Medicinal Trees: Catalpa and Celtis (Hackberry)

 Catalpa

Two varieties of Catalpa have been naturalized in my region, Catalpa bignonioides (Southern Catalpa) and Catalpa speciosa (Northern Catalpa).

King's American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us of Catalpa:

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—It is stated that poisonous emanations issue from this tree, but we have no knowledge of any serious effects resulting from an exposure thereto. The pods and seeds have been employed in decoction in chronic bronchial affections, spasmodic asthma, and dyspnoea, and certain forms of functional heart disease; 6 or 8 ounces to a pint of water, and given in tablespoonful doses, repeated every 1 or 2 hours. The leaves, bruised, and applied as a cataplasm, have been used in irritable scrofulous ulcers; they appear to possess anodyne properties. The bark has been employed internally, in powder, or in decoction, in scrofulous maladies, and as an anthelmintic. The juice of the leaves, as well as of the root, has been beneficially employed as a local application in the several forms of strumous ophthalmia, as well as in certain cutaneous affections. From the statements that have been made as to the toxic properties of this tree, and which have not yet been satisfactorily demonstrated, it would be advisable to use some prudence and care in the internal administration of any of its preparations. Dose of specific catalpa, fraction of a drop to 20 drops.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Indian Bean Tree: A tea made from the bark has been used as an antiseptic, antidote to snake bites, laxative, sedative and vermifuge. As well as having a sedative effect, the plant also has a mild narcotic action, though it never causes a dazed condition. It has therefore been used with advantage in preparations with other herbs for the treatment of whooping cough in children, it is also used to treat asthma and spasmodic coughs in children. The bark has been used as a substitute for quinine in treating malaria. The leaves are used as a poultice on wounds and abrasions. A tea made from the seeds is used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis and is applied externally to wounds. The pods are sedative and are thought to have cardioactive properties. Distilled water made from the pods, mixed with eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and rue (Ruta graveolens) is a valuable eye lotion in the treatment of trachoma and conjunctivitis.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

Common catalpa: bark tea formally used as antiseptic, snakebite antidote, laxative, sedative, worm expellant. Leaves poulticed on wounds, abrasions. Seed tea used for asthma, bronchitis; externally, for wounds. Pods sedative, thought to possess cardioactive properties.

Celtis, Hackberry

Seventeen varieties of Hackberry are used in herbal medicine: Celtis australis - Nettle Tree, Celtis boninensis, Celtis bungeana, Celtis caucasica, Celtis glycycarpa, Celtis jessoensis, Celtis koraiensis, Celtis laevigata – Sugarberry, Celtis laveillei, Celtis lindheimeri - Palo Blanco, Celtis occidentalis – Hackberry, Celtis pallida - Desert Hackberry, Celtis reticulata – Paloblanco, Celtis sinensis, Celtis tenuifolia - Small Hackberry, Celtis tetrandra, Celtis tournefortii 

Only three varieties are native to my area: Celtis laevigata var. laevigata (Sugarberry), Celtis occidentalis var. occidentalis (Common Hackberry), Celtis tenuifolia (Dwarf Hackberry)

Naturalized is Celtis sinensis (Chinese Hackberry)

According to Plants for A Future, “An extract obtained from the wood has been used in the treatment of jaundice. A decoction of the bark has been used in the treatment of sore throats. When combined with powdered shells it has been used to treat VD.”  Unfortunately, they do not inform us which venereal disease may be treated with Hackberry.  

It seems that Hackberry was much utilized by Native American tribes as an antioxidant rich food.  American folk use seems to stem from that tradition.  As of yet though, I have found very little recorded information its historic use.  It seems we have some tasty experimentation to undertake in future!  

This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

His other works include:

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: http://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs:

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

Christian Medicine, History and Practice:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide

http:///www.amazon.com/dp/1005082936

The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html

Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

His weekly articles may be read at judsoncarroll.com

His weekly podcast may be heard at: www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

He offers free, weekly herb classes: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Herbal Medicine 101, Lesson 36: Jewelweed

 In this video, I show you Jewelweed or Touch Me Not. It is an excellent remedy for poison ivy, oak, etc. I also give some updates on the channel and show you what happens when you leave home for a few weeks in late spring int he Appalachians!

Show 87: Touch Me Nots/Jewelweed, Bears, Plant Walks and Carline Thistle

Listen to "Show 87: Touch Me Nots/Jewelweed, Bears, Plant Walks and Carline Thistle" on Spreaker.

 

In this episode, I discuss what happens when you leave a home alone in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a few weeks.... it is wild!  Then, I talk about the medicinal uses of Jewelweed, bears, a new series of plant walks I am starting, artichokes and the many medicinal uses of Carline Thistle, Blessed Thistle and Milk Thistle.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/show-87

Read about my new book, Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide  

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Read about my new other book, Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

And 

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Herbal Medicine for Preppers - Herbs for Bruises

 Herbal Medicine for Preppers - Herbs for Bruises (spreaker.com)

Show 86: All about Calamus

 

Listen to "Show 86: All about Calamus" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss the really fascinating herb, Calamus.  Calamus has a rich history and many very surprising uses. 

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/show-86

Read about my new book, Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide  

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6azon: 

Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Read about my new other book, Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

And 

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Medicinal Trees: Castanea, Chestnut

Four varieties of Chestnut that may be found in America are used in herbal medicine:   Castanea species - Chestnut Hybrids, Castanea crenata - Japanese Chestnut, Castanea dentata - American Sweet Chestnut, Castanea mollissima - Chinese Chestnut

Native to my region are the Castanea dentata (American Chestnut), Castanea pumila (Chinkapin)

Castanea mollissima (Chinese Chestnut) has been naturalized

The Chinkapin likely has the same medicinal qualities of all other Chestnuts – I consider them interchangeable.  It is simply smaller and less well known internationally.  

Unfortunately, the American Chestnut, is rarely seen in our time.  A blight nearly wiped them all out in the east, a century or so ago.  According to legend among the Appalachian Mountain folks, the blight was not a mere coincidence.  Chestnuts had been both enjoyed and used as a survival food in the mountains for centuries.  As timber interests encroached, and rail cars could carry nut crops to market for profit, landowners became more protective of their Chestnut trees.  The old-timers said that the blight was not due to contaminated imports, but from greed – it was a punishment for misusing a wild gift from God meant for all people.  Regardless, the blight was devastating.  Perhaps, our native Chestnut will adapt eventually.  There are some signs that may be beginning to happen.  However, we still have chinkapins, naturalized Asian Chestnuts and Asian/American hybrid Chestnuts.  

If you grow them intentionally, or look around for wild chinkapins, you can still enjoy Chestnuts.   A couple of years ago, I spotted an old homestead on a large acreage in South Carolina.  The price was low enough to demand I drive down to take a look.   I found a beautiful old, early American farmhouse in the center of 200 acres of cotton fields.  Unfortunately, I have a strong toxic reaction to cotton poison, so that ruled the property out for me.  But, I still took some time to enjoy exploring the centuries old landscaping – Rose of Sharron bushes, Magnolias, Pecans, Camelias, Daffodils and Irises, Roses, yuccas, Crabapples, Pears… and several Chinkapins.  My mother and my dog stayed in the car while I explored.  Suddenly, my mother called me over and said, “We have to go!”.  I was enjoying the flowers and warm spring sunshine... I felt very peaceful and welcome, and was wishing the property would work out in spite of the agricultural chemicals.  So, I asked her why.  “This place is haunted!  I can hear two elderly sisters at the upstairs window, talking… excited to have guests for dinner!”  

Well, my mother is a practical, not at all superstitious lady with advanced degrees and retired from a career in clinical Psychology.  I was shocked.  She was adamant we leave though, and my dog was acting creeped out, too! I’m pretty practical, as well… I often say that I may be the only herbalist who doesn’t see fairies or have two-way conversations with plants!  But, I did feel very welcome there, as if I was someone’s guest in a bygone era, when hospitality was far more valued than it is now.  “Well,” I answered as we drove away, “I don’t doubt you at all.  It’s a shame though, because those ladies must have been great gardeners to still have such beautiful grounds, especially since no one has lived in that house for over 70 years.  I guess they must be still taking care of it. It could be, we’d have gotten along just fine!”

Back to herbs though…

Aside from being a very nutritious and starchy nut, more like a potato than a nut in flavor and texture, and a beautiful wood for paneling, cabinets and furniture, the Chestnut does have medicinal value.  The American Chestnut was used to soothe the lungs and as both an expectorant and astringent.  This was taken as a tea made from the leaves.  The Chinese Chestnut has been used to settle the stomach and to treat diarrhea.  Culpepper mentioned the astringency of Chestnut, and its use against bleeding.  Mrs. Grieves wrote of its folk use in treating fevers and spasmodic coughs.  Long before that, Dioscorides also praised the astringency of Chestnut. 

An Irish Herbal states of Chestnuts:

… They are good for chest problems and for arresting the bowels.  A paste made from them is good against coughing or spitting of blood.

Fr. Johannes Künzle wrote of Chestnut: 

Higher up there was a tall, old chestnut tree with fruits covered in prickly pods. The laplander was beside himself from surprise when the Dane opened the shell and showed him the fruit. "This tree provides food for millions of people because these fruits are extremely nutritious." "But why are these spikes all around?" Without this protection birds and squirrels and insects would eat everything up; the almighty Creator added this protective skin; when the fruit is ripe, it falls to the ground, the protective cover pops up and we can collect it. In the south they have even much taller trees; near the fire-spitting mountain Etna there is a chestnut tree under which 200 riders and their horses have enough space.

Jolanta Wittib Writes:

The southern part of Tirol is proud of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa). They have beautiful, delicious seeds which one can use in so many ways. Every autumn there is a kind of a gourmet festival called Törggelen: you drink wine and eat roasted sweet chestnuts together with other specialties of the region like ham and cheese and bacon....Many people come just for that. It is very popular. And roasted chestnuts are so delicious.

Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests states:

CHESTNUT, (Castanea vesca, L.) Fairfield District, Florida and northward. In South Carolina only found in upper districts; one of our noblest trees.

The fruit of this tree and the chinquapin (C. ptimila') are well known. Eaten either raw or boiled. The roots contain an astringent principle; that of the chinquapin boiled in milk is much used in the diarrhoea of teething children. I would advise a tea made of this to be used extemporaneously in diarrhoea by soldiers in camp. The late Dr. Nelson Burgess, of Sumter District, S. C, informed me that at the recommendation of Dr. Jones, he has used the decoction of the root and bark of the chinquapin frequently as a substitute for quinine in intermittent and remittent fever, and with decidedly satisfactory results. I mention this hoping that it will be examined by others. I can have no clue to the reasons of its utility, regarding it heretofore simply as an astringent. Hot water is poured over the root and bark, and a large quantity taken during the twenty four hours. Dr. J. S. Unzicker, of Cincinnati, reports the use of a decoction of the leaves of the chestnut in hooping cough. He says that he has given it in about thirty cases, in all of which it gave decided relief in two weeks. He uses a decoction made with three to four drachms of the leaves in a pint of water given ad libitum. Caulophyllin, in doses of one-fourth to four grains, has also been much used recently in this disease and in asthma. Boston Med. and vSurg. J., Jan., 1868. See, also. Bates in Tilden's J. Mat. Med. Sept., 1868, article containing a history of the Blue Cohosh, (Caulophyllum.).

King's American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us of ChestnutL

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Chestnut leaves appear to have been brought into notice, as a therapeutical agent, by Mr. G. C. Close, in a statement before the American Pharmaceutical Association, in 1862. Subsequently, they were employed by the late Dr. J. S. Unzicker, of Cincinnati, who valued them highly in the treatment of whooping-cough; since which, most favorable reports have been made by other physicians, as to their value. These leaves have, thus far, been employed mainly in the treatment of pertussis, in which malady they have proved remarkably efficient; but their manner of action has not yet been determined. It is very probable that they may be found useful in other irritable or excitable conditions of the respiratory nerves. Dr. Unzicker employed an infusion of the leaves, an ounce to a pint of boiling water, and administered this in tablespoonful, or small wineglassful doses, repeated several times a day. The fluid extract, when properly made, will be found reliable; its dose is from ½ to 1 fluid drachm, repeated 3, 4, or 5 times daily. Chestnut bark appears to possess astringent and tonic properties, and is used in some sections of our country as a popular remedy for fever and ague. Other forms of paroxysmal or convulsive cough resembling pertussis have been cured with it. Prof. Scudder (Spec. Med., p. 103), suggests a trial of the remedy in cases exhibiting unsteadiness of gait and a disposition to turn to one side.

This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

His other works include:

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: http://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs:

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

Christian Medicine, History and Practice:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide

http:///www.amazon.com/dp/1005082936

The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html

Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

His weekly articles may be read at judsoncarroll.com

His weekly podcast may be heard at: www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

He offers free, weekly herb classes: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 85: Medicinal Shrubs and Vines, My New Book!

Listen to "Show 85: Medicinal Shrubs and Vines, My New Book!" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss my new book, The Medicinal Shrubs and Vines of the America Southeast.  You will be amazed at the medicinal plants all around you!

Read about my new book, Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide  

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6azon: 

Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Read about my new other book, Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

And 

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

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.

 Available on in paperback on Amazon: 

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast: An Herbalist's Guide (Medicinal Plants of The American Southeast): Carroll, Judson: 9798834801795: Amazon.com: Books

Or you can buy the eBook as a .pdf directly from the author (me):

Show 84: June Foraging for Wild Greens and Boneset, a Remarkable Herb

 

Listen to "Show 84: June Foraging for Wild Greens and Boneset, a Remarkable Herb" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss the seasonal wild edibles to look for this month, give the formula for my herbal anti-allergy tincture and dive deep into Boneset.  Boneset is helps with fevers, colds, flus and other viruses and supports the immune system.  The pic above though is of Wild Lettuce, because I promised. Here is Boneset:

Read about my new book, Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else:  https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Read about my new other book, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Medicinal Trees: Paper Mulberry, Hornbeam, Hickory and Bush Grounsel

(Hickory)

Broussonetia papyrifera, Paper-mulberry has been naturalized in my region.  Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Paper Mulberry: Astringent, diuretic, tonic, vulnerary. The leaf juice is diaphoretic and laxative - it is also used in the treatment of dysentery. It is also poulticed onto various skin disorders, bites etc. The stem bark is haemostatic. The fruit is diuretic, ophthalmic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The root is cooked with other foods as a galactogogue.

Carpinus, Hornbeam

Four Hornbeams have been used in herbal medicine: Carpinus betulus – Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana - American Hornbeam, Carpinus americana, Carpinus cordata Carpinus laxiflora 

Only Carpinus caroliniana is native to my area.

Hornbeam is in the Birch family and the uses of these trees are similar.  Native Americans were known to have used the bark as an astringent against diarrhea.  The leaves may be used to stop bleeding and heal wounds.  A Bach Flower Remedy utilizes Hornbeam for tiredness and exhaustion.  

Virginia Ironwood, Ostrya virginiana, is closely related to the Hornbeams.  It also grows in my region.  Virginia Ironwood has more traditional use in herbal medicine, also likely finding its source in Native American practice.  Its bark is astringent, but also analgesic – used for sore muscles, toothache, bruises and sprains.  It is used as a blood tonic and for stopping bleeding and hemorrhage.  Ironwood is also used for rheumatism and arthritis, as a soak.

Carya, Hickory

Eighteen varieties of Hickory may have medicinal use: Carya aquatica - Water Hickory, Carya buckleyi, Carya californica, Carya carolinae-septentrionalis - Southern Shagbark, Carya cathayensis - Chinese Hickory, Carya cordiformis – Bitternut, Carya floridana - Scrub Hickory, Carya glabra - Sweet Pignut, Carya glabra megacarpa - Coastal Pignut, Carya illinoinensis, Carya laciniosa - Shellbark Hickory, Carya myristiciformis - Nutmeg Hickory, Carya ovalis - Sweet Pignut, Carya ovata - Shagbark Hickory, Carya pallida - Sand Hickory,  Carya texana - Black Hickory, Carya tomentosa – Mockernut, Carya x laneyi 

Twelve Hickories are native to my region: Carya aquatica (Water Hickory), Carya carolinae-septentrionalis (Carolina Shagbark Hickory), Carya cordiformis (Bitternut Hickory), Carya glabra var. glabra (Pignut Hickory), Carya glabra var. hirsuta (Hairy Pignut Hickory), Carya glabra var. megacarpa (Coastal Pignut Hickory), Carya laciniosa (Shellbark Hickory), Carya myristiciformis (Nutmeg Hickory) , Carya ovalis (Red Hickory, Sweet Pignut Hickory), Carya ovata (Shagbark Hickory), Carya pallida (Sand Hickory), Carya tomentosa (Mockernut Hickory)

Carya illinoinensis (Pecan) has been naturalized.

As you can see, Hickories are common and plentiful in North Carolina.  Traditionally, their wood has been very valuable both for furniture making and for smoking pork barbecue – two things for which my home state is very well known.  The nuts though, are also very tasty, if you have the patience to shell them.  The common name, “Mockernut Hickory” is no joke!  Hickory is related to Walnut and Pecan, but much closer to walnut in flavor.  The Pecan, however, is out most widely grown nut.  Pecans are rich, sweet, meaty and easy to shell.

The bark is astringent and good for treating wounds.  It is likely, that like Walnut, the leaves may have some vermifuge or anti-parasitic properties.  All members of the Juglandaceae family secrete juglone from the roots, a plant hormone that prevents most other plants from growing close enough to the tree to compete for resources such as sunlight, water and space.  Traditionally, it is believed the juglones are useful in making the human body inhospitable to worms and other parasites in a similar fashion.  Hickory smoke was also used in the curing of meats, to prevent infestation by insects.  One thing I know for sure though, hickory smoke makes any meat taste fantastic when cooked low and slow!

Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests states:

The barks are astringent. Mr. Fred. Stearns, of Detroit, has called attention to the bark of the several species of Hickory, in his paper on the medicinal plants of Michigan, published in the Proc. Am. Pharm. Assoc, 1859, p. 249. Mr. Chaffinbury, of the same State, had found great advantage from chewing the inner bark in dyspepsia, and has used a tincture made from the same bark in intermittent fever. Many in the neighborhood used it, the infusion also being found equally etfectual. U. S. Disp., 12th Ed.

Baccharis halimifolia, Bush Groundsel

Halimifolia is the only Baccharis found in my region, but four are used in herbal medicine: Baccharis halimifolia - Bush Groundsel, Baccharis patagonica, Baccharis pilularis - Dwarf Chaparral, Baccharis viminea - Mule's Fat

Honestly, I’d like to have a plant called “Mule’s Fat” in my landscape just for the name, alone!  As for the Bush Groundsel though, it is mainly a hedge plant.  This is another I would consider to be more of a shrub.  

Medicinally, the Bush Groundsel has been used for coughs and lung ailments.  It is demulcent and calming to the lungs. 

This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

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Christian Medicine, History and Practice:

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Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide

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The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:

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Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

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Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.