Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Lingustrum, Privet

 

Privet is another one that would surprise many to learn that it is not native to my region. Privet 

is so widespread as to be considered and “invasive weed” by many. Seven varieties of Privet 

have been naturized here; three are shrub-form: Ligustrum amurense (Amur Privet), Ligustrum obtusifolium (Border Privet) and Ligustrum vulgare (European Privet).

Gerard wrote:

The leaves of Privet do cure the swellings, apostumations, and ulcers of the mouth or throat, being gargarised with the juice or decoction thereof, and therefore they be excellent good to be put into lotions, to wash the secret parts, and the scaldings with women, cankers and sores in children's mouths.

Brother Aloysius wrote of Privet (Ligustrum vulgare):

Leaves and flowers are used medicinally, but only externally, for inflammation, and as a gargle 

for an ulcerated throat and mouth, ulceration of the gums and scurvy.

Ligustrum lucidum (also called Chinese Privet, but not to be confused with Ligustrum sinese) is 

the only member of this olive family of shrubby trees to be widely used in Herbal Medicine.

Culpepper tells us:

Description. Privet is a bush or shrub that grows not to any great bigness, having many smooth, tough, pliant branches, cloathed with small oblong leaves, broadest in the middle, and sharp-pointed at the end. It bears long and narrow green leaves by the couples, and sweet smelling white flowers in tufts at the end of the branches, which turn into small black berries that have a purplish juice with them, and some seeds that are flat on the one side, with a hole or dent therein.

Place. It grows in this country, in divers woods.

Time. Our privet flowers in June and July: the berries are ripe in August and September.

Government and virtues. The Moon is lady of this. It is little used in physic with us in these times, more than in lotions, to wash sores and sore mouths, and to cool inflammations, and dry up fluxes. Yet Matthiolus saith, it serves all the uses for which Cypress, or the East Privet, is appointed by Dioscorides and Galen. He further saith, That the oil that is made of the flowers of Privet infused therein, and set in the Sun, is singularly good for the inflammations of wounds, and for the headache, coming of a hot cause. There is a sweet water also distilled from the flowers, that is good for all those diseases that need cooling and drying, and therefore helps all fluxes of the belly or stomach, bloody-fluxes, and women's courses, being either drank or applied; as all those that void blood at the mouth, or any other place, and for distillations of rheum in the eyes, especially if it be used with tutia.

An Irish Herbal states:

It has a binding and cooling nature, good for ulcers and inflammations of the mouth and throat.

Plants for A Future States:

Medicinal use of Privet: The leaves are astringent, bitter, detergent, vulnerary. Internal use of this plant should be avoided since it can produce allergic symptoms. Externally it is a safe and effective treatment. The bark has been used as a stomachic, though this is not really recommended.

PS. New in my Woodcraft Shop:

Wild Cherry Cooking Set #2 - Judson Carroll Woodcraft (substack.com)

THE PREPPER'S BLACK FRIDAY CATALOG A gift guide for the tin foil hat wearing survivalist in your life...even if that is YOU. Discounts on gas masks, solar generators, body armor, EMP protection, backup antibiotics, books, classes, and MORE! http://bit.ly/47OnkY1

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 161: Medicinal Thistles, Turkey Casserole, Scallion Noodles and Spiced Peanuts

 

Listen to "Show 161: Medicinal Thistles, Turkey Casserole, Scallion Noodles and Spiced Peanuts" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss the medicinal properties of the many varieties of Thistles. Several different plants are called thistle and most, if not all, have medicinal properties and are potently medicinal. Some could even save your life and several are associated with legends of divine intervention for the good of mankind. I also give you my recipe for leftover turkey (or most anything else) casserole, a Chinese style quick noodle dish that is super cheap and a nice break from heavy holiday foods and my (soon to be famous) spiced peanuts. I grew up on a peanut farm, and store bought peanuts just don't satisfy - with a little oil, spice and less than 5 minutes of time you can make store bought peanuts REALLY good!

 

New today in my Woodcraft shop: https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/wild-cherry-cooking-set-2


THE PREPPER'S BLACK FRIDAY CATALOG A gift guide for the tin foil hat wearing survivalist in your life...even if that is YOU. Discounts on gas masks, solar generators, body armor, EMP protection, backup antibiotics, books, classes, and MORE! http://bit.ly/47OnkY1

Link to top Southern Podcasts https://blog.feedspot.com/southern_podcasts/

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:Herbal Medicine 101 (rumble.com)

Medicinal Trees and Shrubs: Lindera, Spicebush

Nine varieties of Lindera have documented use in Herbal Medicine:  Lindera assamica, Lindera benzoin - Spice Bush, Lindera glauca, Lindera megaphylla, Lindera obtusiloba, Lindera praecox, Lindera pulcherrima, Lindera strychnifolia, Lindera umbellata 

Native to my region are: Lindera benzoin var. benzoin (Smooth Northern Spicebush), Lindera benzoin var. pubescens (Hairy Northern Spicebush), Lindera melissifolia (Pondberry, Southern Spicebush), Lindera subcoriacea (Bog Spicebush)

Spicebush is one of my absolute favorite plants - it smells of allspice and you can find it in the woods with your nose alone, if you try.  The flavor is also very nice.

The Cherokee used Spicebush:

A bunch of twigs as big as your fist is boiled in water for a short time for beverage tea.  The bark of spicebush, Cornus florida and Prunus serotina are steeped.  Add this tea to pure corn whiskey and drink to break out the measles.  Boil together the bark of spicebush and Hamamelis virginiana and some needles of Pinus virginiana for five or ten minutes.  To “break out” fever, drink this tea hot and cover up.  Give tea to a baby to drink for hives.  Drink cool, sweet tea for red measles

King’s Medical Dispensatory of 1898 states:

This shrub grows in damp woods, along streams and shaded places, in the United States and Canada, bearing greenish-yellow flowers in March and April, before the leaves are unfolded, and maturing its fruit, which consists of bright, crimson-colored, ovoid berries, growing in small bunches, in the middle of autumn. The whole plant has a pleasant, aromatic taste, owing chiefly to a volatile oil, and yields its virtues to boiling water or alcohol. The dried berries were used during the American Revolution, and in the South during the late Rebellion, as a substitute for allspice.

Description.—BARK. Benzoin bark occurs in quills or thin, curved fragments, externally black-brown, somewhat shining and smooth, except where covered with small cork-like warts. In older specimens the corky warts are more conspicuous and the bark is more of an ashen color. Internally it is smooth, and yellow or light brown in color. Its fracture is abrupt and granular. It has a faint aromatic odor, and to the taste is sharp and astringent.

FRUIT.—The fruit is a long, red, ovate drupe, with a circular depression indicating the point of attachment of the pedicel. It contains 1 white seed, quite large, possessing an oleaginous taste. The integuments of the fruit become very dark—almost black—on drying, appearing granular, and have an agreeable odor and spice-like flavor.

Chemical Composition.—J. Morris Jones (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1873, p. 301), found in the bark a volatile oil, probably of the cinnamyl series, developing, on treatment with oxidizing substances, a bitter-almond odor. He also found sugar, resin, starch, and tannin. From the berries Dr. A. W. Miller (Proc. Amer. Pharm. Assoc., 1878, p. 772), obtained by warm expression and extraction with gasoline, 50 per cent of fatty and volatile oil of a greenish-brown color. By distilling this oil with steam, about 1 per cent of a pale-green, volatile oil was obtained, of a specific gravity of 0.850, and possessing a warm aromatic taste resembling that of allspice. Mr. P. M. Gleim (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1875, p. 246), obtained by the distillation of fresh berries the unusual yield of 5 per cent of a colorless, fragrant, volatile oil, having a density of 0.87.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Aromatic, tonic, and stimulant. An infusion or decoction has been successfully used in the treatment of ague and typhoid forms of fever; also as an anthelmintic. The berries afford a stimulant oil much esteemed as an application to bruises, chronic rheumatism, itch, etc., and has some reputation as a carminative in flatulence, flatulent colic, etc. The bark, in decoction, is said to be refrigerant and exhilarating, and exceedingly useful in all kinds of fever, for allaying excessive heat and uneasiness; a warm decoction is employed to produce diaphoresis. The decoction may be drank freely.

Related Species.—Lindera sericea, Blume. Japan. Tonic and stimulant. Source of the Japanese kuromoji oil, an essential oil distilled from the leaves and young twigs, and having considerable fragrance (see Schimmel & Co.'s Report, April, 1897; also see analysis by NY. Kwasnik, Archiv der Pharm., 1892, p. 265).

Lindera triloba, Blume. Japan. Tonic and stimulant.

Botany in A Day tells us:

Medicinally, the sap is high benzoin, which can be made into an ointment to help heal wounds.  You may have seen benzoin or benzoic acid listed in the ingredients of healing ointments in your first aid kit.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Spice Bush: Spice bush has a wide range of uses as a household remedy, especially in the treatment of colds, dysentery and intestinal parasites. It warrants scientific investigation. The bark is aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stimulant and tonic. It is pleasant to chew. It is used in the treatment of coughs and colds. The bark can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried. The fruits are carminative. The oil from the fruits has been used in the treatment of bruises and rheumatism. A tea made from the twigs was a household remedy for colds, fevers, worms and colic. A steam bath of the twigs is used to cause perspiration in order to ease aches and pains in the body. The young shoots are harvested during the spring and can be used fresh or dried. The bark is diaphoretic and vermifuge. It was once widely used as a treatment for typhoid fevers and other forms of fevers.

Edible parts of Spice Bush: The young leaves, twigs and fruit contain an aromatic essential oil and make a very fragrant tea. The twigs are best gathered when in flower as the nectar adds considerably to the flavour. The dried and powdered fruit is used as a substitute for the spice "allspice". The fruit is about the size of an olive. The leaves can also be used as a spice substitute. The new bark is pleasant to chew.

Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians tells us:

American Indians made tea from all parts of the spicebush.  They drank the tea as a spring tonic, and to treat coughs, fevers and measles.  Spicebush was also used to bring on delayed menses.  During the Civil War, spicebush was considered as a substitute for allspice, and the berries were used as an aromatic seasoning.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

American Indians used berry tea for coughs, cramps, delayed menses, croup, measles; bark tea for sweating, “blood purifying”. Colds, rheumatism, anemia.  Settlers used berries as an Allspice substitute.  Medicinally, the berries were used as a carminative for flatulence and colic.  The oil from the fruits was applied to bruises and muscles or joints (for chronic rheumatism).  Twig tea was popular for colds, fevers, worms, gas and colic.  The bark tea was once used to expel worms, for typhoid fevers and as a diaphoretic for other forms of fevers.  Should be investigated.

PS. New in my Woodcraft Shop:

Wild Cherry Cooking Set #2 - Judson Carroll Woodcraft (substack.com)

THE PREPPER'S BLACK FRIDAY CATALOG A gift guide for the tin foil hat wearing survivalist in your life...even if that is YOU. Discounts on gas masks, solar generators, body armor, EMP protection, backup antibiotics, books, classes, and MORE! http://bit.ly/47OnkY1

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.