Jalap

Scientific Names

Jalap

  • Ipomoea jalapa L.
  • Convolvulaceae
  • Morning-glory family

Common Names

  • Morning Glory seeds

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Parts Usually Used

Root
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Jalap is an annual, herbaceous vine; the tuberous root produces several brownish, twining stems which bear petioled, cordate leaves with a soft point. The purple flowers have a long, funnel-shaped corolla.

Other varieties: Wild jalap (I. pandurata) used as purgative like I. jalapa.
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Where Found

Found in one area of Mexico near Xalapa.
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Medicinal Properties

Cathartic, narcotic, emetic in large doses, vermifuge
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Biochemical Information

Pharbitin, rhamnose, angelic acid, pelargonic and cyanin
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Uses

Jalap is used as a purgative for constipation and for complete and rapid emptying of the bowels. It should not be used when intestinal irritation is present.

Also may be used for intestinal parasites.
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Formulas or Dosages

Decoction: use 1 tsp. root with 1 cup water. Take 1 cup a day, a mouthful at a time.
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Warning

An overdose can cause serious internal effects as well as purging and vomiting.
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Bibliography

Buy It! The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.

Buy It! Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Buy It! Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992

Buy It! American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1973

Buy It! Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, New World Dictionaries: A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023

Buy It! An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992).

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