Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Elaeagnus, Autumn Olive or Oleaster
Twenty-three varieties of Elaeagnus have documented use in Herbal Medicine. Elaeagnus angustifolia - Oleaster, Elaeagnus commutata - Silverberry, Elaeagnus cordifolia, Elaeagnus formosana, Elaeagnus fragrans, Elaeagnus glabra, Elaeagnus gonyanthes, Elaeagnus latifolia - Bastard Oleaster, Elaeagnus macrophylla, Elaeagnus maritima, Elaeagnus montana, Elaeagnus multiflora - Goumi, Elaeagnus multiflora ovata - Goumi, Elaeagnus oldhamii, Elaeagnus orientalis - Trebizond, Elaeagnus parvifolia, Elaeagnus pungens - Elaeagnus, Elaeagnus pyriformis, Elaeagnus thunbergii, Elaeagnus umbellata - Autumn Olive, Elaeagnus x ebbingei - Elaeagnus, Elaeagnus x reflexa, Elaeagnus yoshinoi
None of these are native to my region, but naturalized are: Elaeagnus multiflora (Goumi or Cherry Silverberry), Elaeagnus pungens (Thorny-Olive, Silverthorn) and Elaeagnus umbellata var. parvifolia (Autumn-Olive, Silverberry).
In many areas, Autumn Olive is considered an invasive “weed”. Such plants are often very potent medicinally, and this is no exception. Frankly, I like weeds!
Dioscorides though, wrote of the Oleaster that was known in his region:
The oozing of the Ethiopian olive tree in a way resembles scammony. It is a deep yellow consisting of little drops of a biting nature. That which is similar to gum and ammoniacal — blackish, and not biting to the taste — is useless. The olive tree and wild olive tree bear such a gum as this. It is good for moisture of the sight, and rubbed on it cleans scars and white spots on the cornea of the eyes. It induces the movement of urine and the menstrual flow, and it is effective for toothache put into the cavities. It is categorised among medicines that are destructive, it expels the birth, and cures impetigo [skin infection] and lepra [old use — psoriasis]. The wild olive tree is also called the Ethiopian olive tree.
It is important not to confuse Oleaster with Oleander. Maude Grieve tells us of Oleander:
An evergreen ornamental shrub to 12 feet high and as wide with white, pink or red flowers in spring and summer. The leaves resemble olive and bay trees. The flowers have five petals and resemble a tiny rose. It thrives in hot, mild climates and tolerates considerable drought, poor drainage and high salt content in the soil. Since deer will not eat this plant and it is so tolerant of a variety of poor soils, it is commonly used as a decorative freeway median in California and other mild-winter states in the USA.
All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and other animals. Children should be cautioned against eating the leaves and flowers. Prunings and dead leaves should be kept away from hay or other animal feed. The wood should not be used for barbecue fires or skewers. The smoke can cause severe irritation.
John Gerard says (from "The Herbal, or General History of Plants", 1633 edition),
"This tree being outwardly applied, as Galen saith, hath a digesting faculty; but if it be inwardly taken it is deadly and poisonsome, not only to men, but also to most kinds of beasts."
The flowers and leaves kill dogs, asses, mules, and very many of other four footed beasts: but if men drink them in wine they are a remedy against the bitings of Serpents, and the rather if Rue be added.
The weaker sort of cattle, as sheep and goats, if they drink the water wherein the leaves have been steeped, are sure to die."
Back to the Eleagnus, Plants for A Future states:
Medicinal use of Goumi: The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers. The leaves are used in the treatment of coughs. The fruit is prescribed in the treatment of watery diarrhoea. The root is astringent, a decoction is used to treat itch and foul sores.
Medicinal use of Autumn Olive: The flowers are astringent, cardiac and stimulant. The seeds are used as a stimulant in the treatment of coughs. The expressed oil from the seeds is used in the treatment of pulmonary affections. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
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
His New book is:
Read About: The Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast
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Available in paperback on Amazon:
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Available for purchase on Amazon:
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His other works include:
Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
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Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide
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Available for purchase on Amazon:
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Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R
The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs:
southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html
Available for purchase on Amazon:
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Christian Medicine, History and Practice:
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Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB
Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People
southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html
Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25
Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide
http:///www.amazon.com/dp/1005082936
The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html
Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
His weekly articles may be read at judsoncarroll.com
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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.