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Has been historically used for tonic, laxative (mild), antiseptic, refrigerant, bitter astringent, antacid, diuretic, resolvent, stomachic, cholagogue, purgative (large dose).
A deciduous shrub. The roots are yellow on the outside. The bark is bitter. Leaves are obovate. Stems are from 3-8 feet high, reddish when young, a dirty gray when older. The bright red, oblong berries grow along spiny, grooved branches and have an acid but agreeable taste. Should only be eaten when ripe. Found throughout eastern and central U.S. in hard, gravely or rich soils. Other species are found throughout the northern and western U.S.
The berries have an acid but agreeable taste and should only be eaten when ripe. They can be preserved or pickled. Bark of the root is hepatic. The berries are historically used as a laxative and a refrigerant, and historically used for reducing fevers. The fresh juice is historically used to strengthen gums. A decoction of either the berries or bark makes a good mouthwash or gargle for mouth and throat irritations. The stem, bark and root are anti-bacterial, historically used to improve liver action, liver problems, including alcohol abuse. Bark from the stem dilates blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
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