Chionanthus virginicus
| Fringe tree Chionanthus virginicus |
Fringe tree - Chionanthus virginicus (in the Oleaceae or Olive family)
Parts used: Inner bark.
Taste/smell: Slightly bitter, astringent.
Tendencies: Drying, cooling.
Dosage: Decoction: 1 tablespoon per cup of water, decocted for 25 minutes; or 1:5 dry liquid extract: 10-30 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.
Mental picture and specific indications: Specific indications are dirty, sallow skin with expressionless eyes, hepatic tenderness, nausea and vomiting, jaundice with itching skin, thin light-colored stools or constipation with dry feces. It is to be considered with pain under the right scapula, general lethargy and ailments induced by changes of the weather.
Use: (a) Cholagogue, (b) Choleretic, (c) Antiseptic, (d) Cathartic, (e) Hepatic, (f) Diuretic, (g) Digestive tonic.
Fringe tree acts on the digestive organs, urinary tract and venous system to relieve congestion. It is indicated for sluggish liver, gallstones if there is no blockage, pancreatic inactivity and chronic disease of the liver and spleen. It is an excellent remedy for jaundice when it is not due to a blockage.
Contraindications: Fringe tree is contraindicated in bile duct obstruction. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy unless used under the guidance of a trained professional.