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Stillingia (Stillingia sylvatica)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Common Names: Queen’s Root, Yaw Root, Silverleaf
  • Parts Used: Root, Rhizome

Description

Stillingia sylvatica, commonly known as Queen’s Root, is a perennial herb native to the southeastern United States. It has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine as an alterative and lymphatic tonic, often used to support detoxification, respiratory function, and skin health.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in 19th-century Eclectic medicine as a blood purifier and detoxifying agent.
  • Traditionally employed for lymphatic stagnation and glandular swellings.
  • Used as an expectorant and respiratory tonic for bronchitis and lung congestion.
  • Historically applied for syphilitic and other chronic skin conditions.

Constituents

  • Diterpenes (stilligianin, sylvaticin)
  • Resin
  • Saponins
  • Flavonoids
  • Volatile oils

Actions

  • Alterative (Blood purifier)
  • Lymphatic stimulant
  • Expectorant
  • Diuretic
  • Mild laxative
  • Anti-inflammatory

Medicinal Uses

1. Lymphatic System Support:
Stillingia is traditionally used to enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce glandular swelling.

2. Detoxification and Blood Purification:
Historically used in formulations for detoxification and elimination of waste products from the body.

3. Respiratory Health:
Acts as an expectorant, clearing mucus and congestion in conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

4. Skin Conditions:
Used to address chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and syphilitic eruptions.

5. Digestive and Liver Support:
Mildly stimulates digestion and liver function, promoting overall metabolic balance.

Preparation and Dosage

⚠️ Note: Stillingia is a potent herb and should be used with caution. Overuse can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

Infusion (Tea from Root):

  • 1 tsp of dried root per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Topical Use:

  • Used in herbal salves or washes for chronic skin conditions.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid use due to its strong detoxifying effects.
  • Mucous Membrane Irritation: May cause burning sensation in throat and mouth if taken in high doses.
  • Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: Can cause nausea and digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
  • Drug Interactions: May interfere with immune-modulating and detoxifying medications.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Warming and stimulating; used for detoxification and lymphatic support.
  • Traditional Eclectic Medicine: Employed as an alterative and expectorant in chronic conditions.
  • Traditional Southern Folk Medicine: Used in blood-purifying formulas and respiratory tonics.

Combinations

  • For Lymphatic Support: Combine with cleavers and burdock root.
  • For Skin Health: Combine with red clover and yellow dock.
  • For Respiratory Conditions: Combine with mullein and licorice.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Roots are collected in fall and dried for medicinal use.
  • Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried root in airtight containers away from moisture and heat.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Stillingia sylvatica’s lymphatic, expectorant, and alterative properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Stillingia remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for lymphatic support, detoxification, and respiratory health.