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 Herbal
Glossary | Medicinal Glossary
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Wahoo
Common Names Parts Usually UsedBark and root bark Description of Plant(s) and CultureWahoo is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 25 feet high. The bark is gray and its smooth, somewhat quadrangular branches bear opposite, elliptic, pointed leaves that are finely serrate and fine-haired underneath. Axillary cymes of 7 or more purple flowers appear during June. The fruit develops in October and is a scarlet, four-lobed capsule containing brown seeds with scarlet arils. Its most striking appearance is presented in winter, when its pale purple fruits have burst open and been exposed by the fallen leaves, all against a backdrop of glaring snow. It is this appearance which has earned it the nickname of burning bush. Wahoo can be recognized by the unusual structure of its fruit after the leaves drop in the autumn. For medicinal use, the bark should be gathered in the fall. The
fruits may be attractive but they are considered poisonous and should
not be used. Where FoundFound in moist woods and along riverbanks in the eastern United States;
as far west as Montana and Texas. Ontario to Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas,
Oklahoma to North Dakota. Medicinal PropertiesCholagogue (increases flow of bile to the intestine), alterative,
cardiac, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, tonic Biochemical InformationBitter principle, euonic acid, crystalline glucoside, asparagins,
fat, culvitol, 14% ash and resins. Legends, Myths and StoriesThe name "Wahoo" is a Native American name, most commonly applied to a large shrub or small tree. The name wahoo is also given to an Elm (Ulmus alata) and another variety, Euonymus americanus. The European settlers didn't take long to pick up the Native American
applications of wahoo bark, using it for laxative, diuretic, and tonic
effects. Something of a nineteenth century fad developed, and the
bark went into various patent medicines and was extremely popular
for a time in England. It was listed as an official drug plant. In
1912, a report was published showing the plant produced digitalis-like
effect on the heart, boosting the herb's popularity as a heart medicine.
But 4 years later wahoo was dropped as an official drug plant, though
it continued to be included in the National Formulary until 1947.
UsesWahoo was a popular diuretic drug during the nineteenth century. It was also recommended for chest and lung congestion, indigestion, excellent laxative, used to treat malaria (better than quinine they say), dropsy, and fever. After the discovery early this century that wahoo has a digitalis-like effect on the heart, it also became popular as a cardiac drug. It is basically a stomach bitter that removes liver congestion and
thus relieves pains and congestion in the chest. A decoction of the
bark will stimulate bile flow and have a mild laxative action; and
also is useful for treating venereal
diseases, uterine discharge, skin ailments and to induce vomiting.
It is a remedy for dandruff
and scalp problems. Formulas or DosagesInfusion: steep 1 level tsp. bark in 1 cup water for 30 minutes. Take 1/2 to 1 cup an hour before meals for indigestion. Decoction: 1 oz. bark boiled slowly in a pint of water. When cooled, the decoction is served 2 to 3 times per day in wineglassful doses. The bark may also be steeped in grain alcohol (not rubbing alcohol)
to make a tincture, given in 5-10 drop doses (3-9 gms), usually mixed
with water or on sugar. WarningThe leaves, bark, and fruit of wahoo are considered poisonous and can cause various symptoms of poisoning, such as nausea, cold sweats, and prostration. The fruits may be attractive but they are considered poisonous and should not be used. Using too much wahoo bark or root bark may result in a severe purgative action. Should be used under medical supervision.
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Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants
