plantations have been cultivated which yield an estimated 500 – 700 lb. of dried material for each acre. Clinically: No side effects can be found from the proper administration of Bitter root. Clinically used in many cases of heart deficiences, high blood pressure, Cardiac-sclerosis and blood circulation disturbance of second and third degree. It is prescribed in ampules only.
BITTER SWEET Solanum dulcamara, L.( N. O.: Solanaceae)
Common Names: Bitter Sweet, Nightshade, Violet Bloom, Felonwort, Mortal, Fever Twig. Features: Naturalized in the United States of America from native Europe and Asia. The zigzag, sprawling, slender vine climbs along trees, hedges, thickets and fences, especially in moist places, seldom exceeding 7 or 8 ft. in length.
In June and July the purplish or blue flowers can be seen arranged in cymes which are succeeded in the autumn by attractive bright red juicy berries that hang on the vine for several months. The attraction is for decoration only, they should not be eaten. The leaves are acute and generally smooth, of a dull green colour. When fresh, the leaf stems have an unpleasant odour, which is lost by drying. The root is long and almost orange-coloured. Twigs and root bark should be collected after the foliage has fallen. Taste is first bitter, then sweet.
BITTER SWEET Solanum dulcamara, L.( Ontario Department of Agriculture, Toronto, Canada)
Medicinal Parts: Bark of the root and twigs. Solvents: Diluted alcohol, boiling water. Bodily Influence: Alterative, Diaphoretic, Discutient, Diuretic, Deobstruent, Narcotic, Resolvent. Uses: Known to the original people of North America, Folk Medicine and Herbalists for skin conditions of which the symptom is obvious, but the source of the real culprit is usually large in the glandular system and blood stream.
It is serviceable in cutaneous diseases and syphilitic conditions, as it excites the venereal functions, and is in fact capable of wide application and use in Leprosy, Tetter and all skin diseases, Eczema, Scrofula, etc. Also for rheumatic and cachetic affections, ill-conditioned ulcers, glandular swellings, and in obstructed menstruation it serves a good purpose.
Dr. O. P. Brown( 1875):“ The Complete Herbalist regard this plant as important as any in the Herbal Kingdom, and too little justice is done to it by those under whose care the sick are intrusted.” Recent information from“ Rodale Health Bulletin”, September 1966: Dr. Kupchan said,“ We’ re using Folk Medicine and Herbalism as source of leads. One of the plants we’ re studying, Solanum dulcamara, also called‘ Bitter sweet’ or Woody nightshade, was recommended by Galen in A. D. 150 as a treatment