Scientific Name: Sorbus aucuparia
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Part Used: Berries, leaves, bark
Actions: Antiscorbutic, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Diuretic, Laxative, Emmenagogue, Aperitive, Hypoglycemic, Emetic
Energetics: Cooling and bitter
Preparations: Tea, tincture, salve, jams and jellies.
Cautions: The seeds contain toxic cyanogenic glycoside which can cause vomiting, shortness of breath and death in high doses. Heating or freezing the berries reduces the toxicity
Medicinal Uses: Urinary issues, diarrhea, sore throat, digestion, skin health, wound care, cancer prevention, leucorrhea, cirrhosis, cystitis, gallstones, scurvy, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, diabetes, arthritis, menstrual complaints, inflammation of the mucous membranes. Contains high levels of vitamin C
Historically revered by the Celtic Druids as the Sacred tree of Life. During the 15th and 16th centuries in England, the tree became associated with witchcraft.