Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
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Pinkroot, Indian Pink
Spigelia merilandica
Other Names: Indian Pink, Maryland
Pink, Pinkroot, Wormgrass, American Wormgrass, American Wormroot, Starbloom
Caution : Toxic! Useful only
to experienced herbalists familiar with its use.
Habitat
Southeastern N. American native perennial herb, found in rich woods from
New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin, primarily in the Southern
States. Indian Pink is fast disappearing, due to over harvesting. Cultivation: a
very ornamental plant, Indian Pink succeeds in most fertile soils in semi-shade,
transplant root cuttings in rich well drained soil. The leaves are pointed,
stemless, alternate and opposite growing from 2 to 4 inches long, and up to 3
inches wide. The showy flowers are tube-shaped, bright scarlet red outside,
opening into a bright yellow 5 pointed star, flowers bloom from May to July atop
a smooth simple erect stem from 6 inches to 2 feet high. The roots are rhizome,
knotty and dark-brown externally, with many thin, long, wiry rootlets attached
to it, marked with scars of the stems of former years, internally the rhizome is
whitish, with a darkbrown pith. Collect rootstock, after the flowers fade. The
root is best used when fresh but can be harvested in the autumn then dried for
herb use.
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Properties
Pink Root, was being used medicinally by the Native Americans long before
America was even discovered. Long used as an alternative medicine its
proven medicinal constituents are Spigeline, Lignin, tannin, albumen, and
myricin. Some of these are showing promise as antiHIV, anticancer and
anticoronary. Other medicinal properties include antibacterial,
antidiarrheic, antioxidant, antiviral, anthelmintic, and laxative. It is
most popular as an anthelmintic and is most potent for tapeworm and for
the round worm. It is a safe and efficient drug, if administered in proper
doses and always followed by a saline aperient, such as magnesium sulphate.
Otherwise unpleasant and serious side effects may occur. Said to be
narcotic in large doses, causing increased heart action, dizziness,
vertigo, disturbed vision, muscular spasms, convulsions and possibly
death.Folklore
Used by the Cherokee and other American Indians tribes as a ritual
and ceremonial herb to induce visions and foretell the future. Also used
as poison in some suicidal ceremonies.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen
Bergeron
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