A perennial herb, 5 or 6 feet in height. Leaves paired and ovate, toothless, dark green above, paler and downy beneath, 2"-3" long. Stems ruddy and branching, and, in common with the other three members of the genus, yielding on incision a milky juice resembling India rubber when dry. Flowers bell shaped, white, tinged with red and fragrant, dangling from curved stalks; five scales in the throat of the corolla secrete a sweet liquid, attractive to flies. These scales are very sensitive, and when touched bend inward, imprisoning the insects. Fruit dry narrow pods, in pairs, 3"-8" long. Seeds reddish, with long white hairs.

Analgesic, anticonvulsant, antidote, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, contraceptive, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, hydragogue, lactagogue, laxative, narcotic, tonic (plant); cardiotonic, cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and expectorant (roots)

Plants For A Future

Androsin, apocynin (root); cymarin (plant)

The plant is used to treat a wide variety of complaints including arthrosis, ascites, cirrhosis, constipation, diabetes, dysuria, epistaxis, edema, gall stones, headaches, convulsions, earache, heart palpitations, colds, malaria, neuralgia, ophthalmia, rheumatism, scrofula, syphilis, insanity and vertigo. The roots has a powerful action in slowing the pulse and also has a very strong action on the vaso-motor system. The juice of the fresh root has been used in the treatment of syphilis. The sap of the plant has been applied externally to get rid of warts. The roots were boiled in water and the water drunk once a week in order to prevent conception. The green fruits were boiled and the decoction used in the treatment of heart and kidney problems and for the treatment of dropsy.

Should be used with great caution, and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner if taking this plant internally.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P: 692, CRC Press July 2002.