Mayapple Root Powder: (Podophyllum peltatum; American Mandrake) 1 lb: C
This is Starwest’s nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Used as an infusion, decoction, extract, and tincture. The medicinal and edible fruit of the Mayapple was used extensively by Native Americans. The fully ripe fruit is eaten raw, cooked or made into jams, jellies, marmalades, pies. It is very aromatic, and has a sweet peculiar but agreeable flavor. It is the Mayapple’s creeping rhizome, which is pencil-thin and can be up to 6 feet long, that is used medicinally. The gathering takes place in autumn when the plants are dying down, the rhizomes dried and crushed into a powder. Although the powder has been used as a remedy for conditions ranging from liver ailments to cancer, it is still best known as a purgative. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists the use of the plant as ‘unsafe.’ Although Mayapple extract has been shown to be effective against skin cancer tumors, unfortunately, it was toxic to underlying tissue. In fact, pharmaceutical workers and their assistants handling the powdered root often developed skin sores and eye inflammations. However, because the extract, called podophyllin, contained at least 20 compounds that could be identified, there was a possibility that some of the beneficial components could be separated from the toxic ones. One of these beneficial components was shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatism. The FDA is confirmed by the experts below – Podophyllum should be used only by professional herbalists. It can be a powerful and useful alternative medicine, but a dangerous one. Small doses given frequently should be used in order to prevent severe purgative action. Steep 1 tsp. in a pint of boiling water and take 1 tsp. of this tea at a time. Take 1 capsule a day for no longer than 1 week at a time. Should be administered under medical supervision. Not for children. Grieve’s classic ‘A Modern Herbal’: ‘Antibilious, cathartic, hydragogue, purgative.’ ‘Podophyllum is a medicine of most extensive service; its greatest power lies in its action upon the liver and bowels. It is a gastro-intestinal irritant, a powerful hepatic and intestinal stimulant. In congested states of the liver, it is employed with the greatest benefit, and for all hepatic complaints it is eminently suitable, and the beneficial results can hardly be exaggerated.’ ‘In large doses it produces nausea and vomiting, and even inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which has been known to prove fatal. In moderate doses, it is a drastic purgative with some cholagogue action. Like many other hepatic stimulants, it does not increase the secretion of bile so much when it acts as a purgative.’ ‘Podophyllum is a powerful medicine exercising an influence on every part of the system, stimulating the glands to healthy action. It is highly valuable in dropsy, biliousness, dyspepsia, liver and other disorders. Its most beneficial action is obtained by the use of small doses frequ
