Botanical Name
- Family Loganiaceae
- Spigelia marilandica
Common Names
- Pink Root, Maryland/Carolina Pinkroot, American Wormgrass/Wormroot, Indian/India/Carolina/Maryland Pink, Spigelia, Starbloom, Wormgrass
Cautions
- It should be used only under professional guidance as older sources state that the herb contains a toxin that paralyzes the spinal marrow that can lead to death through asphyxiation.
Description
Native to the southern US, pinkroot is a prolific perennial plant with oval to lance-shaped leaves, spikes of brilliant red-pink flowers, and a double seed capsule. It grows in dry, rich soil in woodland clearings and borders, especially in Kentucky, Florida, and Texas. The roots are unearthed in autumn.
History
Used extensively by Native Americans as a vermifuge, it was gathered for trade with the white settlers by the Creeks and Cherokees. From the late 18th century onward, it became a major de-worming herb in North America and Europe.
Key Actions
- antiparasitic
- strongly emetic
Key Components
- alkaloids (mainly spigeleine)
- volatile oil
- tannins
- acidic resins
- waxes
Medicinal Parts
- Rhizomes, roots
- Spigeleine is irritating to the stomach and strongly emetic.
Traditional Uses
Today, pinkroot is used solely to expel intestinal worms, especially tapeworms and roundworms. It is prescribed with such other herbs as senna and fennel to ensure the elimination of both the worms and the root itself, which is potentially toxic if it is absorbed through the gut. The recommended dosage is one ounce of the powdered root made into an infusion and taken morning and evening, with as little food during the day as possible between the two doses.
Several of the Spigelia species act as worm-expelling herbs. These include S. flemmingania, native to Brazil, and S. anthelmia, native to the Caribbean, Venezuela, and Colombia, which also contains isoquinoline alkaloids useful in the treatment of heart disease.
The root has also been used as a febrifuge and for malaria.
Homeopathic remedies are used as a calmative during states of excitement.