PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA
\fˈa͡ɪtəlˌakə dɪkˈandɹə], \fˈaɪtəlˌakə dɪkˈandɹə], \f_ˈaɪ_t_ə_l_ˌa_k_ə d_ɪ_k_ˈa_n_d_ɹ_ə]\
Definitions of PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA
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The leaves, berries, and roots are employed. The young stems, when boiled, are sometimes eaten at table; but when old, they must be cautiously used, as the plant is emetic and cathartic. It is most celebrated as a remedy in chronic rheumatism; and is given in the form of tincture of the ripe berries. It is, also, used in cutaneous eruptions; tinea capitis, itch, cancerous ulcers, &c. The root is gathered and dried in the fall.
By Robley Dunglison
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Virginian poke; indigenous to the United States and also found (probably naturalized) in northern Africa and southern Europe. The root is used medicinally. It is emetic, cathartic, and in overdoses produces convulsions and death by respiratory paralysis. The berries are less active than the root. [Gr.]
By Smith Ely Jelliffe
