Stillingia

Scientific Names

Stillingia sylvatica L.
Euphorbiaceae

Common Names

Cockup hat
Marcory
Queen’s delight
Queen’s root
Silver leaf
Yaw root
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Stillingia is a perennial plant; its stem grows 2-4 feet high, contains an acrid milky juice and bears alternate, sessile leaves that have a somewhat leathery texture. The yellow, petalless flowers grow in a terminal spike with the female flowers at the base. The fruit is a 3 lobed capsule.
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Where Found

Native of the pine barrens and sandy soils of the southern states of the United States.
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Medicinal Properties

Alterative, astringent, cathartic, diuretic, emetic
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Biochemical Information

Stillingine, which is an alkaloid; gum, starch, both a fixed and volatile oil and coloring matter
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Uses

A decoction of the root once was used to treat obstinate skin problems and help clear up ulcerations and pain after mercurial treatment for syphilis. Treats chronic laryngeal and bronchial inflammations, leucorrhea, chronic coughs, rheumatism, and chronic liver affections. In large doses, stillingia causes vomiting and diarrhea.
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Formulas or Dosages

Use dried, but not more than 2 year old, rootstock.

Decoction: boil 1 tsp. dried rootstock in 1 cup water. Take 1 cup per day, a mouthful at a time.

Tincture: a dose is from 5 to 20 drops.
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Warning

Taken internally, the acrid constituents of the fresh plant can cause irritation and symptoms of poisoning.
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Bibliography

American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1973

Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.