by Patricia Kyritsi Howell | wildhealingherbs.com
COMMON NAME: Spicebush
BOTANICALNAME:Linderabenzoin
FAMILY: Lauraceae (Laurel)
OTHER NAMES: Wild Allspice, Spicewood
DESCRIPTION: Spicebush, a deciduous shrub five to fifteen feet tall, has alternate, oval leaves with smooth edges. Female plants have small clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge and shiny, oblong red berries, each containing one hard seed that ripens in the late summer. The berries are spicy and taste somewhat like allspice. All parts of the plant are aromatic.
HABITAT: Common understory plant in deciduous forests, often found growing along streams and creeks.
KEY ACTIONS: Diaphoretic, carminative, stimulant, aromatic, expectorant
PART USED: Leaf, bark, twig, berry
TRADITIONAL USES: American Indians made tea from all parts of the spicebush. They drank the tea as a spring tonic and to relieve coughs, reduce fevers, and treat measles. Spicebush was also used to bring on delayed menses.1 During the Revolutionary War, spicebush berries were used as a substitute for allspice (Pimentadioica).In the Civil War, spicebush was regularly used as a reliable diaphoretic remedy for intermittent fevers.2
CURRENT USES: Spicebush is not well known in modern herbal practice. However, it is a common understory bush and a mild but effective remedy that warms the stomach to relieve indigestion with bloating, nausea, and gas. Drink the warming, aromatic decoction as hot as possible to stimulate sweating, reduce fevers, ease menstrual cramps, and bring on delayed menses.
CAUTIONS: None known.
1 Moerman, Native American Ethnobotany, 308
2 Porcher, Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests, 355
PREPARATIONS
DECOCTION: Use one-half cup dried or one cup of finely chopped fresh leaves and twigs for each eight ounces of water. Bring to a boil; cover tightly and simmer for at least twenty minutes. Strain and sweeten.
CONDIMENT: Berries are challenging to dry. The best way to preserve them is to freeze fresh berries. When ready to use, grind in a food processor or small spice grinder. Use them immediately after grinding to flavor apple, pumpkin or squash pies, applesauce, and apple cider, or add to any recipe that calls for allspice or cinnamon.
DOSAGES
A mild herbal remedy used to relieve acute symptoms.
DECOCTION: As a diaphoretic, drink eight ounces of hot decoction every few hours and stay well covered with blankets or warm clothes, as this tea causes sweating.
