Condition
Treatment Support
lymphatic cleanser
Application
oil or tincture externally
Poke Root
(Phytolacca americana)
Also know as Pokeberry
Botanical Information
A strong-smelling herb from the Pokeweed family growing to twelve feet high with four-to-twelve inch oblong leaves and sprays of pink flowers, and later, dark purple berries.
Working with Poke Root
Part(s) Used
Root, berries
Herb Forms
Tincture, oil, homeopathic tablet, bulk herb.
Poke root is a lymphatic cleanser and is used for swollen glands, tonsillitis, mumps, and strep throat. It is applied as an oil (poke oil) to sore breasts or swollen lymph nodes. Poke root is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for water retention, sore throat, and abscesses.
Poke oil and tincture are often-used remedies for various cancers, especially cancer of the breast, but it is best to work with a qualified herbalist or health-care practitioner when using poke for this purpose–or to be safe, for any purpose.
The oil is made by grinding up fresh poke root (it can easily be cultivated in the garden, but wear gloves when handling the fresh root pulp) in olive oil and infusing for 2 weeks, then pressing and filtering. Bottle the oil for future use, and store in a cool place. The tincture and oil lose their potency after 6 months or a year.
Poke Root has a taste of BITTER, ACRID and a temperature of COLD.
Cautions
Acts as a purgative and emetic. The tincture can cause nausea and vomiting (slow-acting) in susceptible individuals when more than 15 drops are used. It should not be used long-term (more than several weeks) or for people with immune suppression or auto
Conditions treated with Poke Root
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antitumor, immune stimulant
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
lymphatic cleanser
Application
tincture or oil externally
Condition
Treatment Support
lymphatic cleanser
Application
tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
