Herbs Guide

Black Root

Family Name: Scrophulariaceae

Botanical Name(s): Leptandra virginica

Popular Name(s): Culvers Root, Culvers Physic, Physic Root, Veronicastrum Virginica, Tall Speedwell

Parts Used: Rhizome and root

Habitat: Black Root is found in the eastern United States.

Description: Black Root is an herbaceous perennial with a slender, simple stem which grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet. The plant possesses lanceolate, serrate leaves that grow in whorls of four to seven. Its numerous white flowers grow in panicled spikes. The fruits are oblong-ovate shaped, flattened and contain many seeds.

Uses: Black Root is used as a cholagogue, cathartic, emetic, laxative and diaphoretic substance. It is used to treat diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, chronic constipation, nausea and dull frontal headache.