Pokeberry Root – 1 lb (454 g)

Pokeberry Root, known in Chinese as 商陆 (Shānglù) and scientifically as Radix Phytolaccae, is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This TCM herb has been traditionally used to support natural wellness, maintain vitality, and encourage holistic balance. At TCMforyou.com, we provide premium-quality Pokeberry Root carefully sourced to preserve its therapeutic properties.

As a herbal supplement, Pokeberry Root helps promote overall well-being and supports natural energy, immunity, and balance. Integrating this herb into your wellness routine offers a gentle, time-tested approach to enhancing daily health. Whether brewed as tea, added to herbal remedies, or taken as part of a TCM formula, Pokeberry Root provides a safe, natural way to experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

Trusted for centuries, Pokeberry Root has been used in TCM to harmonize the body and encourage optimal functioning of key systems. At TCMforyou, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, delivering an herbal product aligned with traditional practices.

Experience the natural support of Pokeberry Root, promoting immune health, vitality, and holistic well-being. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and incorporate this gentle, effective herbal remedy into your daily wellness journey.

[Overview] This herb is also known as Zhanglu, Zhangliugen, Jianzhongxiao, and Danglu. It is the root of plants from the Phytolaccaceae family: Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. or Phytolacca americana L. It is produced throughout most regions of China, mainly in Henan, Anhui, and Hubei provinces. The roots are dug up from autumn to the following spring, cleaned, cut into pieces or slices, and dried in the sun or shade.

[Properties] Bitter in taste, cold in nature, and toxic. It enters the Lung, Spleen, Kidney, and Large Intestine meridians.

[Actions] Promotes diuresis to reduce swelling, facilitates urination and defecation, detoxifies and disperses nodules.

[Applications]
1. Used for edema with fullness and obstruction of urination and defecation. For edema caused by internal retention of dampness and water, with fullness and difficulty urinating, it can be cooked with carp soup for consumption; for severe edema, it is often combined with Kansui (Euphorbia kansui) and Tu Gou (a local herb); for generalized edema with panting, thirst, and difficulty urinating and defecating, it is combined with Areca (Areca catechu), Areca peel, Piper longum, and Alisma (Alisma orientale), as in the formula Shucao Yinzi (疏凿饮子).
2. Used topically for carbuncles, ulcers, scrofula, abdominal masses, and chest lumps, either applied fresh as a crushed poultice or rubbed onto the affected area.

[Dosage and Administration] Internal use: decoction, 3–9 g; or included in powders. External use: appropriate amount, crushed and applied as a poultice. For internal use, it is preferable to use vinegar-processed or long-steamed material; for external use, raw material is preferred.

[Cautions] Use with caution in patients with deficiency and edema; contraindicated in pregnancy. Start with small doses. This herb irritates the gastrointestinal tract, so it should be taken after meals.

[Modern Research]
1. Chemical constituents: The root contains triterpenoid saponins such as Phytolaccosides A, B, C, E, and American Phytolaccoside E; Phytolaccic acid, American Phytolaccic acid, Phytolaccigenin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as sterols and fatty acids.
2. Pharmacological effects: Phytolacca alcohol extract and other extracts show significant anti-inflammatory effects; both Phytolacca americana and Phytolacca acinosa contain mitogens that induce human peripheral blood lymphocyte transformation in vitro, promoting mitosis in T and B cells and stimulating B cells to produce immunoglobulins, mainly IgM. Phytolacca polysaccharides enhance phagocytic function of mouse peritoneal macrophages, stimulate mouse splenic lymphocyte proliferation, induce interleukin-2 production in spleen cells, and promote interleukin-1 production in peritoneal macrophages. Decoctions, tinctures, and extracts have notable expectorant effects; alkaloid fractions show antitussive effects on ammonia-induced cough in mice. Decoctions and tinctures inhibit Haemophilus influenzae, Pneumococcus, and Neisseria in vitro; aqueous extracts inhibit Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum audouinii. Phytolacca proteins exhibit significant anti-Herpes simplex virus type II activity; polysaccharides have certain antitumor effects.
3. Clinical reports: (1) Psoriasis: raw Phytolacca slices taken orally, adults 9 g daily in 3 doses, children reduced accordingly. In 40 cases, 12 cured, 9 markedly improved, 11 improved, 8 ineffective; cure rate 30%, total effective rate 80%. [Zhong Yi Za Zhi, 1984, 25(12):918] (2) Mammary gland hyperplasia: Phytolacca tablets (each containing 0.5 g raw herb), 6 tablets per dose, 3 times daily; if no adverse reactions, dose gradually increased up to 20 tablets per dose. In 253 cases, 94 cured, 72 markedly effective, 74 improved, 13 ineffective. [Zhong Cao Yao, 1985, 16(3):118]