Carolina Jasmine

There are three species of evergreen, twining, perennial climbers in this genus, which occurs in N and C America, and SE Asia. Gelsemium sempervirens is widely grown as an ornamental in the open in warm regions, or under cover, and makes a fine specimen trained against a wall or trellis. It is the state flower of South Carolina. The uses of G. sempervirens were discovered by a Mississippi planter, who drank an infusion made from the roots of the plant, mistaking it for another. He developed serious symptoms of poisoning, but recovered to find himself cured of his bilious fever. A physician who observed the case went on to develop a remedy from Gelsemium, known as "Elecrical Febrifuge". Gelsemium sempervirens was listed in most pharmacopoeias in the mid-19th century. Gelsemium, from the Italian gelsomino, "jessamine", refers to the jasmine like flowers.

Evergreen climber with twining stems and shiny, ovate-lanceolate leaves, to 5cm (2in) long. Fragrant, funnel-shaped, yellow flowers, 3cm (1¼in) long, appear in clusters in spring and summer, followed by 2-valved capsules, that contain flattened seeds.

Common Name:	Carolina Jasmine
Other Names:	Yellow Jessamine
Botanical Name:	Gelsemium sempervirens
Genus:	Gelsemium
Family:	Loganiaceae
Native Location:	SE USA, Mexico, Guatemala
Cultivation:	Moist, fertile, well-drained soil in sun. Thin out stems in spring or after flowering.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring at 13-18°C (55-64°F) (species only); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Roots and rhizomes are lifted in autumn and dried for decoctions and tinctures.
Height:	3-6m (10-20ft)
Hardiness:	Z7-9
Parts Used:	Roots and Rhizomes
Properties:	A bitter, slightly aromatic, sedative herb the lowers fevers, increases perspiration, relieves pain, and relaxes spasms.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for neuralgia, migraine, sciatica, toothache, severe pain (especially in terminal illness or accidents), and meningitis. May be combined with Lavandula angustifolia (See, lavender), or Rosmarinus officinalis (See, rosemary) and Piscidia piscipula (See, Jamaica dogwood), for migraine. Excess causes respiratory depression, giddiness, double vision, and death. Not given to patients with heart disease, hypotension, or myasthenia gravis. Also in homeopathy for feverish illnesses (including influenza and measles) and acute anxiety. For use by qualified practitioners only.
Warning:	Toxic if eaten (one flower may be fatal to a child). Skin allergen. Contact may cause systemic poisoning. This herb and its alkaloids are subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 221-222.