- Botanical Name(s): Phytolacca decandra
- Popular Name(s): Poke, Phytolacca Berry, Phytolacca Vulgaris, [[American Spinach]], Poke Berry
- Parts Used: Dried root and berries
- Habitat: American nightshade is found in North America and in Mediterranean countries
Description: American nightshade is a shrubby perennial which grows up to a height of 8 feet. The plant possesses a large white taproot and green or red hollow stems. Its leaves are large, simple, alternate and ovate-lanceolate. Its flowers are white in colour and fruits are in the form of purple to almost black berries
Uses: It is used to treat lymphatic congestion, swollen lymph glands, edema, mastitis, abnormal congestion of all glands of the body, and severe ascites of the abdomen. The fresh herb is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract. Externally, it can be applied as a poultice to inflamed sores and infections. Resolves lumps and tumors, is anti carcinogenic.Pokeroot comes from Phytolacca americana L. (family Phytolaccaceae), a large, much-branched, perennial herb which bears rather spectacular clusters of dark purple, almost black, berries. The plant is a wayside weed from New England to Texas. If there is any ailment for which pokeroot has not been recommended, it is simply because the herbalists have not yet thought of it. Pokeroot is variously described as an alterative, cathartic, emetic, a narcotic, and a gargle, as well as a remedy for conjunctivitis, cancer, dyspepsia, glandular swelling, chronic rheumatism, ringworm, scabies, and ulcers.Pokeroot has a wide range of uses and is a valuable addition to many holistic treatments. Pokeroot may be seen primarily as a remedy for use in infections of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aiding the cleansing of the lymphatic glands. Pokeroot may be used for catarrh, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands (adenitis), mumps, etc. It will be found of value in lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body and especially for mastitis, where it can be used internally and as a poultice. Pokeroot also has a use in rheumatism, especially where it is long standing. Care must be taken with this herb as in large dosage it is powerfully emetic and purgative. Externally as a lotion or ointment pokeroot may be used to rid the skin of scabies and other pests.
Other medical uses: Homeopathy.
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