The roots and root bark of New Jersey tea was used extensively by the North American Indians to treat fevers and problems of the mucous membranes such as catarrh and sore throats. Current day usage of the roots concentrates on their astringent, expectorant and antispasmodic actions and they are employed in the treatment of complaints such as asthma, bronchitis and coughs. The roots and root-bark are antispasmodic, antisyphilitic, strongly astringent (they contain 8% tannin), expectorant, haemostatic and sedative. They have a stimulatory effect on the lymphatic system, whilst an alkaloid in the roots is mildly hypotensive. The plant is used internally in the treatment of bronchial complaints including asthma and whooping cough, dysentery, sore throats, tonsillitis, haemorrhoids etc. A decoction of the bark is used as a skin wash for cancer and venereal sores. The powdered bark has been used to dust the sores. The roots are unearthed and partially harvested in the autumn or spring when their red colour is at its deepest. They are dried for later use.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
CEANOTHUS As a gargle in acute pharyngitis. Tonsillitis. Fibrocystic breast disease (with the elimination of all caffeine, theobromine and theophylline in diet). Hydrocele (with Angelica sinensis). Acute mastitis (w/Gossypium internally, Phytolacca externally). Thick, frontal headaches after meals. Blood, chronic slow coagulation without hemopathy. Lymphadenitis in chronic debility (w/Astragalus or Baptisia); or cervical, facial. Mononucleosis, with widespread and inflamed nodes. Mononucleosis, general supportive. Splenitis, subacute, chronic or secondary to hepatitis.
medicinal herbs: NEW JERSEY TEA - Ceanothus americanus (naturalmedicinalherbs.net)
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