Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Warning | Bibliography
Scientific Names
- Stillingia sylvatica L.
- Euphorbiaceae
Common Names
- Cockup hat
- Marcory
- Queen’s delight
- Queen’s root
- Silver leaf
- Yaw root
Parts Usually Used
Root
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Stillingia is a perennial plant; its stem grows 2-4 feet high, contains an acrid milky juice and bears alternate, sessile leaves that have a somewhat leathery texture. The yellow, petalless flowers grow in a terminal spike with the female flowers at the base. The fruit is a 3 lobed capsule.
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Where Found
Native of the pine barrens and sandy soils of the southern states of the United States.
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Medicinal Properties
Alterative, astringent, cathartic, diuretic, emetic
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Biochemical Information
Stillingine, which is an alkaloid; gum, starch, both a fixed and volatile oil and coloring matter
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Uses
A decoction of the root once was used to treat obstinate skin problems and help clear up ulcerations and pain after mercurial treatment for syphilis. Treats chronic laryngeal and bronchial inflammations, leucorrhea, chronic coughs, rheumatism, and chronic liver affections. In large doses, stillingia causes vomiting and diarrhea.
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Formulas or Dosages
Use dried, but not more than 2 year old, rootstock.
Decoction: boil 1 tsp. dried rootstock in 1 cup water. Take 1 cup per day, a mouthful at a time.
Tincture: a dose is from 5 to 20 drops.
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Warning
Taken internally, the acrid constituents of the fresh plant can cause irritation and symptoms of poisoning.
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Bibliography
American Folk Medicine
The Herb Book
Indian Herbalogy of North America
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine
Planetary Herbology
