Veronicastrum virginicum.   Culver's root, Black root, Physic root, Leptandra    Family: Scrophulariaceae   
PART USED: Underground parts
TASTE: Bitter and acrid ODOR: Slight
ACTIONS
1. Cathartic. Mild cathartic.[1,3]
2. Cholagogue.[1,2,3] Hepatic.
3. Diaphoretic.[1,3]
4. Spasmolytic.[1,3]
INDICATIONS
1. Constipation with liver congestion.[1,2,3] Intestinal disturbances.
2. Liver disorders with chronic constipation.[1] Jaundice.[1] Icterus Cholocystitis.[1,2] Headaches associated with Liver problems.
3. Fevers.
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Constipation with symptoms of hepatic congestion.[1]
COMBINATIONS
- Cathartic and hepatic agent, with Dandelion, Barberry and Capsicum.
- Constipation associated with flatulent distension, with Golden Seal and Acorus.
PREPARATIONS
Rhizome about 0.5 cm in diameter, showing stem bases at intervals of 1-2 cm, blackish-brown, with transverse scars in rings 0.25-0.5 cm apart, chiefly on the lower surface. Rootlets wiry, brittle, with a horny fracture showing a paler core of wood and a thick brown cortex.
Dried Rhizome and root 0.5-4 g.[1] Powdered root bark 1-4 g
Decoction[1]  0.5-4 g  in  10-80 ml  water.[1,2]
Fluid Extract 1: 1 in 70% alcohol 0.5-4 ml.[1,2]
Tincture 1:5 in 70% alcohol 2.5-10 ml.[1,2]
ORIGIN: North America
DESCRIPTION: This is an erect perennial herb that grows 80–200 cm in height. The leaves are serrated and arranged in whorls of 3-7 around the stem. The inflorescence is erect with slender and spike-like racemes to about 22 cm long and give the flower cluster a "candelabra appearance". The stamens are crowded and protrude in a brush-like fashion perpendicular to the raceme. The corollas are white and are roughly 2 mm in length.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Amorphous bitter substance.[1] Resin.[1,2] Cinnamic acid and p-methoxycinnamic acid esters.[1,2] 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid.[1] Mannitol.[1] Dextrose.[1]
Verosterol.[1] Fatty acids.[1] Tannin.
Volatile oil containing esters of cinnamic acid, methoxycinnamic acid, and dimthyoxycinnamic acid.[3]
Mannitol, dextrose, tannin.[5]
Saponins.[4]
References
[1] British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983 Published by the British Herbal Medicine Association ISBN 0 903032 07 4.
[2] Herbal Materia Medica Course Notes For Diploma of Naturopathy and Diploma of Herbalism Students by Lydia Mottram.
[3] British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Pub Britich Herbal Medicine Association (1983) UK.[3]
[4] The Merck Index, 9th Ed. (1976) Pub. Merck Inc. Rahway, NJ, USA
[5] Drogenkunde, 8th Ed. Heinz, A., Hoppe. Pub. W. de Gruyter (1975) Berlin