American Bittersweet
- Celastrus scandens L.
- Celastrus orbiculatus
- Staff tree family
Common Names
 Bittersweet
Parts Usually Used
Bark of root
Description of Plant(s) and
Culture
Climbing, twining shrub; grows to 50 feet. Leaves ovate to oblong, sharp pointed, fine-toothed. Flowers greenish, in clusters, May to June. Fruit capsule scarlet to orange, splitting, to reveal scarlet seeds.
Where Found
Rich thickets from Quebec to Georgia; Alabama, Oklahoma to North Dakota.
Uses
Root-bark tea induces sweating; diuretic, emetic. Folk remedy for chronic liver and skin ailments, rheumatism, leukorrhea, suppressed menses. Externally; bark used in ointment for burns, scrapes, skin eruptions. American Indians used this plant as above, also used astringent leaf tea for diarrhea, dysentery. Root-bark tea is used for pain of childbirth. Bark extracts thought to be cardioactive.
Warning
Fruits are toxic. All parts potentially toxic.
This herb should not be used without medical supervision.
|
Back to Top
