Stillingia (Stillingia sylvatica)
Synopsis of stillingia
Stillingia sylvatica, commonly known as stillingia, queen’s root, or yawcroot, is a perennial herb native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family and was historically used in North American folk medicine and Eclectic medicine as a blood purifier, lymphatic stimulant, and alterative—a class of herbs believed to gradually restore health and balance to the body, especially by improving detoxification and elimination pathways.
Stillingia was primarily used to treat chronic skin conditions, syphilis, lymphatic stagnation, bronchitis, and liver congestion. It acts as a stimulating alterative, meaning it promotes detoxification by increasing the activity of the liver, lymph nodes, and excretory systems. Traditionally, it was also employed for chronic inflammatory diseases, scrofula (tubercular lymph node swelling), and joint issues.
Phytochemically, stillingia contains diterpenes, resins, volatile oils, and irritant compounds, which contribute to its powerful physiological effects. However, it also makes the herb potentially harsh and toxic in large or prolonged doses, especially on the gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes. Because of this, it has largely fallen out of favor in mainstream herbal practice and is used cautiously by modern herbalists.
Historical Use:
Stillingia was a key remedy in 19th-century American Eclectic medicine, where it was widely praised for its alterative and “blood-cleansing” abilities. Eclectic physicians recommended it for syphilis, skin eruptions, swollen glands, and chronic rheumatism. It was often included in compound formulas alongside herbs like sarsaparilla, burdock, and poke root—other strong detoxifying and lymphatic agents.
The name “queen’s root” is thought to stem from its reputation as a “royal” remedy in the herbal apothecary, particularly in the treatment of reproductive and venereal diseases, including mercury poisoning associated with syphilis treatments. It was also historically used for bronchial congestion, with some practitioners using it as an expectorant and respiratory stimulant in cases of chronic bronchitis or “torpid” lungs.
Despite its popularity in early American herbalism, stillingia was known to cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, burning in the throat, or diarrhea, particularly if used in high doses or in its fresh form. As a result, it was traditionally dried and combined with soothing demulcents to mitigate its intensity.
Stillingia is used for these health conditions
Abscesses (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Lesions (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Ulcerations (external) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
stillingia is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
