Herbs as
Medicine Pages

Poke Root

This herb is beneficial only if used in a very precise manner. It is powerful and potent. Poke root comes from the root of the Poke plant and has cleansing and healing qualities that will effect the whole body. The poke plant is especially good for dissolving tumors by cleansing the tissues through the blood vascular and lymphatic systems. This will result in the cleansing and removal of boils, sores, etc. It has also been used to treat some venereal diseases with good results.

The leaves are excellent for salads, especially in the early spring when they are tender, but the root must be boiled twice and the water thrown out each time before it can be eaten. This plant is eaten by people for the purpose of toning up the whole system.

Poke root has a variety of uses basically due to its tonic effect upon the lymphatic system. By cleansing the lymphatic system, it works as a stimulant for the body to help remove collected waste material in the tissues throughout the body, while improving lymphatic and blood vascular elasticity in organs like the liver where there is hardening due to a congested condition.

Poke root is highly regarded by herbalists for its cleansing and stimulating effects upon the glandular system and is used for a variety of glandular ailments. It can be used for swollen inflamed and congested glands, including disorders like cysts and tumors in the breasts. Poke root is also particularly beneficial in the treatment of the thyroid gland.

Poke root has been found useful in reducing inflammation and possibly the causes of arthritis and rheumatism. It is helpful in the pain control of these diseases. This herb is helpful in treating fungal infections, scabies, eczema, and acne. It can be taken internally and made into a salve for external use, as well. It is wonderful to relieve itching. It can also be maid into a liniment. 

Poke root can be used in a poultice, too. It can be used to treat abscesses, boils, and sores, or to relieve difficult urination by placing a poultice over the bladder area. Or a poultice can be placed over breast tumors to treat them. It has been used for even advanced cancer of the breast. Use finely ground root to make a plaster and completely cover the breast except for the nipple and cover with plastic. Moisten the poultice as needed day with poke root tea made fresh for each application. Change the poultice daily for the first three days and continue the treatment for 15 days. The skin will be covered with little sores filled with pus. (It will take about 4-6 weeks for the hardness to leave the breast.) Cleanse thoroughly and cover with boric acid powder allowing the skin to dry. It will take about 10 days for the sores to heal completely. (This information comes from Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss) . 

Poke root is considered to be a good blood and lymphatic purifying herb. It is said to be excellent for the treatment of cancer, tumors, arthritis, and degenerative diseases. It is recommended by some that poke root be given in combination with other herbs in a formula with the proper herbs to tone down it's powerful effects and blend it's stimulating detoxifying properties.

Poke root is a powerful emetic and purgative. Only small amounts should be used and mainly in combination with other herbs. Some herbalists believe the use of poke root is a drastic measure and should not be used as the herb of choice when there is another herb available with a milder action to meet the need. They admit that this herb will do all the things written here but say that it should be used only with great care and in small amounts or with herbal combinations and with supervision by an experienced herbalist or knowledgeable health professional. These warnings come from Jack Ritchason in The Little Herb Encyclopedia. Jethro Kloss in Back to Eden gives no such warnings but he seems to use it more externally and Mr. Ritchason seems to be referring more to it's internal use.
 

Bodily Influence:

Alterative: This herb cleanses, stimulates, and aids in the efficient removal of waste products

Anodyne: This herb reduces pain

Anti-biotic: This herb destroys or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms 

Anti-inflammatory: This herb counteracts and diminishes inflammation or its effects

Anti-rheumatic: This herb prevents and relieves rheumatism

Anti-scorbutic: This herb prevents and relieves scurvy (which is caused by not getting enough Vitamin C)

Anti-tumor: This herb helps to destroy or inhibit tumors

Cathartic: This herb is a strong laxative which causes rapid evacuation

Emetic: This herb causes vomiting

Parasiticide: This herb kills parasites and worms

 

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