Scorzonera
Garden or Spansih Scorzonera; Viper's Grass, Black Salsify
New Kreuterbuch, Matthiolus, 1563
Scorzonera hispanica
Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, Thomé, 1905
Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, Thomé, 1905
Botanical name:
Scorzonera hispanica
S. humilis (S. latifolia), Serpentaria, is also used but is more bitter and therefore, probably less tonifying.
S. musilii is used in Saudi Arabia.
Spanish (most common), German, Narrow-leaved and Low types were recognised.
Parts used:
Root
It rasped into long strips and dried for commerce.
Best roots are yellow-red externally and white internally; typically Black externally, white internally.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral (slightly Warm), moist. Sweet
Classifications:
3D. CORDIALS & CARDIACS
4c. CARDIAC. 4f. SPLENETIC
Exhilaratives. Tonics
Scorzonera hispanica
S. humilis (S. latifolia), Serpentaria, is also used but is more bitter and therefore, probably less tonifying.
S. musilii is used in Saudi Arabia.
Spanish (most common), German, Narrow-leaved and Low types were recognised.
Parts used:
Root
It rasped into long strips and dried for commerce.
Best roots are yellow-red externally and white internally; typically Black externally, white internally.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral (slightly Warm), moist. Sweet
Classifications:
3D. CORDIALS & CARDIACS
4c. CARDIAC. 4f. SPLENETIC
Exhilaratives. Tonics
Uses:
1. Tonifies Qi, Benefits the Spleen, Clears Damp:
-strengthening, good for Cachexia, weakness, convalescence, consumption
-‘they exhilarate the Heart and remove Sorrow and Melancholy’. (Salmon)
-Edema
-The candied root is most tonifying
2. Clears Wind-Heat, Resists Poison:
-Alexipharmic, strongly prevails against Poison, Plague and all types of Infectious diseases
-Fevers (Tertian and Quartan), Syphilis etc.
-venomous Bites, especially the bitings of Vipers
The unprepared root in decoction is best in Fever.
3. Stops Wind, Calms Spasms:
-Epilepsy, Apoplexy, Convulsion, Vertigo, Migraine with deficiency
-suffocation of the Womb
4. Externally:
-the essence or distilled water dropped into the eyes clears the sight
PREPARATION:
The candied (preserved) roots are more tonifying in weakness and restorative in consumption.
DOSE:
Powder: 1–4 grams
Decoction: 4–12 grams
SUBSTITUTE:
Oenothera biennis has been used as a substitute in Europe
The candied (preserved) roots are more tonifying in weakness and restorative in consumption.
DOSE:
Powder: 1–4 grams
Decoction: 4–12 grams
SUBSTITUTE:
Oenothera biennis has been used as a substitute in Europe
Main Combinations:
1. Anxiety and Palpitations, Restlessness, Insomnia, Melancholy, Scorzonera with Borage, Chicory, Licorice, Rose, Violet
2. Melancholy, Scorzonera with Balm and St. John's wort
3. Epidemic diseases, spotted Fever:
i. Scorzonera with Angelica, Tormentil Calamus, Red Earth (as in Orvietan Antidote)
ii. to prevent and treat Epidemic diseases: Scorzonera with Celandine, Dittany, Zedoary, Angelica, Gentian, Tormentil, Elecampane (as in Bezoardic Vinegar of Frankfurt)
4. Fever:
i. Scorzonera with Lemon seed, decoct, then infuse Cinchona, Contrayerva, strain and add Honey of Elder. (Spanish Pharmacopoeia)
ii. to the above can be added Senna, and Syrup of Pale Rose to make it more purgative.
5. Nephritis: China root, Scorzonera, Marshmallow, Licorice, Aniseed (½ oz.), Agrimony, Ground Ivy, Scordium, Nettle (1 handful), Figs (6), Raisins (1 oz.), St. Johns wort, Elder flower (1 pugil); form a Decoction. (Gazophylacium Medico-Physicum, Woyts, 1746)
6. Paralysis, Scorzonera with Galangal, Aloeswood, Clove, Juniper berry, Cinnamon, Sage, Rosemary
7. Weakness of the Heart, Lung and Stomach, Scorzonera with Bugloss root-bark, Balm, Borage, Rosemary, Fennel seed, Blessed Thistle seed, Basil seed (as in Syrup of Balm)
8. For Ptisan (nourishing Decoction), Scorzonera with Barley and Couch Grass root. (Fulder)
9. As a Kidney and Digestive (Qi) tonic, Scorzonera with Sea Holly, Elecampane, Salep (Orchis), Parsnip
Major Formula
Cordial Decoction
Syrup of Balm
Orvietan Antidote
Cautions:
None noted
Main Preparations used:
Distilled Water of the Roots, Extract, and the Candied Root were often used
1. Extract of Scorzonera:
i. Scorzonera root (1 lb.), Water (6 lbs). Macerate for 4 days in a warm place, boil a little, express then evaporate.
None noted
Main Preparations used:
Distilled Water of the Roots, Extract, and the Candied Root were often used
1. Extract of Scorzonera:
i. Scorzonera root (1 lb.), Water (6 lbs). Macerate for 4 days in a warm place, boil a little, express then evaporate.
Research
Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Scorzonera Species.
–ANTIOXIDANT
–ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
–ANALGESIC
–HEPATOPROTECTIVE
–CYTOTOXIC
–ANTIOXIDANT
–ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
–ANALGESIC
–HEPATOPROTECTIVE
–CYTOTOXIC