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poke sallet

Pokeweed

Wed, 07/23/2008 - 09:20 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Phytolacca americana

Zones:
most
Other Names:
poke, poke sallet, red ink plant, crowberry, cancer root, coakum, chongras

Pokeweed is a native american perennial that produces terminal clusters of fragrant white flowers in the mid to late summer followed by attractive purple berries that taste pretty aweful to humans but

Propagation:

The seed may be slow to germinate, it may take several months, but it germinates readily in moist (but not wet), rich soil at moderate temperatures. Pokeweed prefers a sunny position but doesn't mind a little bit of shade.

History and Folklore:

The United States Declaration of Independance was written in fermented pokeberry juice.

European settlers were introduced to pokeweed by Native Americans. They liked it so much they took it back to Europe where it grows wild today. Native Americans used pokeweed for food, medicine, dye and to paint their horses. Poke salet (young poke greens, boiled twice) is historically a popular southern dish.

Harvesting & Storage:

Young leaves should be harvested just as they emerge from the ground, boiled 2-3 times with the water being discarded after each boiling. They may then be eaten with a little salt and fatback to taste.

Berries should be picked when ripe, purply-black and firm.

Household Use:

Pokeberries can be used to make ink or dye.

Magical Attributes:

Pokeweed can be used for exercisms, it's violent purging action symbolic of purging the body of spiritual as well as physical poison. Taking pokeweed internally is never recommended.

An infusioni of pokeweek can be used to break hexes and to protect an area from negativity and other harmful influences.

Pokeweed berry juice makes a good magical ink and can be used in place of blood in any rituali.

Healing Attributes:

Pokeberry juice may be added to other juices and jellies to help relieve arthritis.

Grated pokeroot was used by native americans in a poultice to relieve inflammations and swellings of the breast (Please note, this may leave toxins on the breast. Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Ever.)

Poke root extracted in alcohol (no more than a drop or two a day!) is used to combat colds and viruses. It is particularly useful for issues of the lymphatic system- anything that causes swollen glands. An oil extract can be used to make a salve for minor bumps, bruises and bites.

Research is underway with regard to possible treatments for leukemia, AIDS and other deadly diseases.

Note: This is provided for your information only. I do not recommend taking pokeberry internally for any reason.

Culinary Use:

Although all parts of the mature plant are toxic and can cause violent vomiting, diarrhea and death, the young leaves are said to be quite delicious. They must be harvested just as they emerge from the ground and if there is any red in them they are too old! They need to be boiled in three changes of water for 20 minutes each to ensure that all the toxicity has been leached out.

Berries are unpleasant tasting raw but can be cooked into pies or added to jellies and wines. This isn't recommended. If you do eat the berries, be sure to remove and discard the seeds as they are very toxic.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Pokeberry is a beautiful native plant that I just love to have in my garden. I have no desire, however, to try preparing the young leaves or berries for my own use because I am too worried about poisoning potential. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and the berries attract birds. That is enough for me to feel that this plant is a valuable and strictly ornamental addition to my native garden. But take care to keep children and pets away. Although butterflies, bees and birds love pokeweed, it is toxic to all mammals.

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