BITTER ROOT or SPREADING DOGBANE or WANDERING MILKWEED

(Apocynum androsaemifolium; APOCYNACEAE, ASCLEPIADACEAE)

Parts used:  Root

Therapeutic action:

Cathartic, emetic (large doses), tonic diuretic, (lithotriptic), stimulant, detergent, diaphoretic (sudorific), expectorant, cardiac stimulant, hepatic stimulant, depurant.

Bitter root has a slow, persistent and extensive influence on intestinal digestion and elimination, stimulating the secretory functions of the liver (liver tubuli), gall ducts, gall cyst, and also the muscular and mucus coats of the kidneys and bowels. It is excellent for torpid conditions of the bowels, and it will produce a soft stool within 6-8 hours but it is not recommended for irritated or sensitive conditions.

Medicinal uses:

Jaundice, dyspepsia, cardiac dropsy, kidney problems, liver problems, typhoid and other fevers, relaxed bowels, poor digestion, dropsy, worms, syphilis, rheumatism, neuralgia, diabetes, chronic Bright's disease, gall stones, diseases of the joints and mucous membranes, constipation.

Preparation:

Fluid extract, infusion, powder, tincture. The root tends to deteriorate with age.