Witnessed by: TCM
Pokeroot (Phytolacca acinosa), of the Phytolaccaceae family. Stout herbaceous perennial with fleshy root and spikes of berries; native range: China, the Himalaya and eastern Asia. Globally recognized as shang lu (商陸) in Chinese, and Indian pokeweed, poke in English. The part used is root. Thick pale root in transverse rings, acrid and numbing to the tongue.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
POKEROOT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- pokeroot
- Scientific name
- Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.
- Family
- Phytolaccaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- cold
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Spleen · Kidney · Large Intestine
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- drives out water and drains downward, reduces severe swelling, disperses nodules and sores when applied topically
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy and in the weak or deficient; not for edema without excess
- Toxicity
- toxic — overdose brings vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and cardiac and respiratory depression
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