Jateorhiza (Jateorhiza palmata)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Menispermaceae
• Common Names: Jateorhiza, Columbo Root, Kalumb
• Parts Used: Root, rhizome

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Description

Jateorhiza palmata is a climbing, woody vine native to tropical regions of Africa. It has been traditionally valued for its digestive, febrifuge, and tonic properties. The root is rich in bitter alkaloids that stimulate digestion and promote liver and gastrointestinal health.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in African and Indian traditional medicine as a digestive tonic and anti-malarial herb.
• Employed in European herbal medicine as a bitter to improve appetite and digestion.
• Traditionally used to reduce fevers and aid convalescence.
• Applied for liver and bile stimulation, aiding in detoxification.

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Constituents

• Alkaloids (columbamine, palmatine, jateorhizine)
• Bitter principles
• Starch
• Mucilage
• Resins

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Actions

• Digestive bitter
• Febrifuge
• Antimicrobial
• Hepatoprotective
• Tonic
• Anti-inflammatory

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Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Health and Appetite Stimulation:
Jateorhiza is used as a bitter tonic to enhance digestion, increase appetite, and relieve bloating and indigestion.

2. Liver and Bile Support:
Stimulates bile production and supports liver detoxification, making it useful for sluggish digestion and liver congestion.

3. Fever Reduction:
Traditionally used as a febrifuge to reduce fevers, particularly in tropical climates.

4. Convalescence and Recovery:
Helps restore strength and vitality following illness, particularly when digestion is weak.

5. Antimicrobial and Anti-Parasitic Effects:
Historically used to combat infections and intestinal parasites.

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Preparation and Dosage

Decoction:

• 1 tsp of dried root per cup of water. Simmer for 15 minutes and drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

• 2-4 ml taken up to 3 times daily.

Powder:

• 500 mg per dose, taken before meals as a digestive bitter.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use with caution; consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Gastric Sensitivity: The bitter compounds may cause stomach irritation in sensitive individuals.
• Excessive Use: Prolonged high doses may overstimulate digestion or cause nausea.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional African Medicine: Used as a tonic for digestive strength and fever relief.
• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and stimulating; supports digestion, liver, and immune function.
• Ayurveda: Primarily balances Kapha and Pitta, but excessive use may aggravate Vata.

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Combinations

• For Digestive Support: Combine with gentian and fennel.
• For Liver Detoxification: Combine with dandelion and milk thistle.
• For Fever Reduction: Combine with andrographis and echinacea.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Roots are collected in late summer or early autumn.
• Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Storage: Store dried root in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Jateorhiza palmata’s digestive, antimicrobial, and liver-protective benefits, reinforcing its traditional applications.

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Jateorhiza remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for digestion, liver health, and fever management.