Herbal Healer: What is rhatany?

Its alluring red bloom gracing the mile high atmosphere of South America's mountains, rhatany is valued for the bark covering its roots. The chemicals residing within have been used in dentistry, herbal medicine and to color port wine.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

As a superior astringent, rhatany helps to shrink or constrict body tissues that it meets head on. In this capacity the herb steps up when used internally to combat chronic diarrhea and dysentery. Rhatany stands out as a botanical of choice when hemorrhaging in the stomach, bowels or uterus needs to be stemmed. An astringent wash for the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, mouth and gums has also been proven effective. Externally, rhatany is useful when applied to bleeding vessels. Combined with orris root and chalk, rhatany makes a good tooth powder for people suffering from spongy or bleeding gums.

ABOUT THE HERB

Rhatany is a small shrub with large red flowers thriving on the dry, sandy mountain slopes of Peru. It features silky leaves and a valuable reddish-brown root that is brittle and easy to separate from the less valuable yellowish-red center. The bark holds the key to the plant's medicinal repute as an astringent, itself yielding a remarkably high (40 percent) amount of tannic acid.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

Pour 10 ounces of boiled water over one half of an ounce of crushed rhatany bark. Strain after 20 minutes and drink in one-ounce doses to minimize mucous discharges along the gastro-intestinal tract. This concoction can also be placed directly upon minor scrapes to close off any slight flow of blood.

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. NOTE: Visit herbalastrology.com to read Ted PanDeva Zagar's other articles and columns that discuss the benefits of herbs and natural foods. DISCLAIMER: The author's comments are not intended to serve as medical advice, and he urges his readers to seek qualified wellness professionals to resolve matters of health.