Poke Root 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Poke Root – 100 g ($18.99), 50 g ($12.99), 25 g ($8.99)

Benefits:

Anti-Cancer
The plant contains a protein called “pokeweed antiviral protein,” or PAP for short that may have anti-tumour effects. It is currently being studied for its anti-cancer properties, and some studies have shown that certain formulations of PAP may be useful against some types of cancer cells that depend on hormones to grow such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Also, according to one animal study, PAP demonstrated anti-cancer effects in rodents. Another study found that PAP, when combined with an immunotherapy drug called TP-3, holds promise as a potential treatment for advanced osteosarcomas and some soft tissue sarcomas. And some studies have found that poke may actually inhibit the expression of some cancer genes.

According to a 2014 study, poke root extract may work against colon cancer cells by altering gene expression. Another 2015 study found that poke root seeds have anti-tumour activity against human colon cancer cells.

Anti-HIV Treatment
Maybe even more notable are the studies of the herb for use as a possible HIV treatment. The plant may have certain properties that both help strengthen the immune system by interacting with the proliferating T-cells and by inhibiting production of HIV viral proteins

Blood & Lymph Node Purifier
Much like yellow dock root, poke root is also a powerful blood purifier and lymph cleanser, inciting and increasing the action of lymph glands throughout the entire body. In fact, you’ll find it as an ingredient in Jon Barron’s Blood Support formula.

Arthritis
The herb is especially known as an effective treatment for pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis. As a topical treatment, it has also been used to treat skin ulcers, sore and infected breasts, skin rashes, fungal infections like ringworm, acne, and scabies.

Oral diseases
Poke root may also have antibacterial properties. In a 2014 lab study, poke root extracts destroyed bacteria responsible for periodontal disease and cavities. The researchers speculated that poke root works by inhibiting important enzymes in the bacteria.

Lymphatic System
Poke Root is a powerful cleansing remedy, used to help especially when the lymphatic system has become congested. This may show up in the early stages as being chronically tired with slightly swollen glands, but by the time the lymph is really congested, possibly progressing to advanced rheumatism, respiratory disease or auto-immunity issues; conditions that Poke Root has traditionally been used to treat.

This herb has also been used to help with the following conditions:
Endometriosis
Interstitial cystitis
Hemorrhoid pain
Headaches

Pokeweed is toxic when raw and needs to be cooked thoroughly as described below for safe consumption. It has been used for many years in this way.

Preparation
Bring 6 quarts water to a rolling boil, add pokeweed leaves, and continue boiling for 20 minutes. Remove the froth (scum) floating on top, discard hot water, and rinse leaves in cold water. Repeat the boil and rinse process, then drain the greens in a colander.

Botanical Name: Phytolacca americana
English: Poke Root
Also, known as: Pigeon Berry, American Pokeweed, Gewöhnlicheker Mesbeere, Pokeweed, Herbe De La Laque, Poke Sallet, Poke Berry, Poke, Inkberry, Cancer Root, American Nightshade, Pigeon Berry, Fitolacca, Great Pokeweed, Pokeberry, Red Ink Plant, American Nightshade, American Spinach, American Phytolaque Berry, Bear’s Grape, Branching Phytolacca, Cancer Jalap, Chongras, Coakum, Coakum-Chorngras, Cokan, Crowberry, Cayenne Spinach, Indian Spinach, False Vin, Fitolaca, Garget , Lacquer Grass, Hierba Carmine, Inkberry, Jalap, Kermesbeere, Lacquer, Phytolacca Berry, Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca decandra, American Phytolaque, Berry Phytolaque, Common Phytolaque, American Pokeweed, Pigeonberry, Pocan, Poke, Pokeweed berry, Pokeweed root, American Raisin, Red-Ink Plant, Red Plant, Red Weed, Scoke, Skoke, Dyer, Dyer, Judea Vine, Virginian Poke.
Origin: USA
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Root

General Information:
Phytolacca americana, commonly known as pokeweed, common poke or scoke, is a vigorous, herbaceous perennial plant in the pokeweed family. This is regarded as one of the most important of indigenous American plants, and one of the most striking in appearance. It is growing up to 8-10 feet tall with a spread to 3-5 feet wide. It has large, alternate, lanceolate and simple green leaves on red or purplish stems and a large white taproot. Leaves are 5-10″ long spreading to 2-4″ wide. The flowers are green to white, each flower composed of five showy petal-like greenish-white sepals, 10 stamens and a pistil composed of united carpels followed by deep purple to almost black berries covering the stem in clusters and resembling blackberries. Fruits are a food source for songbirds as well as other birds and some small animals. It has very large taproots which will grow to 12″ long and 4″ thick.

The young shoots are used as poke salad and the leaves as a folk medicine or tea. In both cases, the plant material should be boiled at least twice to get rid of the toxin, according to literature reports. Failure to do so has caused poisoning in humans. Ingesting a few berries does not cause problems, but larger quantities, if uncooked, can be toxic to humans. Cattle, horses, sheep, and particularly swine, have been poisoned by ingesting pokeweed plant material.

How to use:
Hot Infusion

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY. This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.