Devil's Club - Oplopanax horridus (in the Araliaceae or Ginseng family)
Parts used: Root.
Taste/smell: Woodsy, earthy smell and taste, sweetish.
Tendencies: Cooling, stimulating, supportive.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 heaping teaspoon of finely cut herb per cup of water, infused for 25-30 minutes; or 1:4 dry liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Devil's club is indicated for 'adrenal burnout' with mental, nervous, emotional and physical exhaustion. Often dry mucous membranes are part of the symptoms. The mental picture includes worn out, timid individuals who lack mental and emotional strength and vitality. The individuals cannot adapt to stressful situations, feel oppressed and unable to stand up for themselves. This herb lends a sense of invigoration and strength on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.
Use: (a) Adaptogen, (b) Immunomodulator
It is used to help the body adapt to stressful situations, from either internal or external causes. Since devil's club belongs to the Ginseng family, its usages are similar to other members, like ginseng and eleutherococcus. For more information see Ginseng.
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.
Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
Used with permission of author.
