Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among North American Indigenous peoples and later among eclectic physicians in the 19th century. It has been employed as a "lymphatic" herb, believed to stimulate lymphatic drainage and address conditions such as swollen glands, mastitis, and other lymphatic congestion symptoms. The root, in particular, was used in very small doses due to its known toxicity. Traditional preparations included tinctures, teas, and topical poultices, although the margin between a therapeutic and toxic dose is narrow. Despite these historical uses, modern scientific studies validating pokeweed's effectiveness for supporting the lymphatic system are extremely limited. Most available research focuses on pokeweed's toxicology—highlighting the presence of compounds such as phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms if improperly prepared. Some laboratory studies have isolated pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), but these investigations are preliminary and not specifically related to lymphatic support. In summary, while pokeweed's traditional reputation as a lymphatic stimulant is well-documented, rigorous clinical research confirming its efficacy and safety for this purpose is lacking, and its use carries significant risk of toxicity.

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