Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Physocarpus opulifolius, Eastern Ninebark, Prunus pumila, Appalachian Sandcherry and Pseudosasa japonica, Arrow Bamboo

Physocarpus opulifolius, Eastern Ninebark

There is only one Physocarpus with documented use in Herbal Medicine, and only one native to my region.  It is Ninebark.  This plant is often confused with Hydrangea.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Ninebark: A tea made from the inner bark is laxative and emetic. It is used internally to treat women's complaints, gonorrhoea, TB and to enhance fertility. It is also used as a wash on scrofulous glands in the neck. Some caution is advised, this herb is best used only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. See the notes above on toxicity

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

American Indians used inner-bark tea for “female maladies,” gonorrhea, tuberculosis’ to enhance fertility; emetic, laxative.  Warning: Potentially toxic.

(photo By Eric Hunt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80376851)

Prunus pumila, Appalachian Sandcherry

Prunus is a large family of mostly trees (which I wrote about extensively in my book on trees), but there is one shrub form and it is native to my region: Prunus pumila, Appalachian Sandcherry (also called dwarf American cherry).

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Dwarf American Cherry: Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.

Pseudosasa japonica, Arrow Bamboo

This false bamboo is not native to my region, but has been naturalized.  It is little used in Herbal Medicine, but Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use: Anthelmintic, antivinous, stimulant, tonic

(Photo By I, KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3983544)

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

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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

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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.