Re: Bitter-root?
Are you sure it is also called dogbane? I thought dogbane was the common name for the Apocynum family ("Apocynum is "dogbane" in Greek). Southwestern Indians made cordage of it, hence its name Indian hemp. Three strands were strong enough to make a bowstring. I've heard of the sap being made into a gum and chewed in parts of New Mexico, but I wouldn't try this as it is closely related to oleander.
Now the bitter root I know of is Gentiana lutea with a long history in Arabic and Greek herbalism. The died root and rhizome are the parts used medicinally.
An American bitter root, Gentiana catesbaci, also known as blue gentain, grows up and down the east coast. It was used by the Catawba Indians for back aches. The roots were steeped in hot water and the decoction applied to the painful area.
April 2005: From a thread on tribe.net
Re: treating depression with herbs?
I agree with all the advice suggesting a holistic approach incorporating exercise, diet, meditation, and life changes.
But there are some contraindications. If you are taking Xanax (alprazolam) , Prozac, or any other antidepressant, St. John's wort should be avoided due to possible serious adverse reactions. And if you are taking a muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine or a narcotic pain reliever like codeine, valerian should also be avoided.
Other things I would recommend: borage, used to treat melancholy since the middle ages (eat raw in salad or cooked like spinach); 5-HTP a form of the amino acid tryptophan (again, if you are on prescription drugs or pregnant, avoid the pure supplement and just eat foods rich in tryptophan: salmon, turkey, and milk products); and take vitamin B complex.
Stay sober. Be strong. Surround yourself with loving, supportive people.
You are not alone.
Email to the Shaman.
Created by
Phil Heiple.
Copyright 2000, 2005 Boa Boy Productions. All information is free for non-profit use.