Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Lyonia and Manfreda virginica, Rattlesnake Master
(Photo By KENPEI - KENPEI's photo, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=860710)
Lyonia
Only two varieties of Lyonia have documented use in Herbal Medicine - Lyonia ovalifolia and Lyonia mariana.
Four varieties grow in my region: Lyonia ligustrina var. foliosiflora (Southern Maleberry), Lyonia ligustrina var. ligustrina (Northern Maleberry), Lyonia lucida (Shining Fetterbush), Lyonia mariana (Staggerbush)
Plants for A Future states:
Medicinal use of Lyonia ovalifolia: The young leaves and buds are toxic, but they are used externally as an infusion to treat skin diseases and external parasites.
Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:
Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana): Cherokees used leaf tea externally for itching, ulcers. Benjamin Smith Barton, in his classic Essay Towards a Materia Medica of the United States (1801), wrote that leaf tea was used as a wash for “disagreeable ulcerations of the feet, which is not uncommon among the slave and etc, in the southern states.” Warning: Poisonous, produces “staggers” in livestock, hence the name.
Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) - Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2068978
Manfreda virginica, Rattlesnake Master
Only one variety of Manfreda is known to Herbal Medicine. This is a uniquely “New World” herb and one of many that were introduced to colonists by Native Americans as useful to treat snake bites - several herbs have similar common names that were used for this purpose.
Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:
American Indians used diuretic root tea for dropsy. Wash used for snake bites. Roots nibbled for severe diarrhea, worms, laxative. Like species of Agave, this plant might be used as a source for steroid synthesis. Warning: May produce strongly irritating latex. Do not confuse with another plant called Rattlesnake Master (eryngium yuccifolium).
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Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.