Botanical Index No. 29

American Bittersweet

celastrus scandens

Medicinal Actions

Analysis pending research update.

Primary Conditions Treated

Amenorrhea Anemia Backache Burn Cancer breast Childbirth Cold Cough Debility Dermatosis Diarrhea Dropsy Dysentery Dysmenorrhea Dysuria Enterosis Fever Gastrosis Gingivosis Hemorrhoid Hepatosis Induration Leukorrhea Liver Spot Mastosis Nephrosis Pain Rheumatism Sore Stomatosis Swelling Syphilis Tuberculosis Ulcer VD Water Retention Wound

General Dosage

Make decoction, boiling down 1 lb of bark in 1 gallon water; reduce to 2 quarts; take wineglassful 2–3 ×/day. For anemia, a fistful of root bark to 1 gallon water; reduce to 1 pint; mix with wine and infusion of wild grape vine.

Safety & Contraindications

Not covered. “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages”. Fruit toxic; all parts potentially toxic.

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