- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Forests of the Appalachians and the southeastern United States, from Pennsylvania to northern Florida and Louisiana
- Traditions
- Cherokee medicine
North America · Herb · № 998
Oxydendrum arboreum
Herb · North America
Sourwood
Oxydendrum arboreum
A tree of the heath family with drooping sprays of white, bell-shaped flowers in summer and fiery red autumn leaves. The leaves taste sour, hence the name. From the flowers bees make a light, much-prized honey.
Safety notes
Little is known about the safety of bark and leaf; do not take them for long and not in pregnancy. Asthma needs a doctor. 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: Do not take it for long; not in pregnancy.
Preparation
Chew a piece of bark; a tea of a few leaves.
Use in traditions
Sourwood honey is famous in the southern Appalachians, and the Cherokee made honey from it too. From the straight shoots they and the Catawba made arrow shafts, and from the wood pipe stems, butter paddles and sled runners. According to Hamel and Chiltoskey they chewed the bark for mouth ulcers, used the bark juice for itch, and took the plant as a tonic for poor digestion, lung diseases and asthma, and for the nerves.
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
The bark for mouth ulcers, the bark juice for itch, and as a tonic for poor digestion, lung diseases, asthma and for the nerves. Also honey, arrow shafts and pipe stems.
Preparation and amount
Chew a piece of bark; a tea of the leaf.
Caution: Do not take it for long; not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)