Family

• Phytolaccaceae

Constituents

• Triterpenoid Saponins (phytolacsides)
• Lectins
• Histamines (high concentrations)
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid
• Minerals (potassium in particular)
• Phytosterols
• Starch
• Sucrose

Parts used

• Dried root (do not use fresh root)
• Fruit 

Properties

• Purifying and stimulating plant for the lymphatic system
• Acts deeply on the lymphatic system to facilitate circulation and waste elimination, if the lymphatic system is overloaded for one reason or another
• Facilitates the process of purification and nutrition at the cellular level 
• Depurative

Indications

• Laryngitis, pharyngitis, angina
• Ovaritis (inflammation of the ovaries)
• Locally applied breast abscess
• Chronic rheumatic pain, including rheumatoid arthritis 
• Atopic eczema
• Acne in local application
• Psoriasis and any scaly skin disease
• Inflammation of the gums due to immunosuppression
• Aphtosis

Side Effects

Mills & Bone mention numerous cases of poisoning in North America in the 19th century due to an overdose of tincture or ingestion of the fruits.

The symptoms of poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, weakness, bronchial spasms, tachycardia, and low blood pressure.

Contraindications

Do not take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Interactions

-

Forms of use

• Tincture of the dried root (1:5, 50% alcohol);
• Fruit macerated in alcohol 
• Capsules
• Oily macerate for local application