Pinkroot

There are about 50 species of annuals, perennials, and subshrubs in this genus, which occurs in tropical and N America. A few species are grown as ornamentals for their brightly colored flowers, though they are by no means common in cultivation. Spigelia anthelmia (pinkroot of Demerara, worm grass, horse poison) was one of the main herbs used by American Indians to destroy intestinal parasites, which "it does in so extraordinary manner, that no other simple can be of equal efficacy" (The Civil and Natural History of Jamaica by P. Browne, 1756). It is an annual found from Mexico to Brazil and the West Indies, and now naturalized in parts of Africa and Indonesia because of its medicinal uses. In addition to its use as a worming remedy, it contains alkaloids that are useful in treating heart disease. A warm decoction of the root is also used as a tranquilizing, cooling bath for children. Spigelia marilandica, which grows further north, was also originally an Indian remedy that became popular with settlers and was exported to Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, where it was considered almost without equal as an anthelmintic. It contains alkaloids (mainly spigeleine), volatile oil, resin and tannin.

Clump-forming perennial with opposite, ovate-lanceolate, pointed leaves, to 10cm (4in) long. Bright red, waxy, tubular flowers, 4cm (1½in) long, ending in 5 petal-like lobes which are bright yellow inside, appear in loose clusters in spring.

Common Name:	Pinkroot
Other Names:	Worm Grass
Genus	Spigelia
Botanical Name:	Spigelia marilandica
Family:	Loganiaceae
Native Location:	Southeast N America (Maryland to Texas)
Cultivation	Rich, moist, well-drained soil in shade or partial shade.
Propagation	By seed sown in autumn or spring; by division in spring.
Harvest	Leaves are picked as required and whole plants are cut when in full bloom, and dried for infusions. Roots are collected in the autumn and dried for decoctions.
Height:	60cm (24in)
Width:	60cm (24in)
Hardiness	Z2-8
Parts Used:	Leaves, whole plant, roots
Properties	A pungent, bitter-sweet, irritant herb that destroys intestinal parasites. In small doses it improves digestion and lower fever.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for fevers, malaria and poor digestion (leaves, whole plant). Taken in conjuction with laxative herbs, such as Senna alexandrina (See, Alexandrian Senna), to expel tapeworms and roundworms (root).
Warning:	Excess causes vomiting, spasms, and convulsions, and may prove fatal. For use by qualified practioners only.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 373