Canadian Hemp
Botanical Description & Habitat
Apocynum Cannabinum
Family
Apocynaceae
Common Names
Bitterroot
Catchfly
Dogbane
Fly-Trap
Honeybloom
Indian-Hemp
Milk Ipecac
Milkweed
Wallflower
Wild Cotton
Habitat
Cultivated in Russia but found mostly in Canada and U.S.
Description
It is a perennial plant with an erect stem. The plant contains yellow-green short leaves which have a thorny tip.
The plant bears white-green or even pink-violet flowers.
Medicinal Parts
Root-fresh
Juice-extracted from the fresh plant
Historical Properties And Uses
The juice is used for the treatment of warts. American Indians have been reported to use the roots for asthma, dropsy, coughs, syphilis, and rheumatism. According to folk medicine, the root can strengthen weak heart muscles following pneumonia, valvular insufficiency, and senile heart. Also used as a diuretic.
Method Of Action
The Canadian hemp root contains cardioactive glycosides, including cymine, which cause bradycardia, increased heart contraction, lowered blood pressure and subsequently rebound hypertension. Vasomotor centers are stimulated and increased diuresis may result. It has a lower effect on atrial fibrillation in comparison to digitalis, but causes more severe irritation of the intestinal mucous membrane than digitalis and strophantus preparations.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Avoid using digoxin and other cardiac glycosides as the additive effect may increase toxicity.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
The digitalis-like cardiac glycosides constituents can cause toxicity. Due to the intestinal irritation of the mucous membrane, nausea and vomiting may occur, even with therapeutic dosages.
Preparation & Administration
Three times a day:
Liquid Extract
10 to 30 drops
Tincture
(1:10), 0.3-0.6 ml
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Brinker, Francis Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Gruenwald, J, Brendler, T & Jaenicke, C (Eds.): PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics, NJ. 1998
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996
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