Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Loganiaceae
• Common Names: Yellow Jessamine, Carolina Jasmine, Woodbine
• Parts Used: Root, rhizome

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Description

Gelsemium sempervirens is a woody, evergreen vine native to the southeastern United States and Central America. Recognized for its vibrant yellow flowers, it has a long history of medicinal use, primarily in homeopathy and traditional herbal medicine. It is known for its potent sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, though it must be used with caution due to its potential toxicity.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Traditionally used in very small doses for anxiety, neuralgia, and headaches.
• Historically employed as a muscle relaxant and sedative for nervous system disorders.
• Used in homeopathy for flu-like symptoms, fevers, and exhaustion.
• Applied externally for pain relief and nerve-related conditions.

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Constituents

• Alkaloids (gelsemine, gelseminine)
• Indole alkaloids
• Saponins
• Essential oils
• Coumarins

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Actions

• Nervine sedative
• Analgesic (pain-relieving)
• Antispasmodic
• Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
• Fever-reducing
• Muscle relaxant

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Medicinal Uses

1. Anxiety and Nervous Tension:
Traditionally used in minute doses to calm anxiety, restlessness, and overactive nerves.

2. Headache and Migraine Relief:
Helps with tension headaches and migraines linked to nervous system strain.

3. Fever and Flu Support:
Homeopathically used for flu-like symptoms, chills, and feverish conditions.

4. Muscle Relaxation:
Acts as a muscle relaxant in cases of spasms, tremors, and neuralgia.

5. Pain Management:
Used externally for nerve pain and inflammatory conditions.

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Preparation and Dosage

Homeopathic Preparation:

• Commonly found in dilution (e.g., 6C, 30C) for nervous system and flu support.

Tincture:

• Due to its toxicity, use only under professional supervision.

External Use:

• Infused oils or diluted tinctures applied topically for pain relief.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Toxicity Warning: Gelsemium is highly toxic if misused. Do not use without professional guidance.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Strictly contraindicated.
• Low Blood Pressure: May cause excessive sedation or cardiovascular depression.
• Children and Elderly: Not recommended due to increased sensitivity.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and relaxing; used for nervous tension and fevers.
• Homeopathy: Used in highly diluted forms for flu, exhaustion, and neuralgia.
• Ayurveda: Primarily balances Pitta and Vata, but must be used cautiously.

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Combinations

• For Nervous System Support: Combine (homeopathically) with valerian and passionflower.
• For Pain Management: Used externally with arnica and white willow bark.
• For Fever Relief: Combined in homeopathy with belladonna and aconite.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Root and rhizome collected in autumn.
• Drying: Dried carefully for homeopathic and external preparations.
• Storage: Store in labeled containers away from children and pets due to toxicity.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Gelsemium sempervirens’s effects on the nervous system, particularly for anxiety relief and muscle relaxation, though caution is necessary due to toxicity.

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Yellow Jessamine remains a powerful but potentially dangerous herb, best utilized in homeopathy or under professional guidance for nervous system, fever, and pain management.