Pinkroot
Parts Usually Used
Rootstock
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A herbaceous perennial plant, grows 12-24 inches high. The small, fibrous, yellow rootstock produces a smooth, erect, purplish, tufted stem with opposite, sessile, entire, lanceolate leaves about 2-4 inches long. The club-shaped flowers are red on the outside and cream yellow on the inside (throats), growing in a short one-sided spike from May to July. The blooming flower of pinkroot can be easily identified by its 5-lobed, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are scarlet on the outside and cream-yellow within.
Another herb: The Arapaho Indians used a plant called pink root (Horkelia Gordonii). They made a tea from the root and used it as a tonic. The root was dug just before maturity when the plant has sap.
Where Found
Native to the rich woodlands and open areas of the southeast United States, from New Jersey to Florida, Texas, eastern Oklahoma to Missouri, Indiana. Indigenous to America.
Medicinal Properties
Anthelmintic (destroys worms), narcotic.
Biochemical Information
Spigline, a poisonous alkaloid, tannin, resin, wax, fat, albumen, myricin, mucilage and a bitter principle.
Legends, Myths and Stories
The Cherokee Indians collected the herb for market in the northern part of Georgia, but since their removal, the supply now comes from the far south-west. If the worms persist after treatment with this herb, it is suggested that another administration of the decoction be at full moon; the worms are more active at this time and more vulnerable to treatment.
Uses
Native Americans historically utilized pinkroot to expel intestinal parasites, including tapeworms and roundworms, a practice that was later adopted by the medical profession. Traditional practitioners administered it in conjunction with a strong laxative, such as Epsom salts. Herbalists generally preferred a decoction made from the fresh rootstock, though the dried, powdered rootstock was also commonly employed.
Historical accounts noted that the plant could produce severe adverse reactions, including blurred vision, dizziness, spasms, palpitations, respiratory depression, circulatory issues, and convulsions.
Warning
Non-poisonous to the body but should be used according to age and with other herbs. Pinkroot may produce side-effects such as rapid heart-beat, dizziness, and sluggishness. An overdose can be fatal. Not recommended for use without medical supervision.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Copyright 1988, published 1992 Indian Uses of Native Plants , by Edith Van Allen Murphey, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1958, print 1990 Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R.
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