Ergot
Parts Usually Used
Dried sclerotia
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Ergot is a fungus which replaces the seeds of the rye plant (Secale cornatum). It takes the form of black or purplish-black, crooked grains or “spurs”, called sclerotia, about 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long and 1/10 to 2/10 inch thick. It has a nauseous odor and a disagreeable taste.
Where Found
Found on fungus infected rye plants.
Medicinal Properties
Abortifacient, emmenagogue, hemostatic, oxytocic, vasoconstrictor
Legends, Myths and Stories
As rye does not grow in China, true ergot is not found there.
Uses
Historical medical preparations derived from ergot, such as ergotamine, were utilized for menstrual difficulties. Additionally, practitioners employed ergotamine tartrate with the intention of addressing migraine and cluster headaches. The fungus also served historically as a source material for the production of LSD.
Warning
Do not use without proper medical supervision.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Chinese Medicinal Herbs , compiled by Shih-Chen Li, Georgetown Press, San Francisco, California, 1973. The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 Webster’s New World Medical Dictionary , New World Dictionaries, 850 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.