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Virgin's Bower | | Name : | Virgin's Bower | | Synonyms : | Clematis
Virgin'sbower
| | Parts Used : | Twigs and leaves, flowers | | Habitat : | Found along streambanks, bushes, thickets, wood edges, and fencesin the eastern and central states of the United States. Nova Scotiato Georgia; Louisiana; eastern Kansas north to Canada. | | Description : | A woody climbing vine, its opposite, ternate leaves divided into3 sharp-toothed ovate, acute, serrate leaflets. Its small, petallessflowers have 4 petal-like whitish sepals and bloom in leafy, cymosepanicles during summer and autumn. The fruit is a feathery achene(a small, dry fruit with one seed which is attached to the ovary wallonly at one point) which grows in prominent heads. These featheryplumes attached to the seeds.
Another variety: Native Americans used another plant (Clematisligusticifolia) also called clematis and virgin's bower. They usedthe leaves and bark as shampoo; at Fort MacDermitt, Nevada, the rootwas dried and powdered for use as a shampoo. | | Constituents : | Diaphoretic (increases perspiration), diuretic, stimulant, vesicant(produces blisters). | | Uses : | An infusion of the leaves and flowers of virgin's bower is said torelieve even severe headaches.For external use, this herb is sometimes combined with other plantsto make ointments or poultices for sores,skin ulcers, and itching skin. | | Dosage : | Infusion: steep 1 heaping tsp. of leaves and flowers in 1cup water for 30 minutes. Take 1 tsp. 4-6 times per day.
Inhaling the fumes of the bruised root or leaves is said to relieveheadaches (but I wouldn't try it). | | Safety : | Virgin's bower contains acrid substances which can cause severe skinirritation. Sensitive people can get dermatitis from handling theplant.
Virgin's bower is toxic. Highly irritating to skin and mucous membranes.Ingestion may cause bloody vomiting, severe diarrhea, and convulsions.
Use under medical supervision only. |
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