Black Culver's Root

Scientific Name(S): Veronica virginica = Veronicastrum virginicum (L) Farw. (syn: V. sibiricum L. Pennell, Sibirica L.) Leptandra virginica (Nutt.) Fam: Scrophulariaceae

Common Name(S): Black Root, Culver's Root, Culveris Root, Culvers Physic, Physic Root, Bowman's Root, Brint, Root, Hini, Leptandra, Leptandra-Wurzel, Oxadody, Tall Speedwell, Tall Veronica Whorlywort.

Botany: Black culver's root is a tall, herbaceous perennial consisting of a simple, erect stem growing from approximately 0.9 to 2 m tall. Whorled leaves (from 4 to 7) terminate in spikes of white flowers approximately 8 to 25 cm long, which bloom in July through August. The purple flower variety is termed Leptandra purpurea. Native to North America, but growing elsewhere, black culver's root prefers meadows and rich woodlands. The medicinal parts of the plant include the dried rhizome with the roots.

History: The first documented use of culver's root was when Puritan leader Cotton Mather requested it as a remedy for his daughter's tuberculosis in 1716. Culver's root was used by early physicians as a powerful laxative and emetic. Native American tribes also used the plant and drank tea preparations to induce vomiting and to help cleanse the blood. Herbalists have used culver's root for its ability to increase the flow of bile from the liver.

Uses of Black Culver's Root

Black Root promotes perspiration, relieves gas, promotes bile flow from the gallbladder, and encourages movement of the bowels.

Side Effects of Black Culver's Root

No health hazards have been associated with proper administration. Avoid using with bile ductobstruction, gallstones, internal hemorrhoids, menstruation, and pregnancy.

Toxicology: No health hazards have been associated with proper administration of culver's root. Avoi using with bile duct obstruction, gallstones, internal hem orrhoids, menstruation, and pregnancy.

Summary: Black culver's root has been used for centl ries as a liver tonic and to increase the flow of bile. It may also be useful for GI problems such as indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation. No major toxicity from the plant has been reported. More studies are needed to confirm the plant's uses. A taxonomic revision of the genus is needed.