Stillingia Root

History and Uses:
Stillingia Root is a perennial plant that is native to North America (particularly the southern United States), and became the "alterative" (in medicine - gradually restoring to health) of choice in the last century. Historically, Stillingia was once thought to be a reliable cure for syphilis (which it is not), the decoction having been used to treat continuing pain and ulceration after mercurial treatment. American Eclectic physicians in the nineteenth century used it as a treatment for tuberculosis and cancer, as well as other conditions for which an alterative could be recommended. Stillingia Root is said to be beneficial in disease states that affect the skin, i.e., psoriasis and eczema. Stillingia, though believed to be extremely beneficial for blood purification, is best when used in small amounts, often blended with other herbs such as Prickly Ash Bark (a diaphoretic, assisting in the discharge of toxins). The primary chemical constituents of this herb include tannins, volatile oil, acrid resin (sylvacrol), acrid fixed oil, starch, calcium oxalate, cyanogenic glycosides, gum and other resins. Stillingia Root is of value in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and it is specifically indicated where there is lymphatic involvement. Treatment is likely to be fairly long-term. This herb is also used to treat bronchial congestion and laryngitis, especially when accompanied by loss of voice and laryngismus stridulus (sudden laryngeal spasm, sometimes called spasmodic croup). It may also be used to treat croup when the cough is harsh (the herb helps promote the flow of saliva). It will help to relieve constipation and, as an astringent, it is particularly said to be beneficial for hemorrhoids. Stillingia was traditionally thought to be helpful in cases of fluid imbalance in the body, including blood, bile and lymph.