Bryony
- Bryonia alba L.
- Gourd family
Common Names
 Kua-lou
Ladies' seal
Tamus
Tetterberry
White bryony
Wild bryony
Wild hops
Wild vine
Wood vine
Parts Usually Used
Rootstock
Description of Plant(s) and
Culture
White bryony is a perennial climbing plant; the prickly stem grows to a length of 10 feet and climbs using spiral tendrils that grow opposite to the leaves. The rootstock is dirty white, spindle-shaped and fleshy and contains milky juice. The leaves are cordate, five-lobed, and rough. Small, greenish-white or yellowish flowers grow in axillary corymbs from June or August. The fruit is a black, pea-sized berry.
Another variety: Red bryony (B. dioica) contains a dangerously poisonous resin.
Where Found
Cultivated in the United States and Europe, and occasionally found wild in moist areas and vineyards of Europe.
Medicinal Properties
Pectoral, purgative, anti-rheumatic
Legends, Myths and Stories
Bryony was considered a wicked plant in the Middle Ages. Medieval con men passed off carved bryony roots as mandrakes, making great profits and deceiving many people, including childless women who bought the root as a fertility drug or charm.
Uses
White bryony is a powerful purgative. In Germany, the rootstock is hollowed out and filled with beer. After 1 to 2 days, the beer is taken, a tsp. at a time, for constipation. The dried root is sometimes used for whooping cough. Also used for rheumatism, epilepsy, dizziness, palsy, dropsy, leprosy, convulsions, cramps, kidney stones, cough, shortness of breath. Externally, used to remove freckles, relieve sunburn, cleanse ulcers, sores, wounds, bruises, boils.
Formulas or Dosages
Except in an emergency, do not use white bryony without medical supervision.
Infusion: use 1 tsp. granulated rootstock with 1 pint boiling water. Take 1 tsp. every 1 or 2 hours, or as required.
Tincture: a dose is 5-10 drops.
Warning
White byrony purges violently; should have medical supervision.
The rootstock is poisonous in large doses. The berries are very poisonous. 40 berries will kill an adult; 15 berries will kill a child.
Another variety: Red bryony (B. dioica) contains a dangerously poisonous resin.
Do not use either Red or White Byrony without medical supervision.
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