alterative" (a substance that favorably alters the course of an illness) for arthritis and skin conditions. Pokeroot was widely believed to relieve constipation, and it was used to induce vomiting to treat certain kinds of poisoning. In the 1890s, a Dr. W. W. Baxter even made one of the first "diet pills" from pokeberries. Scientists continue to search for new uses for this potent herb: Pokeweed antiviral protein shuts down the ribosomal "energy generators" in cells infected by HIV. Phytolacca mitogens stimulate the production of B and T cells by the immune system. They also, however, increase sensitivity to the lectins of foods. The triterpene saponins in pokeroot have been shown to counteract swelling and edema caused by acute allergic response.
Constituents
Primarily jagilonic acid (diuretic), oleanolic acid (antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory), tannins. According to herbalist Todd Caldecott, also contains betalain type alkaloids (betanidine, betanine, isobetanine, isobetanidine, isoprebetanine, phytolaccine, prenetanine), triterpene saponins (phytolaccosides A-1, D2, O and associated aglycones), and at last five immunostimulant, cysteine-rich glycoprotein lectins also known as pokeweed mitogens (PWM) Pa1 through Pa5. Other constituents include genins (esculentic acid and phytolaccagenic acid), histamine (accounting for its anti-allergy effects), GABA, isomamericanin A, PAP (pokeweed antiviral protein), spinasterol, sterols, starch, saccharose, and potassium salts.
Parts Used
Pokeroot is safe for herbal use. Poke leaf is not. Consumption of poke leaves can cause gastroenteritis with intense vomiting and frothy diarrhea.
Typical Preparations
Usually used as a tincture in a dosage of one drop (that's right, one drop) per day. Do not overdose. Most often found in topical applications like creams, ointments, and oils.
Summary
Pokeroot is for treatment, not prevention. Take pokeroot tinctures for up to 2 weeks at a time to overcome the symptoms of colds, flu, sore throat, mastitis, or tonsillitis. Use 5 drops of tincture in 3/4 cup (60 ml) of warm to soak a 5" x 5" (12 cm x 12 cm) to treat skin inflamed by eczema or psoriasis up to 3 times a day for up to 2 weeks. Use of pokeroot to treat lymphedema, testicular inflammation, or ovarian pain, or as an alterative for cancer, should be medically supervised.
Precautions
To be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this substance Not to be used while pregnant. Not recommended for internal use. Not to be taken if you have severe liver or kidney disease. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
