Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Epigaea
Two varieties of Epigaea have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Epigaea asiatica and Epigaea repens - Mayflower
Epigaea repens (Trailing Arbutus) is native to my region.
The Cherokee used Trailing Arbutus:
Used in the medicine… “For diarrhea.” An ingredient in the medicine… “For abdominal pains caused by the terrapin.” A tea is made for chest ailments. In summertime the roots and leaves are used; in winter only the roots are used. A tea is drunk for kidney trouble.
King’s American Dispensatory of 1898 states:
This shrubby little plant grows in sandy woods, sometimes in rocky soil in the, shade of pines, and is found from Newfoundland to Northwest Territory and Michigan, and south to Kentucky and Florida. Its flowers exhale a rich, spicy fragrance, and appear from March to May. It is much sought in early spring, and admired by flower lovers for its modest beauty and fragrance. Cattle that chew this herb are said to be seriously affected by it. The leaves which have an astringent, bitterish taste, are the medicinal parts, and yield their properties to water or spirits.
Chemical Composition.—Trailing arbutus contains tannin, as shown by Jefferson Oxley (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1872, p. 253). He also observed a body giving some of the test reactions for gallic acid, but differing from the latter in not yielding pyrogallol by dry distillation. Mr. Oxley also found formic acid and the following principles, which also occur in Uva ursi, which see: The glucosid arbutin (C12H16O7), urson (C20H32O2), and the very bitter glucosid ericolin (C34H56O21) or, according to Thal (C26H30O3). Grape sugar, gum, and coloring matter were found in addition to, the constituents mentioned.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Trailing arbutus specifically influences the urinary organs. It is diuretic and astringent. This is a very valuable American remedy, and is highly beneficial in lithic acid gravel, and all diseases of the urinary organs attended with vesical irritation; it is superior to uva ursi, or foreign buchu, and where these have failed in producing benefit, this has succeeded. It maybe used as a substitute for uva ursi. It renders the urine less irritating, and will be found of value to control vesical tenesmus, dysuria, and strangury. A discharge of bloody muco-pus is an indication for its exhibition. The fluid extract and specific epigaea are elegant preparations for all urinary difficulties. It enters into a very useful preparation termed Diuretic compound, which see under the head of Infusions. It has been occasionally used with advantage in diarrhoea, and bowel complaints of children. The infusion of the leaves may be drank freely. Dose of specific epigaea, 10 to 30 drops in water every 2 to 6 hours; fluid extract, 10 to 40 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses.—Uric acid deposits; irritable vesical membrane; voiding of urine containing blood or muco-pus; debilitated and relaxed bladder.
Plants for A Future states:
Medicinal use of Mayflower: Mayflower is rarely used medicinally, even in folk medicine, though it is a strong urinary antiseptic and is one of the most effective remedies for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, bladder stones and particularly acute catarrhal cystitis. The leaves are astringent, diuretic and tonic. An infusion is made from the dried leaves, or a tincture from the fresh leaves. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of kidney disorders, stomach aches, bladder disorders etc. It is of special value when the urine contains blood or pus. Use with caution, the plant contains arbutin and, although this is an effective urinary disinfectant, it hydrolyzes to hydroquinone which is toxic. The leaves can be used fresh or can be harvested in the summer and dried for later use.
Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:
American Indians used leaf tea for kidney disorders, stomachaches, “blood purifier”. Leaf tea folk remedy for bladder, urethra and kidney disorders, “gravel” (kidney stones). Shakers sold this plant as “gravel plant.” Warning: Contains arbutin; although it is effective as a urinary antiseptic, it hydrolyzes to hydroquinone, which is toxic.
The PDR for Herbal Medicine states:
Eleuthro has astringent and diuretic properties.
PS. New in my Woodcraft Shop:
This article is an excerpt from
Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide
Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll
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Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide
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Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
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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.