Twenty-eight Dogwoods are used medicinally: Cornus alternifolia -
Green Osier, Cornus amomum - Silky Dogwood, Cornus asperifolia
drummondii - Roughleaf Dogwood, Cornus australis, Cornus canadensis -
Creeping Dogwood, Cornus capitata - Bentham's Cornel, Cornus
controversa - Giant Dogwood, Cornus coreana, Cornus florida -
Flowering Dogwood, Cornus hongkongensis, Cornus chinensis, Cornus
iberica, Cornus kousa - Japanese Dogwood, Cornus kousa chinensis -
Japanese Dogwood, Cornus macrophylla - Large-Leaf Dogwood, Cornus mas
- Cornelian Cherry, Cornus monbeigii, Cornus nuttallii - Mountain
Dogwood, Cornus occidentalis - Western Dogwood, Cornus officinalis -
Shan Zhu Yu, Cornus poliophylla, Cornus quinquenervis, Cornus rugosa
- Round-Leaved Dogwood, Cornus sanguinea, Cornus sericea - Red Osier
Dogwood, Cornus sessilis, Cornus suecica - Dwarf Cornel, Cornus x
unalaschkensis – Bunchberry
Only
three dogwood varieties are native to my region, though many have
been introduced: Cornus alternifolia (Alternate-leaved Dogwood,
Pagoda Dogwood), Cornus asperifolia (Roughleaf Dogwood), Cornus
florida (Flowering Dogwood)
The
dogwoods were once widely more used in herbal medicine (especially by
Native Americans). All are nice landscaping tees. Its main herbal
value is as an astringent. A decoction of the bark is useful for
mouth sores, sore throats, diarrhea and skin inflammations. It is
good for swellings and blisters. It has also been used for colds and
to lower fevers. A poultice of the leaves is good for wounds, being
anesthetic and analgesic. Adding dogwood leaves and bark to a bath
is good for sore joints and muscles.
Of
special interest is the Cornelian Cherry. Cornelian Cherry or Cornus
monbeigii produces a tasty fruit. The fruit is somewhat sour. It can
be made into jam or used in pies like sour cherry. It is also said
to be a good substitute for cranberry as a sauce to compliment meats.
The herbalist and plant collector, Gerard,
said it was to be found in the gardens "of such as love rare and
dainty plants". In recent years, Cornelian Cherry has become
popular with Permaculture and other folks who are interested in
edible landscapes.
Brother
Aloysius wrote of Cornelian Cherry:
The
bark and fruit are used medicinally. The bark is astringent and
febrifugal; the fruit is astringent and desiccant. Application of
fresh, bruised leaves stanches bleeding. The fruit decoction is used
for feverish burning and dysentery; it also stimulates appetite.
Resources
of the Southern Fields and Forests states:
Dogwood
{Cormis Florida').—During the late war, the bark has been employed
with great advantage in place of quinine in fevers—particularly in
cases of low forms of fever, and in dysentery, on the river courses,
of a typhoid character. It is given as a substitute for Peruvian
barks. In fact, in almost any case where the Cinchona bark was used.
This
well known plant possesses tonic and anti-intermittent properties,
very nearly allied to those of cinchona; in periodic fevers, one of
the most valuable of our indigenous plants. "Dr. Gregg states
that, after employing it for twenty-three years in the treatment of
intermittent fevers, he was satisfied that it was not inferior to
Peruvian bark.'" Generally given in con- junction with laudanum.
It also possesses antiseptic powers. In the recent state, it is leas
stimulating than the cinchona bark, but it affects the bowels more;
the dried bark is the preferable form. The fresh bark will sometimes
act as a cathartic. It is more stimulating than thoroughwort
(Eupatorium,) and, therefore, is less applicable during the hot
stages of fever. According to Dr. Walker's examination, the bark
contains extractive matter, gum, resin, tannin and gallic acid; and
Dr. Carpenter announces in it a new principal, cornine. Dr. Jackson
also, from experiment, is satisfied that it contains a principle
analogous to quinia. It has been exhibited by Dr. S. G. Morton in
intermittent fever, with success. Griffith, in his Med. Bot. 347,
mentions that the infusion of the flowers is useful as a substitute
for chamomile tea; for analysis, see Am. Journ. Pharm. i, 114; and
Phil. Journal Med. and Phys. Sci. xl. Dose of the dried bark in
powder, is twenty to sixty grains; the decoction is made with one
ounce of the root to one pint of water, or the extract may be
employed ; alcohol also extracts its virtues. The ripe fruit, infused
in brandy, makes an agreeable and useful bitter, which may be a
convenient substitute for the article prepared in the shops. Dr. D.
C. O'Keeffe, of Georgia, published an article on the C. Florida in
the So. Med. and Surg. Journal, January, 1849. He gave the extract in
doses of ten grains to two drachms, without its producing any
disturbance of the stomach, as alleged by some writers. Barton says,
in his Collections, that the bark is valuable in a malignant disorder
of horses called yellow water. From the gallic acid it contains, a
good writing ink may be made, and from the bark of the fibrous roots
the Indians extracted a scarlet color. Lindley mentions that the
young branches, stripped of their bark;" and rubbed against the
teeth, render them extremely white. It is often employed for this
purpose by persons living in the country. Where there is need of
astringent anti-periodics and tonics, the dogwood bark powdered will
be found the best substitute for the Peruvian. Internally and
externally, it can be applied in wherever the cinchona barks were
found serviceable. The dogwood bark and root, in decoction, or in
form of cold infusion, is believed by many to be the most efficient
substitute for quinine, also in treating malarial fevers; certainly,
it might be used in the cases occurring in camp, to prevent the waste
of quinine, as it can be easily and abundantly procured. Dr. Richard
Moore, of Sumter County, informs me that he not only finds it
efficient in fevers, but particularly useful, with whiskey or
alcohol, in low forms of fevers, and dysentery occurring near our
river swamps. During convalescence also, where an astringent tonic is
re- quired, this plant meets our requirements. See Enpatorium
(boneset) and Liriodendron (Poplar.) These, with the black- berry and
chinquapin as astringents, the gentians and pipsissewa as tonics and
tonic diuretics, the sweet gum, sassafras, and bene for their
mucilaginous and aromatic properties, and the wild jalap
(Podophyllum) as a cathartic, supply the surgeon in camp -during a
blockade with easily procurable medicinal plants, which are
sufficient for almost every purpose. Nitrate and bi-carbonate of
potash are most wanted, and with calomel may be procured from abroad.
Our supply of opium can be easily reached by planting the poppy, and
incising the capsules. Every planter could raise a full supply of
opium, mustard and flaxseed. A tonic compound, as advised by the
herbalists, is made with the bark of the root of dogwood, Colombo
(Frasera,) poplar, each six ounces; bark of Avild cherry, six ounces
; leaves of thoroughwort, four ounces; cayenne popper, four ounces—
sifted and mixed. Dose, a teaspoonful, in warm or cold water,
repeated. The berries of the dogwood have also been highly
recommended—given as a remedy for fever in place of quinine (1862.)
RED
WILLOW; SWAMP DOGWOOD, (Cornus sericea, Ph.) Elliott says it grows in
the mountains of South Carolina; sent to me from Abbeville District,
by Mr. Reed ; North Carolina. Fl. June. Griffith, Med. Bot. 349. It
possesses properties quite similar to those of the C. Florida, but it
is more bitter and astringent. Mr. E. informs me that it is employed
to a great extent in domestic practice in Abbeville. According to B.
S. Barton, the bark was considered by the Indians a favorite
combination with tobacco for smoking. The young shoots were used to
make coarse baskets; and they extracted a scarlet dye from these and
the roots.
BLOOD
RED DOGWOOD, (Cornus sanguinea, Jj.) Grows, according to Elliott, in
the valleys among the mountains. Fl. May. Diet, de Med. de Ferus. ii,
737; Mathiole, Comment, ii, 119;
Journal
de Chim. xxxviii, 174, and xl, 107. See, also, Journal de Pharm. for
an account of the oil extracted from it. M. Murion says they afford
one-third of their weight of a pure and limpid oil, used for the
table and for burning. A case of hydrophobia was said to have been
cured by it. Griffith, Med. Bot. 349. There also exists in this, as
in the others, a red coloring principle, soluble in water alone.
Gornus stricta. Growls in swamps near Charleston; Newbern. Shec.
Flora Carol. 44. C. Circinata is not included by Chap- man among the
Southern species, though Dr. Wood says that it grows in Virginia. See
U. S. Disp.
King's
American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us:
Action,
Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Dogwood bark is tonic, astringent, and
slightly stimulant. It forms an excellent substitute for Peruvian
bark, having frequently proved efficient in periodic attacks when the
foreign drug failed. It may be used in many cases where quinine is
indicated and can not be administered, owing to idiosyncrasy, etc. It
may be used with advantage in cases where tonics are required, in
periodical fevers, typhoid fevers, etc. Its internal employment
increases the strength and frequency of the pulse, and elevates the
temperature of the body. It should be used in the dried state, as the
recent bark is apt to derange the stomach, and cause more or less
pain in the abdomen, but which may be removed by 10 or 15 drops of
laudanum. It is useful in headaches from quinine, in general
exhaustion and pyrosis. An extract of the bark prepared by boiling it
in water, and evaporating to the proper consistence, will be found
one of the best forms in which to administer it. Dose of the powdered
bark, from 20 to 60 grains, as often as required; of the extract,
from 5 to 10 grains. The ripe berries formed into a tincture with
brandy or whiskey, are a popular bitters among some country people;
the flowers are occasionally used in the place of chamomile. Specific
cornus, 1 to 20 drops.
Specific
Indications and Uses.—"Tonic and antiperiodic; intermittent or
miasmatic fevers; headache from quinine; general exhaustion"
(Scudder); feeble, relaxed tissues; pulse feeble and temperature
subnormal; quinism.
The
Rodale Herb Book states:
The
Indians were the first to use this American native for healing, and
the white settlers were quick to add it to their folk medicine.
Although the bark was the principal part used, the flowers, leaves
and fruit have also been used. The Delawares, Alabamas and Houmas of
Louisiana all used the inner bark to make a febrifuge tea. “It is
good in low continued forms of fever, where the patient is greatly
exhausted,: reported one nineteenth-century Indian folk. Herbal.
During
the Civil War, dogwood was one of several native plants which
provided a substitute for quinine, which was obtained from the bark
of the chinchona tree, a Peruvian native, when the South was cut off
from outside supply sources.”
Botany
In a Day states:
The
Dogwood contains varying amounts of cornic acid an the alkaloid
cornine, mostly in the bark and or the inner bark. It has a mildly
narcotic and analgesic effect, especially helpful for individuals who
have negative reactions to Southside lights like Willow or aspirin.
The bark is also quite astringent, which further helps draw down
inflamed tissue.
The
Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicine tells us:
Cardiac
effect: heart activity, at different levels up to the cessation of
heartbeat, is examined depending on the concentration of the menthol
extract. Antispasmodic effect: induced malaria in chicks in Peking
ducks was treated for five days with the water insoluble fraction. As
a result, antiplasmodic activity toward P cathemerium could be
observed, similar to that deployed by quinine and sulfadiazine. To
date, the results cannot be sufficiently assessed. The bark works as
a tonic, an astringent and a stimulant. Unproven uses: in North
America, the dried bark was used in folk medicine for strength, to
stimulate appetite, for fever, and chronic diarrhea. It is used
externally as an astringent for wounds and boils. Formally, it was
used as a replacement for quinine. It is still used for headaches and
fatigue. Health risks or side effects: following the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.
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:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R
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.
