Family Name: Celastraceae
Botanical Name(s): Euonymus atropurpureus
Popular Name(s): Wahoo, Spindle Tree, Whahow, Indian Root,
Indian Arrow, Strawberry Tree, Pegwood
Parts Used: Root bark
Habitat: Bitter Ash is found in the eastern United States and
Europe.
Description: Bitter Ash is a shrub with a smooth ash-coloured
bark and about 6 feet in height. Its leaves are opposite in pairs, have
very short stalks and possess teeth on the margin. The leaves are
purple-tinged at the serrated edges and the flowers are dark purple in
colour.
Uses: Bitter Ash has expectorant and alterative properties. It
is used as a cholagogue, hepatic, laxative, diuretic and circulatory
stimulant. It removes congestion from the liver and treats jaundice and
gall-bladder problems.
