Another herb which I have personally not used is Bittersweet ( Solanum dulcamara ) It is so uncommonly written about that is difficult to find citations of its use. If it is not in the Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements, then I know it is not used commonly. When you go from Bilberry to Blackberry in any book--Bittersweet is overlooked. It is not Bitter Melon nor Bitter Orange. It is Bittersweet. Other names for Bittersweet include Bitter Nightshade, Felonwort, and Violet-bloom. It is a vine like perennial herb that has long trailing or climbing stems reaching up to ten feet in length each.
The species name of the bittersweet herb - dulcamara, is a reference to the taste of the berries. The berries initially have a bitter taste and then become unpleasantly sweet as they ripen. This is why it is called Bittersweet. Bittersweet is a native European species, it has been naturalized in America. It has many uses other than arthritis. The bittersweet is very effective when consumed to treat different kinds of skin problems like long term eczema, persistent itchiness on the skin, disorders such as psoriasis, as well as warts. In addition to the other beneficial properties mentioned above, the bittersweet herb has a mildly narcotic effect; it also possesses a diuretic effect. Small doses of the bittersweet remedy are useful in treating problems like dyspnoea, cough, and pain in the chest produced by exposure to cold weather. Bittersweet remedies are also useful in relieving catarrhal headache induced by acute colds, and this remedy is also helpful in treating nasal catarrh. Bittersweet contains steroidal alkaloids (including solasodine and soldulcamaridine), steroidal saponins, and about 10% tannins.
Until tomorrow…