Medicinal Plants : Euonymus atropurpureus

Name

Wahoo

Biological Name

Euonymus atropurpureus
Celastraceae

Other Names

Wahoo, Spindle Tree, Whahow, wauhoo, Indian root, Indian arrow, Indian arrow wood, strawberry tree, pegwood, bitter ash, burning bush

Parts Used

Root bark

Active Compounds

Cardenolides based on digitoxigenin

Alkaloids such as asparagine & atropurpurine

Sterols; euonysterol, atropurpurol, homoeuonysterol.

Remedies For

Cholagogue, hepatic, laxative, diuretic, circulatory stimulant, tonic, expectorant, alterative.

Wahoo is one of the primary liver herbs. It removes congestion from the liver, allowing the free flow of bile and helps the digestive process. It may be used in the treatment of jaundice and gall-bladder problems such as inflammation and pain or congestion due to stones. Relieves constipation from liver or gall-bladder problems. Through its normalizing action upon the liver it may help in a range of skin problems where there is a possible involvement of the liver.

Traditionally used as a laxative, for chest and lung infections, fevers, malaria, dyspepsia, liver disorders, pancreas and spleen troubles as well as for dropsy.

Dosage

Decoction: Pour a cup of water onto l/2-l teaspoonful of the bark. Bring to the boil and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

Caution: Using too much wahoo bark may result in a severe purgative action. Be careful not to use too much and use only under proper supervision.

No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.