Indian physic

Gillenia trifoliata (syn. Porteranthus trifoliatus)

A perennial of the rose family with three-parted leaves and loose sprays of white or pale pink flowers with five narrow petals. The root is emetic and purgative; it was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia as American ipecac.

Safety notes

Inducing vomiting is dangerous and does not belong at home: do not take it. Not in pregnancy. With a sting followed by shortness of breath or swelling of the face or throat, call emergency services at once. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine: Inducing vomiting does not belong at home; not in pregnancy.

Preparation

Do not use it as an emetic yourself.

Use in traditions

Physic is an old English word for 'medicine', especially a purgative; bowman's root is another name. Native peoples dried and powdered the root as an emetic and laxative. According to Hamel and Chiltoskey the Cherokee gave a strong infusion to cause vomiting, and a weak infusion in small sips for colds and asthma. A cold infusion of the root, or a piece of chewed root, went on bee and other stings; with a poultice they treated rheumatism and swollen legs, and with a wash scratches on the legs.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine

Attributed effects

A strong infusion as an emetic, a weak infusion in small sips for colds and asthma; the root on stings, as a poultice for rheumatism and swollen legs, and as a wash for scratches.

Preparation and amount

Do not prepare it yourself.

Caution: Inducing vomiting does not belong at home; not in pregnancy.

Sources

All herbs from North America →