Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Epigaea

Two varieties of Epigaea have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Epigaea asiatica and Epigaea repens - Mayflower

Epigaea repens (Trailing Arbutus) is native to my region.

The Cherokee used Trailing Arbutus:

Used in the medicine… “For diarrhea.” An ingredient in the medicine… “For abdominal pains caused by the terrapin.” A tea is made for chest ailments. In summertime the roots and leaves are used; in winter only the roots are used. A tea is drunk for kidney trouble.

King’s American Dispensatory of 1898 states:

This shrubby little plant grows in sandy woods, sometimes in rocky soil in the, shade of pines, and is found from Newfoundland to Northwest Territory and Michigan, and south to Kentucky and Florida. Its flowers exhale a rich, spicy fragrance, and appear from March to May. It is much sought in early spring, and admired by flower lovers for its modest beauty and fragrance. Cattle that chew this herb are said to be seriously affected by it. The leaves which have an astringent, bitterish taste, are the medicinal parts, and yield their properties to water or spirits.

Chemical Composition.—Trailing arbutus contains tannin, as shown by Jefferson Oxley (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1872, p. 253). He also observed a body giving some of the test reactions for gallic acid, but differing from the latter in not yielding pyrogallol by dry distillation. Mr. Oxley also found formic acid and the following principles, which also occur in Uva ursi, which see: The glucosid arbutin (C12H16O7), urson (C20H32O2), and the very bitter glucosid ericolin (C34H56O21) or, according to Thal (C26H30O3). Grape sugar, gum, and coloring matter were found in addition to, the constituents mentioned.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Trailing arbutus specifically influences the urinary organs. It is diuretic and astringent. This is a very valuable American remedy, and is highly beneficial in lithic acid gravel, and all diseases of the urinary organs attended with vesical irritation; it is superior to uva ursi, or foreign buchu, and where these have failed in producing benefit, this has succeeded. It maybe used as a substitute for uva ursi. It renders the urine less irritating, and will be found of value to control vesical tenesmus, dysuria, and strangury. A discharge of bloody muco-pus is an indication for its exhibition. The fluid extract and specific epigaea are elegant preparations for all urinary difficulties. It enters into a very useful preparation termed Diuretic compound, which see under the head of Infusions. It has been occasionally used with advantage in diarrhoea, and bowel complaints of children. The infusion of the leaves may be drank freely. Dose of specific epigaea, 10 to 30 drops in water every 2 to 6 hours; fluid extract, 10 to 40 drops.

Specific Indications and Uses.—Uric acid deposits; irritable vesical membrane; voiding of urine containing blood or muco-pus; debilitated and relaxed bladder.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Mayflower: Mayflower is rarely used medicinally, even in folk medicine, though it is a strong urinary antiseptic and is one of the most effective remedies for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, bladder stones and particularly acute catarrhal cystitis. The leaves are astringent, diuretic and tonic. An infusion is made from the dried leaves, or a tincture from the fresh leaves. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of kidney disorders, stomach aches, bladder disorders etc. It is of special value when the urine contains blood or pus. Use with caution, the plant contains arbutin and, although this is an effective urinary disinfectant, it hydrolyzes to hydroquinone which is toxic. The leaves can be used fresh or can be harvested in the summer and dried for later use.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

American Indians used leaf tea for kidney disorders, stomachaches, “blood purifier”. Leaf tea folk remedy for bladder, urethra and kidney disorders, “gravel” (kidney stones). Shakers sold this plant as “gravel plant.” Warning: Contains arbutin; although it is effective as a urinary antiseptic, it hydrolyzes to hydroquinone, which is toxic.

The PDR for Herbal Medicine states:

Eleuthro has astringent and diuretic properties. 

PS. New in my Woodcraft Shop:

https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/gumbo-or-pot-stirrer-1

This article is an excerpt from 

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

Read about 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: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Read About:  The Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

 Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

His new cookbook is:

Read About The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else"

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

His other works include:

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

Read about Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

Read About Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

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.

Show 152: Field Parsley and Sauce Picant

 

Listen to "Show 152: Field Parsley and Sauce Picant" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss the medicinal properties of Field Parsley or Parsley Piert. This "common weed" is very important to know as it is one of the best herbs for kidney and bladder issues, and could actually be life saving. I also tell you how I make Sauce Picant. This is a delicious dish that can be made using most any meat, fish, game, etc.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/field-parsley

Photo credit: By Olivier Pichard - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14546118

New today in my Woodcraft shop: https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/


Read about my new books:

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


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

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

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

and

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


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/B0B5MYJ35R

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: Elaeagnus, Autumn Olive or Oleaster

 

Twenty-three varieties of Elaeagnus have documented use in Herbal Medicine. Elaeagnus angustifolia - Oleaster, Elaeagnus commutata - Silverberry, Elaeagnus cordifolia, Elaeagnus formosana, Elaeagnus fragrans, Elaeagnus glabra, Elaeagnus gonyanthes, Elaeagnus latifolia - Bastard Oleaster, Elaeagnus macrophylla, Elaeagnus maritima, Elaeagnus montana, Elaeagnus multiflora - Goumi, Elaeagnus multiflora ovata - Goumi, Elaeagnus oldhamii, Elaeagnus orientalis - Trebizond, Elaeagnus parvifolia, Elaeagnus pungens - Elaeagnus, Elaeagnus pyriformis, Elaeagnus thunbergii, Elaeagnus umbellata - Autumn Olive, Elaeagnus x ebbingei - Elaeagnus, Elaeagnus x reflexa, Elaeagnus yoshinoi

None of these are native to my region, but naturalized are: Elaeagnus multiflora (Goumi or Cherry Silverberry), Elaeagnus pungens (Thorny-Olive, Silverthorn) and Elaeagnus umbellata var. parvifolia (Autumn-Olive, Silverberry).

In many areas, Autumn Olive is considered an invasive “weed”. Such plants are often very potent medicinally, and this is no exception. Frankly, I like weeds!

Dioscorides though, wrote of the Oleaster that was known in his region:

The oozing of the Ethiopian olive tree in a way resembles scammony. It is a deep yellow consisting of little drops of a biting nature. That which is similar to gum and ammoniacal — blackish, and not biting to the taste — is useless. The olive tree and wild olive tree bear such a gum as this. It is good for moisture of the sight, and rubbed on it cleans scars and white spots on the cornea of the eyes. It induces the movement of urine and the menstrual flow, and it is effective for toothache put into the cavities. It is categorised among medicines that are destructive, it expels the birth, and cures impetigo [skin infection] and lepra [old use — psoriasis]. The wild olive tree is also called the Ethiopian olive tree.

It is important not to confuse Oleaster with Oleander.  Maude Grieve tells us of Oleander:

An evergreen ornamental shrub to 12 feet high and as wide with white, pink or red flowers in spring and summer. The leaves resemble olive and bay trees. The flowers have five petals and resemble a tiny rose. It thrives in hot, mild climates and tolerates considerable drought, poor drainage and high salt content in the soil. Since deer will not eat this plant and it is so tolerant of a variety of poor soils, it is commonly used as a decorative freeway median in California and other mild-winter states in the USA.

All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and other animals. Children should be cautioned against eating the leaves and flowers. Prunings and dead leaves should be kept away from hay or other animal feed. The wood should not be used for barbecue fires or skewers. The smoke can cause severe irritation.

John Gerard says (from "The Herbal, or General History of Plants", 1633 edition),

"This tree being outwardly applied, as Galen saith, hath a digesting faculty; but if it be inwardly taken it is deadly and poisonsome, not only to men, but also to most kinds of beasts."

The flowers and leaves kill dogs, asses, mules, and very many of other four footed beasts: but if men drink them in wine they are a remedy against the bitings of Serpents, and the rather if Rue be added.

The weaker sort of cattle, as sheep and goats, if they drink the water wherein the leaves have been steeped, are sure to die."

Back to the Eleagnus, Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Goumi: The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers. The leaves are used in the treatment of coughs. The fruit is prescribed in the treatment of watery diarrhoea. The root is astringent, a decoction is used to treat itch and foul sores.

Medicinal use of Autumn Olive: The flowers are astringent, cardiac and stimulant. The seeds are used as a stimulant in the treatment of coughs. The expressed oil from the seeds is used in the treatment of pulmonary affections. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.

PS. New in my Woodcraft Shop:

https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/cooking-spoon-3

This article is an excerpt from 

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

Read about 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: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Read About:  The Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

 Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

His new cookbook is:

Read About The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else"

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

His other works include:

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

Read about Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

Read About Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

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.

Show 151: Ragweed and Shrimp (or anything else) Creole

 

Listen to "Show 151: Ragweed and Shrimp (or anything else) Creole" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss the medicinal properties of Ragweed... yes, that hated weed can actually help with allergies if used properly! I also give my recipe for shrimp a la Creole. The same technique can be used for any meat, fish, seafood or even veggies!

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/ragweed-and-shrimp

New today in my Woodcraft shop: https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/


Read about my new books:

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


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

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

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

and

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


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/B0B5MYJ35R

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: Dirca, Eastern Leatherwood

 

Two varieties of Dirca have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Dirca occidentalis - Leather Wood Family: Thymelaeaceae (Mezereum Family), Dirca palustris - Leather Wood Family: Thymelaeaceae (Mezereum Family)

Only Dirca palustris (Eastern Leatherwood) is native to my region,

Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests tells us:

CANADA LEATHERWOOD; ROPE BARK, {Dirca pahistris, L.) Diffused; grows near Augusta at Colleton's Neck, (Ell.) Bartram found it near Savannah ; N. C. Fl. Feb.

Mer. and de L. Diet, de M. Med. ii, 659; U. S. Disp. 1253; Coxe's Am. Disp. 259; Shec. Flora Carol. 513; Big. Am. Med. Bot. ii, 157 ; Barton's Collec. 32 ; Griffith, Med. Bot. 563 ; Raf. Med. Fl. i, 158.

The berries are said to be narcotic and poisonous, and the bark has a nauseous odor and acrid taste, yielding its virtues to alcohol ; eight grains of the powdered bark will produce violent vomiting, followed by purging. When applied to the skin, it blisters like mezereon. The juice has been applied to the nerve of a painful tooth with relief, and in diseases where acrid masticatories are serviceable. Bigelow says the decoction is sudorific and expectorant, and he considers it a good substitute for senega. The bark is also uncommonly tough, and was used by the Indians for cordage ; the wood is very hard and pliant.

Its twigs are remarkable for toughness, are as strong and pliable as those of the lime tree, and are employed in America for the manufacture of various small articles Its bark, also, has a homogeneous character with the twigs, and is used for making ropes and baskets; and both, but especially the twigs, occasion the plant to be popularly called in Canada leatherwood. This plant is an excessive favorite with snails! Wilson's Rural Cyc.

King’s American Dispensatory states:

This shrub is more common to the northern and eastern states, being occasionally met with in the west. It inhabits marshy places, low swampy woods, flowering in April and May. The bark is the part used; it is very tenacious and fibrous, and hard to pulverize. It has a disagreeable odor, and a pungent taste, with considerable acrimony, producing ptyalism, which property it imparts to alcohol, and slightly to boiling water. It has been used for making ropes, thongs and baskets, and might be advantageously employed in the arts, for making paper, etc. The wood is white, soft, and very brittle. It has not been satisfactorily analyzed, though mucilage, in acrid resin, and bitter extractive have been found in it.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—The bark is acrid, rubefacient, and vesicant when fresh. From 5 to 7 grains of it cause great gastric heat and uneasiness, with emesis and catharsis. In contact with the skin it produces rubefaction, followed by blisters, and the sores it occasions are frequently difficult to heal, forming very indolent and obstinate ulcers. If chewed it causes salivation, with burning pain in the tongue, gums, etc., and has thus proved useful as an irritant in paralysis of the tongue, toothache, facial neuralgia, etc. Bigelow says, that a decoction of the bark may be used as a sudorific and expectorant, in the place of senega. The berries produce vomiting, and are said to be a narcotic poison.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Leather Wood: Leatherwood was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a wide variety of ailments. It is little used in modern herbalism and any use should be carried out with caution since even minute doses can cause salivation and burning of the tongue. A tea made from the bark is laxative. Another report says that it is purgative and emetic, and can produce violent vomiting. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of pulmonary problems. A decoction of the branches has been applied as a poultice to swellings on the limbs. The plant is a folk remedy for toothaches, facial neuralgia and paralysis of the tongue, venereal disease, and has also been used to try and induce pregnancy.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

American Indians used bark tea as a laxative. Minute doses cause burning of tongue and salivation. Folk remedy for toothaches, facial neuralgia and paralysis of tongue. Warning: Poisonous. Causes severe dermatitis with redness, blistering and sores.

PS. New in my Woodcraft Shop:

https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/eating-spoon-7-backpackers-spoon

This article is an excerpt from 

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

Read about 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: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Read About:  The Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

 Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

His new cookbook is:

Read About The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else"

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

His other works include:

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

Read about Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

Read About Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

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.