Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of the American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide

By Judson Carroll

This book is the second in my series on the medicinal plants of the Southeast, focusing on the mid-Atlantic region. Given the biodiversity of this region, from hot subtropics to mountain climates similar to much of New England, the Pacific Northwest, the British Isles and even mountainous regions of China we have remarkable biodiversity in plant species here. Much of our medicinal herbs are little documented, especially in the modern era, and far too often overlooked both by herbalists and those of us who call this beautiful region home.

For that reason, I chose the smallest of our native shrubs as the photo for the cover of this book, Chimaphila maculata, also called Pipsissewa or Spotted Wintergreen. This little herb is potently medicinal, being useful for colds, bladder infections, arthritis, etc. For full use, see page 31. This herb has traditionally been one of the most reliably useful herbs of Native American and Early American Herbal Medicine, but also found great popularity in the European tradition. However, this little herb is almost forgotten in our era. It is pulled up as a weed or destroyed by real estate development by millions each year. We should always be good stewards; simply leaving things alone is not always the best means of preservation. Oftentimes, we must take an active role by transplanting or cultivating these herbs.

Taking an active role is what this book is all about. It is about taking an active role in your own health by learning the herbs all around you and their use. People tend to think of herbs as little green things - sages and mints, etc. While such herbaceous plants are certainly potent medicinal herbs, often more common and accessible... and sometimes even more potent and useful, are the trees, shrubs, vines and other plants growing all around us. As the Bible says, “My people die from lack of knowledge.”

In this book, you will learn about hundreds of plants that are quite literally all around us. All that is left to do is to go outside and learn to identify them. Having the medicinal herbs you need, at hand when you need them, is the goal of much of my work - kitchen medicine, independence and resilience. I believe the same God who made man gave us every medicinal herb we need to maintain our health and even cure the diseases that came about through the fall of man. That philosophy is espoused by most every religion, the traditions of the ancient world, Christian saints and even doctors until very recently. Unfortunately, our education system has failed us in not teaching us many of the things we most need to know. My book is a simple tool that may be used to correct that deficit.

Please join me in simply wandering through nature and learning about the majesty that is God’s good green earth

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judson Carroll
• Release date: Sep 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005651008

Judson Carroll

Judson CarrollI am a certified Master Herbalist and Permaculturist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, USA. I began learning about herbs and their uses from the old Appalachian folks, especially the Hicks family of Beech Creek, when I was around 15.I host the Southern Appalachian Herbal Podcast: Southern Appalachian Herbs https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbsI teach free, online herbal medicine classes: Herbal Medicine 101 https://rumble.com/c/c-618325I also write a weekly article on herbs and their properties: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/151My passion is being outside, enjoying the woods, the water and the garden. My mission is to revive the tradition of “folk medicine” in America, so families can care for their own ailments at home, using the herbs God gave us for that purpose. I am a moderator and contributor for The Grow Network and you can communicate with me there https://thegrownetwork.com/My email address is [e-mail]

Book preview

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast

An Herbalist's Guide

By

Judson Carroll

Disclaimer:

The information in this book is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. I am not a health practitioner and am not offering advice. No content in this book has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Following any information in this book is at your own risk.

Do your own thorough research before following any herbal advice. Be aware of interactions (drug or herbal), allergy, sensitivity or underlying conditions before proceeding with following any health information.

By continuing to read this book you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to hold me responsible for your own actions.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Shrubs (mostly):

Aucuba japonica

Amelanchier, Serviceberry

Amorpha, Indigobush

Aronia, Chokeberry

Arundinaria, Cane

Asimina Parviflora, Dwarf Pawpaw

Baccharis

Berberis, Barberry

Callicarpa, Beautyberry

Calycanthus, Sweet Shrub

Ceanothus, New Jersey Tea

Cephalanthus, Button Bush

Cephalotaxus, Plum Yew

Chamaedaphne calyculata, Leatherleaf

Chimaphila, Pipsissewa

Citrus trifoliata, Bitter Orange

Clematis

Clethra

Clinopodium

Comptonia, Sweetfern

Cornus, Dogwood

Corylus, Hazelnut

Crataegus, Hawthorn

Cunila

Cytisus scoparius, Scotch Broom

Diervilla, Bush Honeysuckle

Dirca, Eastern Leatherwood

Elaeagnus

Epigaea

Euonymus

Galax

Gaultheria, Wintergreen

Gaylussacia, Huckleberry

Hydrangea

Hypericum, Saint John’s Wort

Ilex, Holly

Juniperus, Juniper

Kalmia, Laurel

Kerria Japonica, Bachelor's Buttons

Leucothoe, Coastal Doghobble

Lindera, Spicebush

Ligustrum, Privett

Lonicera, Honeysuckle

Lycopodium, Club Moss

Lyonia

Manfreda virginica, Rattlesnake Master

Myrica

Nandina domestica, Heavenly-Bamboo

Opuntia, Prickly Pear Cactus

Physocarpus opulifolius, Eastern Ninebark

Prunus pumila, Appalachian Sandcherry

Pseudosasa japonica, Arrow Bamboo

Pyrola, another herb called Wintergreen

Pyrularia, Buffalo Nut

Quercus, Oak

Rhododendron

Rhus, Sumac

Ribes, Currant and Gooseberry

Robina, Locust

Rosa, Rose

Rubus, Blackberry and Raspberry

Sabal, Saw Palmetto

Salicornia, Glasswort

Salix, Willow

Sambucus, Elderberry

Selaginella, Spikemoss

Spirea, Meadowsweet

Symphoricarpos

Taxus, Yew

Thymus praecox, Mother of Thyme

Vaccinum, Blueberry

Viburnum

Vitex

Xanthorhiza, Yellowroot

Yucca

Woody Vines:

Akebia quinata

Ampelopsis

Aristolochia, Dutchman’s Pipe

Berchemia scandens, Supplejack

Campsis radicans, Trumpet Vine

Celastrus, American Bittersweet

Gelsemium, Jessamine

Hedera, Ivy

Isotrema/Aristolochia, Pipe Vine

Lycium

Menispermum, Canada Moonseed

Mitchella repens, Partridgeberry

Parthenocissus, Virginia Creeper

Pueraria, Kudzu

Schisandra

Smilax, Greenbriar

Vinca, Periwinkle

Vitis, Grape

Wisteria

Mistletoe

Afterward and Sources

About the Author

Introduction

This book is the second in my series on the medicinal plants of the Southeast, focusing on the mid-atlantic region. Given the biodiversity of this region, from hot subtropics to mountain climates similar to much of New England, the Pacific Northwest, the British Isles and even mountainous regions of China we have remarkable biodiversity in plant species here. Much of our medicinal herbs are little documented, especially in the modern era, and far too often overlooked both by herbalists and those of us who call this beautiful region home.

For that reason, I chose the smallest of our native shrubs as the photo for the cover of this book, Chimaphila maculata, also called Pipsissewa or Spotted Wintergreen. This little herb is potently medicinal, being useful for colds, bladder infections, arthritis, etc. For full use, see page 31. This herb has traditionally been one of the most reliably useful herbs of Native American and Early American Herbal Medicine, but also found great popularity in the European tradition. However, this little herb is almost forgotten in our era. It is pulled up as a weed or destroyed by real estate development by millions each year. We should always be good stewards; simply leaving things alone is not always the best means of preservation. Oftentimes, we must take an active role by transplanting or cultivating these herbs.

Taking an active role is what this book is all about. It is about taking an active role in your own health by learning the herbs all around you and their use. People tend to think of herbs as little green things - sages and mints, etc. While such herbaceous plants are certainly potent medicinal herbs, often more common and accessible… and sometimes even more potent and useful, are the trees, shrubs, vines and other plants growing all around us. As the Bible says, My people die from lack of knowledge.

In this book, you will learn about hundreds of plants that are quite literally all around us. All that is left to do is to go outside and learn to identify them. Having the medicinal herbs you need, at hand when you need them, is the goal of much of my work - kitchen medicine, independence and resilience. I believe the same God who made man gave us every medicinal herb we need to maintain our health and even cure the diseases that came about through the fall of man. That philosophy is espoused by most every religion, the traditions of the ancient world, Christian saints and even doctors until very recently. Unfortunately, our education system has failed us in not teaching us many of the things we most need to know. My book is a simple tool that may be used to correct that deficit.

Please join me in simply wandering through nature and learning about the majesty that is God’s good green earth.

Aucuba japonica, Spotted Laurel

This shrub is not native to my region but has been naturalized.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Spotted Laurel: The leaves are pounded and applied to burns, swellings, chilblains etc.

Amelanchier, Serviceberry

Two varieties of Amelanchier that grow as shrubs are native to my region. Amelanchier obovalis (Coastal Plain Serviceberry), Amelanchier spicata (Running Serviceberry, Dwarf Serviceberry)

These are both somewhat rare coastal/coastal plains plants. Serviceberries (most of which are trees) are edible. George Washington is said to have planted Serviceberry at Mount Vernon, but we can only assume his reason for doing so was the fruit. Overall, Serviceberry is a much-underutilizednative fruit. Recent research has shown that it may have antiviral properties that could be useful in combating such viruses as COVID-19.

Gerard wrote:

A. Service berries are cold and binding, and much more when they be hard, than when they are mild and soft: in some places they are quickly soft, either hanged in a place which is not altogether cold, or laid in hay or chaff: those services are eaten when the belly is too soluble, for they stay the same; and if they yield any nourishment at all, the same is very little, gross, and cold; and therefore it is not expedient to eat of these or other like fruits, nor to use them otherwise than in medicines.

B. These do stay all manner of fluxes of the belly, and likewise the bloody flux; as also vomiting: they stanch bleeding if they be cut and dried in the sun before they be ripe, and so reserved for use: these we may use divers ways according to the manner of the grief and grieved part.

Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests gives us an interesting use for this plant:

Apples and Pears, as being the fruits that are most abundantly produced, are the most valuable for the purpose of manufacturing Liquors. A mixture of the two produces a more wholesome article of drink than does either treated separately. The juices of plums and other fruits may likewise be added, as their astringency renders the liquor more tonic. Excellent liquor *aay be produced, both from apples and pears, by following the well known method of making cider, which consists in grinding the fruit with a millstone and fei-men ting the pulp and juice together; but upon farms, where we seldom find the means of preserving liquors unchanged, it is necessary that the processes be simple, and such as can be made use of for preparing them as they are needed. I shall, therefore, recommend the following method : Begin to collect the apples and pears which fall from the trees toward the end of August, and continue to do so till they have arrived at maturity; cut them in pieces as fast as they arc gathered; dry them first in the sun and afterward in an oven from which the bread has been drawn. If the fruit be well dried in this manner, though it may grow dark colored, it may be kept unchanged for several years. When drink is to be prepared from these dried fruits, put about sixty pounds of them into a cask, which contain sixty-six gallons ; fill the cask with water, and allow it to remain four or five days; after which, draw off the fermented liquor for use. The liquor thus prepared is very agreeable to the taste; when put into bottles it ferments so as to throw out the cork as frothing Champagne wine does. Though wholesome and

agreeable, it may become still more conducive to health by mixing with the apples and pears one-twentieth of the dried berries of the service tree, Amelanchier canadensis, (Aronia botrya-pium, Ell. Sk., which grows in the Carolinas,) and one-thirtieth of juniper berries; from these the liquor acquires a slightly bitter taste, and the flavor of the juniper berries, which is very- refreshing, and it is besides rendered tonic and auti-putrescent.

The use of this drink is one of the surest means that can be taken by the husbandman for preserving himself from those diseases to which he is liable in autumn, and for the attacks of which he is preparing the way during the greatest heats of summer.

After the spiritous portions of the liquor have been drawn off, very agreeable piquette may be made from the pulp which remains in the cask; for this purpose it is only necessary to crush the fruit, which is already soft, and to add to it as much lukewarm water, to which a small quantity of yeast has been added, as will fill the cask, fermentation commencing in a short time, and terminating in three or four days. To flavor this liquor and render it slightly tonic, there may be added to it before fermentation a handful of vervain, three or four pounds of elder berries, and of juniper berries.

Botany in a Day states simply:

Medicinally, the berries may be laxative; otherwise the leaves and bark are astringent.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

Chippewas used root bark tea with other herbs as a tonic for excessive menstrual bleeding, a

female tonic and to treat diarrhea. Cherokee used in herb combinations as a digestive tonic.

Bath of bark tea used on children with worms.

Amorpha, Indigobush

Three Varieties of Amorpha have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Amorpha canescens - Lead Plant, Amorpha fruticosa - False Indigo, Amorpha nana - Dwarf Indigobush.

Six Amorphas are native to my region: Amorpha fruticosa (Tall Indigo-bush), Amorpha georgiana var. confusa (Savanna Indigo-bush), Amorpha georgiana var. georgiana (Georgia Indigo-bush), Amorpha glabra (Mountain False Indigo, Appalachian Indigo-bush), Amorpha herbacea var. herbacea (Dwarf Indigo-bush), Amorpha schwerinii (Piedmont Indigo-bush)

All of the Indigo Bush varieties seem to be similar in their actions. They bear edible fruit that helps reduce mucus congestion. These are somewhat rare, even though their range covers much of the United States. While not among our most useful shrubs medicinally, and not being large producers of fruit, they are quite pretty and would be a nice addition to a native plants based landscape.

Aronia

Three varieties of Aronia have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Aronia arbutifolia - Red Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa - Black Chokeberry, Aronia prunifolia - Purple Chokeberry

All three varieties are also native to my region.

Aronias are in the Rose family, and are used interchangeably. The fruit is tart and very high in Vitamin C. It was much used by Native Americans in the making of pemmican, which was an essential winter survival food comprised of dried meat, berries, fat and sometimes seeds or nuts. Aronia berries are also useful for colds and flu. All members of the Rose family are astringent and can be used to stop diarrhea and to reduce tissue inflammation.

Arundinaria, Cane

Only one variety of Arundinaria has documented use in western Herbal Medicine: Arundinaria gigantea

Three are native to my region: Arundinaria appalachiana (Hill Cane), Arundinaria gigantea (Giant Cane), Arundinaria tecta (Switch Cane). All of these canes are in the grass family and very similar.

Plants for A Future tells us, Medicinal use of Cane Reed (Arundinaria gigantea): The root is cathartic. A decoction has been used to stimulate the kidneys and renew strength".

The PDR for Herbal Medicine states:

Bamboo is seldom used for medicinal purposes in Western Medicine. In Indian Medicine, the drug is used for asthma, arthritis and coughs.

Asimina Parviflora, Dwarf Pawpaw

This is the smaller, shrub-form version of the Pawpaw tree. Pawpaw is another of

our uniquely native plants. I’d love to tell you it has all kinds of impressive, medicinal

properties… and it does have some… but its main value is its fruit. The Pawpaw is our native

tropical fruit that grows in temperate regions. It was long considered a variety of papaya, but

it is a unique and distinct tree. Sometimes called the Custard Apple, this fruit has a mild tropical

flavor, and grows best in the mountains and hills. It is a smallish tree, one that inhabits the

under-story. It would be far more common were it not for the practices of real estate and

forestry that clear the understory, in favor of tall trees for timber and landscape. Pawpaws like a

mixed forest, not a park-like setting or a timber stand.

Two other factors have led to the Pawpaw falling out of favor as a favorite American fruit. The

first is simply that knowledge of this fruit has not been passed down through the generations as it was in earlier times. If only we still had intact families, where grandparents and parents took

the kids into the woods and meadows to teach them about wild edible and medicinal plants! If

families still spent such time together, foraging, hunting, fishing, trapping and gardening, we

would likely have far more intact families! The second has to do with market forces. The fruit

and vegetables we see in modern grocery stores are not offered for their flavor or nutritional

value. No, modern produce is chosen specifically for its ability to withstand shipping long

distances while still appearing fresh, and its shelf life. The tomato you buy was likely shipped

thousands of miles. The fruit you buy may have come even further. The watermelon is by no

means the full flavored, vitamin packed watermelon our grandparents enjoyed… it is chosen for

its tough, thick rind and uniform appearance. That it has little flavor is of little concern to modern agri-business. Pawpaws are delicious fruit, but they will not stand shipping. Their shelf life is similar to a ripe banana. They make a fine fruit for local farmer’s markets and roadside fruit stands, but rarely, if ever, will you see them in a grocery store.

As for medicinal use, the fruit is laxative when eaten in large amounts. The leaves are diuretic,

and make a good poultice for wounds, boils, infections and inflammations. The bark may be

used as a digestive bitter. There is also some history of use as a wash in cases of head lice.

Of the seeds, Mrs. Grieves writes:

Emetic, for which a saturated tincture of the bruised seeds is employed, dose, 10 to 60 drops.

The bark is a bitter tonic and is said to contain a powerful acid, the leaves are used as an

application to boils and ulcers.

Pawpaw trees may be purchased from many nurseries that specialize in fruit trees or who cater

to Permaculture folks. I hope my readers will consider planting Pawpaws. I’d love to see some

of these natives that are becoming all too rare become popular – A Pawpaw, Persimmon and

Passionfruit vine in every yard!

Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests states:

Grows in rich soils along streams. I have observed it in Fairfield and Spartanburg districts,

South Carolina, and collected it in St. John’s; Mr. Elliott says it is found at Beck's ferry,

Savannah river, and North Carolina. Fl. May. Diet, de Mat. Med par Mer and de L. tom. i, 311.

The rind of the fruit of the A. triloba of Linn, possesses a very active acid; pulp sometimes

employed as a topical application in ulcers. Lind. Nat. Syst. Bot. 69. "Juice of unripe fruit is a

powerful and efficient vermifuge; the powder of the seeds answers the same purpose; a

principal constituent of the juice is fibrin—a product supposed peculiar to animal substances

and to fungi. The tree has, moreover, the property of rendering the toughest animal

substances tender by causing a separation of the muscular fibre—its very vapor even does this;

newly killed meat suspended over the leaves, and even old hogs and poultry, when fed on the

leaves and fruit, become ' tender in a few hours!' " Lind. loc. cit. The sap of the Papaw tree,

{Carica papaya), which is extracted from the fruit by incision, is white and excessively viscous.

In a specimen from the Isle of France, Yauquelin found a matter having the chemical properties

of animal albumen, and lastly, fatty matter. Boussingault. This tree can be found in many parts

of the South and I would invite examination into these very curious properties. For an excellent

description of the Papaw, see Hooker in the Bot. Magazine, 808. At Pittsburgh, a spirituous

liquor has been made from the fruit. Michaux notices that the cellular integument of the bark,

and particularly that of the roots, exhales in summer a nauseous odor so strong as to occasion

sickness if re- spired in confined air. Am. Sylva.

King's American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us Pawpaw:

Action, Uses, and Dosage.—Emetic, for which purpose a saturated tincture of the bruised seeds

is employed, in doses of from 10 to 60 drops. The bark is said to be a bitter tonic and has been

used as such in domestic practice. The medical properties of this agent have not been fully

Investigated.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

Fruit edible, delicious; also a laxative. Leaves insecticidal, diarrhetic; Applied to abscesses.

Seeds emetic, narcotic producing stupor. The powdered seeds, formally applied to the heads of

children to control lice, having insecticidal properties. Warning: seeds toxic. Leaves may cause

rash.

Baccharis

Four varieties of Baccharis have been documented in Herbal Medicine: Baccharis halimifolia - Bush Groundsel, Baccharis patagonica, Baccharis pilularis - Dwarf Chaparral Broom, Baccharis viminea - Mule's Fat

Three are native to my region: Baccharis angustifolia (Saltwater False-willow), Baccharis glomeruliflora (Silverling) and Baccharis halimifolia (Bush Groundsel).

Dioscorides wrote in de Materia Medica:

Baccharis is a herb with many stalks and a sweet scent. It is used to make wreaths for the head. The leaves are sharp, in size between the violet and verbascum; the stalk angular, a foot in height, somewhat sharp, with suckers. The flowers are a purple colour,whitish and sweet smelling, and the roots are similar to those of black veratrum, and similar in smell to cinnamon. It loves rough, dry places. Boiled in water the root helps convulsions, hernia, falls from on high, hard breathing, obstinate coughs, and painful urination. It expels the menstrual flow, and is usefully given with wine to those bitten by snakes. One of the tender roots (applied as a pessary) is an abortifacient, and a decoction of it is good for bathing women in childbirth. It is good in

scented powders, having a very fragrant smell. The leaves are astringent, and are applied to help headaches, inflammation of the eyes, ulcers of the eyes as they begin, breasts inflamed from childbearing, and erysipela [streptococcal skin infection]. The smell is sleep inducing.

Bush Groundsel is the most documented variety. According to Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests, it was also called Consumption Weed or Sea Myrtle"

SEA MYRTLE; CONSUMPTION WEED, {Baccharis halimifolia, L.) Grows along the seacoast; collected it St. John's, where it is found in abundance; vicinity of Charleston; Newbern, Fl. October.

This plant is of undoubted value, and of very general use in popular practice in South Carolina, as a palliative and demulcent in consumption and cough ; 1 have frequently seen it used with advantage, and have often heard of those employing it confess the benefit derived from it. A strong decoction of the root may be drank several times a day. It is slightly bitter and mucilaginous to the taste. No analysis has yet been made, so far as I can learn. Shecut states that the bark is said to exude a gum so much resembling honey as to attract bees in great numbers. This, like many others of our indigenous plants possessed of unequivocal utility, is unnoticed in the dispensatories and other works.

Berberis, Barberry

Forty-four varieties of Barberry have documented use in herbal medicine: Berberis aggregata - Salmon Barberry, Berberis amurensis, Berberis angulosa, Berberis aristata - Chitra, Berberis asiatica, Berberis buxifolia - Magellan Barberry, Berberis calliantha, Berberis canadensis - Allegheny Barberry, Berberis capillaris, Berberis concinna, Berberis cooperi, Berberis darwinii - Darwin's Barberry, Berberis empetrifolia, Berberis everstiana, Berberis fendleri - Colorado Barberry, Berberis flexuosa, Berberis gagnepainii, Berberis acuminata, Berberis georgii, Berberis heterophylla, Berberis chengii, Berberis chinensis, Berberis chitria, Berberis jaeschkeana, Berberis koreana - Korean Barberry, Berberis lycium, Berberis parisepala, Berberis rariflora, Berberis rubrostilla, Berberis ruscifolia, Berberis sherriffii, Berberis sibirica, Berberis sieboldii, Berberis sikkimensis, Berberis soulieana, Berberis thunbergii - Japanese Barberry, Berberis tomentosa, Berberis ulcina, Berberis verruculosa, Berberis vulgaris, Berberis wallichiana, Berberis wilsoniae, Berberis x carminea, Berberis x lologensis, Berberis x stenophylla

Only one variety is native to my region, Berberis canadensis (American Barberry), but three have been naturalized: Berberis bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia), Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry), Berberis vulgaris (European Barberry, Common Barberry)

These popular landscaping plants are, along with the closely related Mahonias, among the most important plants used in Herbal Medicine. These shrubs contain berberine, which is strongly antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral among its many virtues. Being able to identify these herbs could literally save your life in an emergency situation if you are wounded. These are also excellent herbs for the liver and digestion.

Dioscorides called Berberis Oxyacantha:

Oxyacantha is a tree like a wild pear tree, but smaller and very prickly. It bears a fruit like myrtle — full, red, easily broken — with a kernel within, and a deep root divided into many parts. Taken in a drink or eaten, the fruit stops stomach outflows and the flows of women. The root bruised small and applied draws out splinters and thorns. It is said that the root is able to cause abortions, the stomach being touched gently with it or rubbed with it. It is also called pyrina, or pytyanthe.

Culpepper wrote of Barberry:

The shrub is so well known by every boy or girl that hath but attained to the age of seven years, that it needs no description.

Government and virtues. Mars owns the shrub, and presents it to the use of my countrymen to purge their bodies of choler. The inner rind of the Barberry-tree boiled in white wine, and a quarter of a pint drank each morning, is an excellent remedy to cleanse the body of choleric humours, and free it from such diseases as choler causes, such as scabs, itch, tetters, ring-worms, yellow jaundice, boils, &c. It is excellent for hot agues, burnings, scaldings, heat of the blood, heat of the liver, bloody flux; for the berries are as good as the bark, and more pleasing; they get a man a good stomach to his victuals, by strengthening the attractive faculty which is under Mars. The hair washed with the lie made of ashes of the tree and water, will make it turn yellow, viz . of Mars' own colour. The fruit and rind of the shrub, the flowers of broom and of heath, or furz, cleanse the body of choler by sympathy, as the flowers, leaves, and bark of the peach tree do by antipathy; because these are under Mars, that under Venus.

Mrs. Grieve tells us:

In many parts of Europe, farmers have asserted that wheat planted within three or four hundred yards of a Barberry bush became infected with rust or mildew, but this belief has not been substantiated by recent observations.

Professor Henslow (Floral Rambles in Highways and Byways) writes:

'It was thought by farmers in the middle of the last century that the Barberry blighted wheat if it grew near the hedge. Botanists then ridiculed the idea; but in a sense the farmers were right! What they observed was that if a Barberry bush grew, say, at the corner of a wheatfield the leaves of the wheat became rusty, i.e. they were streaked with a red colour when close to the bush; and that this red rust extended steadily across the field till the whole was rusted. The interpretation was at that time unknown. A fungus attacks the leaves of the Barberry, making orange-coloured spots. It throws off minute spores which do attack the wheat. These develop parasitic threads within the leaf, from which arise the red rust-spores: subsequently dark brown or black spores, consisting of two cells, called wheat-mildew, appear. After a time these throw off red, one celled spores which attack the Barbarry; and so a cycle is completed. Though it was not really the bush which blighted the wheat, the latter suffered through its agency as the primary host plant.'

Uses---The Barberry used to be cultivated for the sake of the fruit, which was pickled and used for garnishing dishes. The ripe berries can be made into an agreeable, refreshing jelly by boiling them with an equal weight of fine sugar to a proper consistence and then straining it. They were formerly used as a sweetmeat, and in sugar-plums, or comfits. It is from these berries that the delicious confitures d'epine vinette, for which Rouen is famous, are commonly prepared.

The roots boiled in Iye, will dye wool yellow, and in Poland they dye leather of a beautiful yellow colour with the bark of the root. The inner bark of the stems will also dye linen of a fine yellow, with the assistance of alum.

Provincially, the plant is also termed Pipperidge Bush, from 'pepon,' a pip, and 'rouge,' red, as descriptive of the scarlet, juiceless fruit.

Berberis is the Arabic name of the fruit, signifying a shell, and many authors believe the name is derived from this word, because the leaves are glossy, like the inside of an oyster-shell.

Among the Italians, the Barberry bears the name of Holy Thorn, because it is thought to have formed part of the crown of thorns made for our Saviour.

Parts Used---Stem-bark and root-bark. The stem-bark is collected by shaving and is dried spread out in trays in the sun, or on shelves in a well-ventilated greenhouse or in an airy attic or loft, warmed either by sun or by the artificial heat of a stove, the door and window being left open by day to ensure a warm current of air. The bark may be also strung on threads and hung across the room.

When dried, the pieces of bark are in small irregular portions, about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, and of a dark-yellowish grey colour externally, and marked with shallow longitudinal furrows. It frequently bears the minute, black 'fruits' of lichen. The bark is dark yellowish brown on the inner surface separating in layers of bast fibres.

The bark has a slight odour and a bitter taste, and colours the saliva yellow when chewed.

The root-bark is greyish brown externally and is dried in a similar manner after being peeled off. When dry, it breaks with a short fracture. It contains the same constituents as the stem-bark and possesses similar qualities.

Constituents---The chief constituent of Barberry bark is Berberine, a yellow crystalline, bitter alkaloid, one of the few that occurs in plants belonging to several different natural orders. Other constituents are oxyacanthine, berbamine, other alkaloidal matter, a little tannin, also wax, resin, fat, albumin, gum and starch.

Medicinal Action and Uses---Tonic, purgative, antiseptic. It is used in the form of a liquid extract, given as decoction, infusion or tincture, but generally a salt of the alkaloid Berberine is preferred.

As a bitter stomachic tonic, it proves an excellent remedy for dyspepsia and functional derangement of the liver, regulating the digestive powers, and if given in larger doses, acting as a mild purgative and removing constipation.

It is used in all cases of jaundice, general debility and biliousness, and for diarrhoea.

Preparations---Powdered bark, 1/4 teaspoonful several times daily. Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Solid extract, 5 to 10 grains.

It possesses febrifuge powers and is used as a remedy for intermittent fevers. It also forms an excellent gargle for a sore mouth.

A good lotion for application to cutaneous eruptions has also been made from it.

The berries contain citric and malic acids, and possess astringent and anti-scorbutic properties. They are useful in inflammatory fevers, especially typhus, also in bilious disorders and scurvy, and in the form of a jelly are very refreshing in irritable sore throat, for which also a syrup of Barberries made with water, proves an excellent astringent gargle.

The Egyptians are said still to employ a diluted juice of the berries in pestilential fevers, and Simon Paulli relates that he was cured of a malignant fever by drinking an infusion of the berries sweetened with sugar and syrup of roses.

An Irish Herbal states:

The inner bark, which is of a deep yellow color, is good for jaundice and the fruit relieved diarrhea.

Brother Aloysius wrote:

The inner rind of the stem and root is very good for liver, spleen diseases and dropsy…. And is a good laxative. The root is also used for jaundice. The leaves are recommended for scurvy or dropsy. The berries can be preserved. A refreshing drink which is very useful for fever can also be made from them.

A Russian Herbal tells us:

Another manuscript from the 16th century found in the Pskov region of Russia refers to barberry’s ability to cure a disease that prevented women from becoming pregnant. It was believed that Princess Xenia of Pskov used an extract made with barberry leaves to enable her to conceive an heir. In books documenting Russia’s colonization of the east, references have been made to barberry’s widespread growth in Siberia.

…Russian herbalists use a root decoction for relieving symptoms of colitis as well as for treating bladder and urinary tract infections. It’s considered a very helpful remedy for overcoming morphine addiction. As a diaphoretic, a barberry root decoction is used to treat an enlarged spleen as a result of malaria.

A decoction of the berris improves the circulation of the blood; it tends to dilate blood vessels and, lower blood pressure and increase blood coagulation. An infusion of barberry leaves promotes uterine contractions, which helps limit menstrual bleeding. Used externally, a barberry decoction is used to treat eczema and neurodermatitis.

The Lumbee referred to Barberry as Yellow Root, which can be confusing as that is the common name for more than one herb:

This yellow root was called wii ti wiiya or medicine root in the Lumbee traditional language. The lumbee healer would often boil the stems and roots into a tea to treat an ulcerated stomach and cankers. A piece of the green or dried root was chewed by some Lumbee to relieve discomfort of the stomach. The virtue was thought to lie in the bitterness.

In the Thomsonian System of Medicine:

BARBERRY. Berberis Vulgaris.

This is a house-yard shrub bearing bright red berries which are often used for preserving purposes. The bark is the portion that is used medicinally.

Barberry bark is an intensely bitter stimulant, used chiefly for torpid condition of the liver and flaccid conditions of the stomach. It is a pronounced tonic and is adapted only to chronic cases. In jaundice, accompanied by loss of strength and feeble appetite, it is valuable. It is much used in malarial diseases combined with other agents. An infusion of half an ounce to the pint of boiling water is sufficiently strong. Half a teacupful before meals will prove of much benefit. It is used as part of the bitters No. 4. The dose of the Tincture is from 5 to 10 drops.

Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests tells us:

AMERICAN BARBERRY, (Berberis vulgaris, Walt. Fl. Carol.

Berbens Canadensis, Ph. and Ell.) Grows wild in St. John's, Berkeley, near Woodlawn, PI.; upper districts of Georgia, South and North Carolina, and northward. Fl. May.

Shec. Flora Carol, (see B. vidgaris,) 268; Lind. Nat. Syst. Bot. 30 ; U. S. Disp. 1233, Appendix. T

he B. vulgaris of Europe, with which this plant is not identical, though differing from it

but slightly, if at all, in medicinal properties, has received considerable attention. They are used as a domestic remedy in jaundice, and in dysentery and diarrhoea; it is supposed that the acid is specific. From analysis by Buchner and Herberger, it is

shown that the root contains a new principle called berberine, which acts like rhubarb, and with equal promptness and activity.

Griffith, Med. Bot. 113 ; Journal de Pharm. 1233 ; Trans. Phil. Soc. 1834 ; Analysis in Journal de Pharm. xxiv, 39 ; Mer. and de L. Diet, de M. Med. Supplement, 1846, 101.

From the berries a syrup is obtained which is adapted to putrid fevers, and those of

a low type ; a cooling drink is also made with them, and given in similar cases. The root boiled in lye imparts a yellow color to wool. I have observed the remarkable irritability of the stamens in the species growing in South Carolina, which, when touched,

instantly spring down upon the stigma, and in this way communicate their pollen to it. It was said to have a singular effect upon wheat growing near it, turning the ears black for some distance around ; but this, however, is doubted. The berries are acid. The English barberry (B. vidgaris) has attracted much attention ; its fruit is edible, and much discussion has been excited whether or not it produces smut in wheat or corn when

planted near it. Experiments touching this peculiarity should be performed with respect to our barberry. For a full statement of the merits of the above question, see Avilson's Eural Cyc. Art Barberry. Thaer, in his Principles of Agriculture, p. 409, says : One very extraordinary fact is that the barberry bush will produce smut, or something very similar to it, in all corn growing within a considerable distance of it. This is a fact which has been confirmed by numerous observations and experiments in almost all countries. But it has never yet been clearly and satisfactorily ascertained in what manner the barberry produces this effect. My friend Einhoff has made several experiments on the possibility of communicating the cecidium (a parasitical fungus) to cereals by cutting branches from the barberry, which were quite covered with it, and shaking them over the corn, or else planting them in the midst of it ; but he never sncceeded in thus producing the disease ; therefore it would seem that it is not the communication of this dust, but the vegetation of the barberry in the vicinity of the cornfield, which engenders the disease. Nor will it attack crops planted near young and newly made barberry hedges ; but as these latter grow up, the disease will appear until these hedges are rooted up. As soon as the barberry has been thoroughly extirpated, the evil disappears. Thaer considei"S mill or meldew a disease of the skin of plants. See this work for information on diseases affecting the cereals — on irrigation, etc. Translated by William Shaw and C. W. Johnson, New York, 1852. It is believed by some in this country that the pokeweed (Phytolacca,) if allowed to die in a cotton field, wilt produce rust. This is quite unlikely.

Dr. Wood advises that the active principle berberina be examined for its anti periodic properties. See Hydrastis, in this volume ; U. S. Disp., 12th Ed.

King’s American Dispensatory of 1898 states:

This shrub, a native of Europe, and naturalized in Asia, is found in the New England States, on the mountains of Pennsylvania and Virginia, among rocks, and in hard, gravelly soils; occasionally it is found in the West on rich grounds. It flowers from April to June, and ripens its fruit in June. It is frequently planted in gardens and prized for the beautiful bunches of red berries which hang after the leaves have fallen. The plant is generally a shrub from 2 to 8 feet high, although Loudon is authority that 'there are examples of trees 30 feet in height' and that 'they live for two or three centuries.' The wood contains a yellow, bitter coloring matter, and is sometimes used as a dye. The flowers are in pendulous racemes and appear in May or June. The leaves are obovate, bristly serrate, tapering at the base to a very short petiole. They are agreeably acid, resembling in this respect the leaves of the Nat. Ord.—Oxalidaceae. The French name for barberry, Epine vinette, means literally an acid thorn. The fruit is a bright scarlet berry, and has an intensely, yet agreeably acid taste. It is said to make excellent preserves; was highly esteemed by the ancients, and probably would be now, if other fruits had not been cultivated to such a degree of excellence. The name berberys seems to have been first applied to this fruit by Averroes, an Arabic writer on medicine, who wrote in the Twelfth century (Berberidaceae, by C. G. and J. U. Lloyd, p. 5). Barberry bark, it is stated, has been used as an adulterant of pomegranate root bark.

Description.—This drug is the foliaceous bark of the barberry root, and occurs in thin sections, having an orange-yellow, smooth inner surface; externally it has a soft, yellow-gray periderm. It breaks with an abrupt fracture, exhibiting a vivid yellow interior. Its laminated structure permits of its being separated into layers. It has a bitter, non-astringent taste, but no odor. When chewed it imparts a yellow color to the saliva. In Europe the whole root is frequently employed. It is thick and tough, very much branched and hard. Externally it has a brown color; internally it is yellow, the color extending throughout the light, thick wood. Like its bark it is bitter and without odor.

Chemical Composition.—Berberine (see Hydrastis) is the active alkaloidal principle of this drug. It has also been found in Hydrastis, Podophyllum, and other plants. According to Brande, the bark likewise contains gum, starch, fatty matter, chlorophyll, bitter yellow extractive (probably the above alkaloid in an impure condition), brown coloring matter, a resinous substance, lignin and water. Other alkaloids have also been found in this bark, viz.: Oxyacanthine (C19H21NO3), also called berbine and vinetine; and berbamine (C18H19NO3) (see Berberis aquifolium). A fourth alkaloid, in an amorphous condition, has also been obtained from it. A very little tannin is also said to be, present. sufficient to give a green color with the ferric salts. The flowers contain sugar and an essential oil, while malic acid is present in the berries.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Berberis vulgaris, a native of Europe, is now quite common in this country, and for many years has been in domestic use as a medicine. A tea made from the bark is taken during the spring months as a blood purifier. A strong decoction is employed as an application to the sores which sometimes afflict children's lips, and in certain conditions of the system demanding tonic treatment, the infusion is a favorite remedy. The fluid extract is usually administered. It is readily prepared by those having the proper facilities, and can easily be made to represent the bark, fluid ounce to troy ounce. It is more satisfactory in its action than the alkaloid berberine (Lloyd's Berberidaceae). Berberis is a tonic and laxative. Formerly used extensively by practitioners in the New England States, in all cases where tonics are indicated, also in jaundice, and chronic diarrhea and dysentery. The berries form an agreeable acidulous draught, useful as a refrigerant in fevers, also beneficial in dysentery, cholera infantum, diarrhoea, etc. The bark is bitter and astringent, and has been used with advantage as a tonic. The bark of the root is the most active; a teaspoonful of the powder will act as a purgative. A decoction of the bark or berries, has been found of service as a wash in aphthous sore mouth, and in chronic ophthalmia.

Webster declares it of value in jaundice when there is no obstruction of the bile ducts, and in doses short of purgative stimulates the duodenal functions relieving intestinal dyspepsia. Small doses are also palliative in renal calculi, and in soreness, burning, and other unpleasant sensations of the urinary tract.

Related Species.—Berberis Canadensis is our only indigenous species of the Berberis proper. It very closely resembles the berberis vulgaris, but is a smaller shrub, with smaller leaves, smaller berries, and smaller and fewer flower racemes. Its locality is farther South than the introduced species, being a native of the Southern States. The acidity of the fruit and leaves and the yellow color of the wood are also observed in this species. It closely resembles the foregoing in medicinal properties. Doubtless it contains much the same principles, as the two species closely resemble each other and are used commonly for the same purpose (Berberidaceae, C. G. and J. U. Lloyd; see also Berberis aquifolium).

Jethro Kloss wrote:

BARBERRY (Berberis vulgaris)

Common Names: Berberidis, European barberry, jaun-

dice berry, pepperidge bush, sowberry.

Part Used: Root, root-bark, berries.

Medicinal Properties: Tonic, purgative, hepatic, antiseptic.

Description and Uses: The berries must be ripe when used and can be taken as a drink for fever or diarrhea. The fresh juice is also good as a mouthwash or gargle. The root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in the secretion of bile and is therefore good for all liver problems, acts as a mild purgative, and helps regulate the digestive processes. There may also be a beneficial effect on the blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels.

WILD OREGON GRAPE (Berberis aquifolium)

Common Names: Oregon grape, holly-leaved barberry, mahonia, California barberry, mountain grape.

Part Used: Root.

Medicinal Properties: Tonic, alterative.

Description and Uses: Useful in liver and kidney troubles, rheumatism, constipation, leukorrhea, and uterine diseases. Is a good blood purifier and useful in scrofulous and chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema.

The medicinal uses of this plant are nearly identical to Barberry (Berberis vulgaris).

Botany in A Day tells us:

Medicinally the yellow berberine alkaloid acts as a potent bitter stimulant and antiseptic/antibacterial. As a bitter substance, berberine is stimulating to the digestive tract, promoting gastric activity, bile production, liver cleansing and acting as a laxative. By stimulating liver function it is considered a blood purifier, useful for the venereal diseases syphilis and gonorrhea, as well as premenstrual syndrome; it calms a person by facilitating liver function. Chewing the leaves may help with acne. This again is the result of increased liver function.

Berberine is so incredibly bitter it stimulates the entire body and not just the digestive system. It opens up the blood vessels (vasodilation) to lower blood pressure. Increased blood flow can stimulate involuntary muscle, and so the Flathead Indians used berberine to stimulate delivery of the placenta after childbirth.

Berberine is not a narcotic alkaloid, but it is reported to have a Novocaine-loke effect if you chew the root prior to dental work. As an antiseptic, berberine has been used internally and externally. Externally, it is a treatment for cuts and wounds. The roots are cleaned, crushed and applied to open injuries. Berberine is also useful to lower fevers and inflammation. Mixing barberries with licorice somehow negates the effects of berberine. Any of the Berberis species are excellent substitutes for the over harvested and now endangered goldenseal of the Buttercup family.

Methoxyhydrocarpin or MHC, found in Colorado’s Fremon barberry, has proven useful against antibiotic resistant bacteria MHC prevents bacteria from pumping hte antibiotics, including berberine, out of the cells,

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Allegheny Barberry: Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of fevers and diarrhoea.

Callicarpa, American Beautyberry

Five varieties of Beautyberry have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Callicarpa americana - American Beautyberry, Callicarpa japonica, Callicarpa macrophylla, Callicarpa mollis, Callicarpa pedunculata

Only Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry) is native to my region. Two varieties have been naturalized: Callicarpa dichotoma (Chinese Beautyberry) and

Callicarpa japonica (Japanese Beautyberry).

This plant has been used as an insect repellant in Louisiana and Mississippi for

generations. "In 2006, researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural

Products Utilization Research Unit in Oxford, MS, found that extracts from beautyberry

leaves could match DEET for repelling mosquitoes. The next year, experiments showed

that the active ingredients from the leaves (callicarpenal and intermedeol) provided 100-

percent repellency of black-legged ticks for three hours. In 2008, the four-person research

team, headed by chemist Charles Cantrell in Mississippi and entomologist Jerome Klun

in Maryland, published research that added fire ants to the list of pests repelled by

essential oil distilled from beautyberry leaves." - Natural Insect Repellent: Beautyberry

Banishes Bad Biting Bugs by Barbara Pleasant, Mother Earth News.

Beyond its use against mosquitoes, Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of American Beautyberry: A decoction of the root bark has been used as a diuretic. The leaves are a cure for dropsy. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of dysentery and stomach aches. A tea made from the roots and berries is used in the treatment of colic. Some native North American Indian tribes used the leaves and roots in sweat baths for the treatment of malaria, rheumatism and fevers.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

American Indians used root and leaf tea in sweat baths for rheumatism, fevers and malaria. Root tea used for dysentery and stomach aches. Root and berry tea used for colic. Formerly used in the South for dropsy and as a blood purifier in skin diseases. The Chinese use the leaves of the related Callicarpa species to stop bleeding of wounds. It is also used to treat flu in children and menstrual disorders.

Calycanthus, Sweet Shrub

Three varieties of Calycanthus have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Calycanthus floridus - Carolina Allspice, Calycanthus floridus glaucus - Eastern Sweetshrub, Calycanthus occidentalis - Californian Allspice

Two varieties are native to my region: Calycanthus floridus var. floridus (Sweet Betsy, Hairy Sweet-shrub), Calycanthus floridus var. glaucus (Sweet Betsy, Smooth Sweet-shrub)

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Carolina Allspice: Antispasmodic, disinfectant. The plant contains an alkaloid that has a powerfully depressant action on the heart. A fluid extract has been used as an antiperiodic. A tea made from the root or bark has been used as a strong emetic and diuretic for kidney and bladder ailments. A cold tea has been used as eye drops in the treatment of failing eyesight. An ooze from the bark has been used to treat children's sores, whilst an infusion has been used to treat hives.

Medicinal use of Eastern Sweetshrub: Emmenagogue. An infusion of the bark has been used to treat urinary problems.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

Cherokees used root bark tea as a strong emetic, diuretic for kidney and bladder ailments. Cold tea used as eyedrops for failing sight. Settlers used tea as a calming tonic for malaria.

Ceanothus, New Jersey Tea

Fourteen varieties of Ceanothus have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Ceanothus americanus - New Jersey Tea, Ceanothus arboreus - Catalina Mountain