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POKE ROOT -
Phytolacca Decandra
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Poke root is an American perennial shrub which grows in damp woodlands, hedges,
and waste places. Though the plant may grow up to 3 meters in height, the most
unusual physical feature is the large root with its irregular branches. The
stems are erect, round, and hairless. They branch near the top and often have a
reddish tinge. The short stemmed, light green leaves are 12-20 cm long, a
pointed egg shape or oval, their margins entire and wavy. The leafless,
flowering stems bears an extended spike of small, greenish-white flowers. The
deep purple or black berries ripen in autumn. About 1 cm. in diameter, they
contain a purple juice that makes a powerful dye. Unripe berries are slightly
poisonous.
POKE ROOT'S MAIN CONSTITUENTS INCLUDE TRITERPENOID
SAPONINS, ALKALOID, RESINS, PHYTOLACCA ACID, TANNIN, FORMIC ACID, FATTY OIL, AND
SUGAR.
The albaloid constituents are fundamentally nitrogen
containing molecules that have a marked effect on animal and human physiology in
varying roles from pain killer to poison to conscious expander. Tannins have the
effect of precipitating, or curdling, protein molecules producing a sort of
leather coat on the surface of the tissue in question. Little documented
evidence exists as to the specific beneficial role of phytolacic acid.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION
Phytolacca is broadly described as an alterative, a purgative, and an emetic. An
alterative is an herb which will gradually restore the proper function of the
body and increase health and vitality. They act to alter the body's processes of
metabolism so that tissues can best deal with the range of functions from
nutrition to elimination. Emetics are herbs that cause vomiting through
irritation of the stomach or nervous system. A purgative is an herb which has
the effect of causing rapid and violent diarrhea. In large doses phytolacca may
produce gastro enteritis with concomitant vomiting and diarrhea. It acts as a
depressant on the respiratory and cardiac centers as well as depressing the
visual and auditory senses.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
Phytolacca is undoubtedly an excellent alterative stimulating metabolism and
also acts as a detoxification agent. As an alterative it is used in chronic
rheumatism and regular conjunctivitis. Used as an ointment it is used in psora,
tineacapitiss, favus, and sycosis, and other skin diseases. Specifically, Poke
root is indicated in the treatment of the lymphatic system. Supporting this
system is basic in most anti-cancer treatments as well as cleansing programs for
a whole range of health problems. As an alterative, Poke root plays a role in
helping to maintain the healthy functioning of the lymphatic system. It is
especially indicated in mastitis, where it can be used internally and as a
poultice. It is also an indicated remedy in the treatment of adenitis. Poke root
has been indicated as a remedy in the treatment of cancer, with a success in
alleviating certain forms. It has been used successfully when applied externally
in cases of uterine cancer.
It has also been stated to be of undoubted value as an
internal remedy in cancer of the breast. It is obvious that a great deal of
success may be claimed but the actual documented proof seems to be low. Research
is taking place into its physiological and biochemical function and initial
results seem to indicate the Poke root has the effect of boosting the immune
system through its interaction with the proliferation of T-cells.
Changes can be induced in lymphocytes by certain plant
mitogens, one of the most important being phytohaemaglutinin (PHA). It is termed
a polyclonal T-cell activator because it reacts with the T-cell surface
nonspecifically (i.e. not as an antigen) and produces the same series of
cellular events as does antigen, locking onto its specific surface receptor.
Unlike the situation with antigen stimulation where only a small fraction of the
cells are sensitive, PHA transforms a major portion of the T-cells.
Additionally, some B-cells are affected although their response appears to be
T-cell dependent. The picture is emerging that helper T-cells are preferentially
stimulated by PHA> Poke weed activates both T- and B-lymphocytes.
It appears from the above discussion on the effect Poke
root has on lymphocytes that its beneficial role in cancer is a legitimate one.
It may be surmised as well that a number of other opportunistic infections and
diseases, such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) may also be
beneficially treated with Poke root as one of the therapeutic agents. In
lymphatic disorders, Poke root is often used in conjunction with Cleavers or
Blue Flag. Phytolacca is used homeopathically when the general symptoms of
aching, soreness, restlessness, and prostration are present. It is pre-eminently
a glandular remedy when glandular swellings are present with heat and
inflammation. It has a powerful effect on Fibrous and Osseous tissues; fasciae
and muscle sheets. It is also reported to act beneficially on scar tissue.
PREPARATION AND DOSAGE
Unearth roots in late autumn (OCTOBER-NOVEMBER) and after careful cleaning, cut
into slices lengthwise or crosswise. Drying may occur in either sun or shade.
The root is Gray in color, hard and wrinkled. The fracture is fibrous. It is
inodorous, and the taste is acrid and slightly sweet. When used as an
alterative, the following prescription has been recommended: Fluid extract of
Phytolacca (2 oz, Gentian (1 oz), and Dandelion (1 oz) with simple syrup to make
a pint. One teaspoonful may be taken after each meal. In external application, 3
oz. of Poke root and 1 oz of tincture used in the strength of 1 tablespoon to 3
pints of tepid water for bathing the part.
Though Poke root is considered an emetic, the dosage
required to bring about this effect is so close to the dangerous toxic level
that its use as an emetic is not recommended. In the lower animals, convulsion
and death from paralysis or respiration may be caused. Overdoses may produce
considerable vomiting and purging, prostration, convulsions and death.
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