Medicinal Plants : Ceanothus americanus

Name

Red root

Biological Name

Ceanothus americanus

Other Names

New Jersey Tea, Jersey tea, mountain-sweet, red root, Walpole tea, wild snowball, wild snowball, New Jersey Tea Tree, bobea

Parts Used

Bark of the root

Remedies For

Astringent, expectorant, sedative.

New Jersey tea root-bark has been recommended for various chest problems, including chronic bronchitis, nervous asthma, whooping cough, and consumption. It has also been used as a gargle for inflammations and irritations in the mouth and throat, particularly for swollen tonsils. American Indians used a tea made from the whole plant for skin problems (including skin cancer and venereal sores). The tea may help raise a patient’s spirits when despondency sets in during illness.

Historically it was believed that gargling with a strong tea every two hours will reduce sore, swollen tonsils. If tonsils are very sore and swollen, make a swab and work around good and then gargle. It will reduce very badly enlarged tonsils, and the trouble will rarely recur. It is also believed to be useful for spleen problems.

In combination with fringe tree and golden seal, it is good for sick headache, acute indigestion, and nausea due to the poor activity of the liver.

Traditionally, this was prescribed as a remedy for diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung infections.

Description

New Jersey tea is a small, deciduous shrub common in dry woods at low elevations all across the U.S. The large root is red inside and is covered with brownish or reddish bark. The round, slender, reddish stems bear alternate, ovate or oblong-ovate, finely serrate leaves which are dull green on top and finely hairy beneath. Small white flowers grow in long- stalked clusters which form large panicles at the ends of the branches from June to August.

Dosage

Infusion- Steep 1 tsp. root-bark in 1 cup water. Take 1 to 2 cups a day.

Tincture: Take 10 to 20 drops in water, three or four times a day.

Safety

No information is available.