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.
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.
