Medicinal Plants : Apocynum androsaemifolium

Name

Dogbane

Biological Name

Apocynum androsaemifolium

Other Names

Bitterroot, catchfly, flytrap, honeybloom, milk ipecac, milkweed, mountain hemp, spreading dogbane, wallflower, wandering milkweed, western wallflower, dogbane

Parts Used

Rootstock

Remedies For

Cathartic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, stimulant

Dogbane has been used to relieve dyspepsia, constipation, fever, gallstones, and dropsy. Given in large doses, it is cathartic and emetic. When used, it is generally combined with less harsh medications suitable for the intended purpose.

CAUTION: Eating the leaves has killed livestock

Description

Dogbane is a native perennial plant found in both the Atlantic and Pacific coastal states, in dry, sandy soils and around the edges of forests. A large, horizontal, milky rootstock sends up a glabrous stem with tough, fibrous bark to a height of 1 to 4 feet. The leaves are opposite, roundish to oblong-ovate or ovate, dark green above, lighter and hairy beneath, and grow on short, reddish petioles. The nodding flowers grow in terminal cymes and are pink outside, pink and white striped inside. Flowering time is May to August The fruit is a pair of long slender pods. All parts of the plant contain a milky juice.

Dosage

Not recommended for use without medical direction. DO NOT USE.

Infusion: Steep 1 tsp. rootstock in I pint boiling water. Take cold, 2 to 3 tsp. six times a day.

Tincture: Take 5 to 10 drops in water before meals

Safety

CAUTION: Eating the leaves has killed livestock.

NOT RECOMMENDED. CONTACT A PHYSICIAN.