BITTERSWEET

BITTERSWEET

(Celastrus spp.)

Other Names

Nightshade, Scarlet Berry, Violet Bloom, Woody

Description

Bittersweet is a perennial, woody vine found in moist areas.   This vine grows up to 10 feet, producing purplish leaves and purple star shaped flowers that bloom from May through August, then producing a scarlet red, bitter berry. 

Classification

Taste

Balance Yin/Yang

Humor

Uses/Applications

Use Bittersweet for skin and rheumatic complaints, psoriasis, eczema, arthritic inflammation, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, and hepatic disease.   The ointment made from the stems and leaves is used for eczema, psoriasis, ulcers and the treatment of rheumatism.

Combinations

Unknown

Constituents

Dulcamarin, Tannin Gum, 1% Alkaloids.

Action

Diuretic, Alternative, Anti-Rheumatic, Expectorant, Mild Sedative.

Food Values

None

Part Used

Leaves, Stem, Bark of the Root.

Collection

Collect the leaves in the summer, the stems in the fall, and the bark anytime.

Preparation

Infusion

Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp. dried herb.   Infuse 10 minutes.   Take two times per day.

Tincture

1 - 2 ml. three times per day.

Growing Directions

Bittersweet berries are borne only on the female plant that must be pollinated, so a male and female plant are needed.   It is an aggressive plant, tending to shade out other plants and grow all over them.   For growing ability in your area check with your local nursery.

History

Bittersweet was called the Woody Nightshade by the old herbalist’s

to distinguish it from the Deadly Nightshade.   Bittersweet, was

given its name because the root and stem, if chewed, first tastes

bitter and then sweet. Another old name for it is Felonwood.

In the days of witchcraft, shepherds used to hang Bittersweet as a charm round the necks of their beasts who they believed to be under the evil eye.

The older physicians valued Bittersweet highly and used it for many purposes in medicine and surgery.   Many of which are no longer used.   It was famous as far back as the time of Theophrastus, and we know of it being in use in this country in the thirteenth century.

Boerhaave, the celebrated Dutch physician, considered the young shoots superior to Sarsaparilla as a restorative.   Linnaeus, who at first had an aversion to the plant, later spoke of it in the highest reguard as a remedy for rheumatism, fever and inflammatory diseases of all kinds.   Over the years it has been recommended for almost every illness and disease..

Additional Information

1.   An active ingredient Solanine acts as a narcotic.   In large doses it paralyses the central nervous system, without affecting the peripheral nerves or voluntary muscles.

2. Bittersweet possesses narcotic properties, with the power of increasing the secretions, particularly those of the skin and kidneys.

Cautions

1.   High doses may cause nausea and palpitations.

2.   Berries are poisonous.

3.   Medical treatment or supervision is recommended for internal application.

Magick Information

Gender:

 Masculine

Planet:

 Mercury

Element:

 Air

Deity:

 None

Powers:

 Protection

Magickal Uses:

 Tie a small bag around your neck to ward off evil.