Poke Root Herbal Tincture 

Overview - Also known as pigeon berry and inkberry, poke root has a long history of usage. This perennial grows from 3 to 9 feet high. It grows black berries in clusters. The root is very large and easily cut or broken. It is indigenous to the United States, and often grows where the soil has been disturbed. The herb is known to be poisonous to horses, causing respiratory failure, and if a large enough dose in taken, in humans too -  exercise caution!

Medicinal Uses - Poke root is noted first and foremost for its effect on the Lymphatics. All glands are also benefited by its judicial use. It is very effective for the glandular conditions of the throat and sexual glands. It is specific for the mammary glands. It also acts on the skin. In large doses it can be poisonous or fatal. So it is an herb which although very wonderful in its medicinal applications must be used with common sense.

• The most active part is the root. I have used the whole plant for various purposes, but the root is the most active and important medicinal agent. Although the leaves are very useful as a poultice, whereas the root is to irritating and would definitely cause blistering. The root is sometimes used to burn off skin cancer. So one should be aware of the irritating nature of the root when applied to the skin. Of course it is sometimes used in this way as an escharotic to actually burn off the skin cancer. The leaves are used in poultice in cases of breast cancer to act more gently to help promote the suppuration of the tumor.  

Parts Used - This tincture is made with the root for the Poke Plant and is safe for herbal use.

*****Poke leaf is not safe and should not be used internally. Consumption of poke leaves can cause gastroenteritis with intense vomiting and frothy diarrhea.

Each tincture comes in a light-resistant amber bottle, with an eye dropper, and a tamper-evident seal.

Suggestions - This herb should be used for no more than five days at a time and never by pregnant women or children.

Suggested Topical Application/Poultice: Warm a pot of water. Put 4-6 droppersful (not drops) into the pot of water. A dropperful is the amount that is drawn up into the glass pipette when the droppertop bulb is squeezed. It will usually fill it about 1/2 way. Soak a clean white cloth in the Poke Root water, squeeze out the excess, and apply to the sore or plugged area of the breast. Make it warm, but be careful not to burn the skin. This method, known as a compress, works extremely well in cases of plugged ducts, even if it hasn't become an actual breast infection. Continue to re-soak and re-apply this compress for 20-30 minutes. You may briefly re-heat the Poke Root water on the stove if needed (do not boil or microwave it). Repeat this 3-4 times a day or as desired.

Precautions - To be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this substance. Not to be used while pregnant. It is not recommended for internal use unless supervised as stated above. Not to be taken if you have severe liver or kidney disease. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Pregnant and nursing women should not take poke root. This herb is quite potent, so it should be taken only under the guidance of a skilled herbalist. If you suffer from lymphatic cancer, do not take this herb. Large doses may have narcotic effects and slow the heart rate and decrease blood pressure, so always use caution. Side effects may include prolonged vomiting, convulsions, muscle spasms and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. If any of these effects manifest, stop using immediately.

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Please note:  We do not directly or indirectly dispense medical advise or prescribe the use of herbs. In the event you use the herbs without your doctor's approval, you are prescribing for yourself, which is your constitutional right, but we assume no responsibility. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, have heart disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure or diabetes, seek the advice of a health professional before using herbal products.