Ok Brooks and especially booger (since I want you to carefully read the cautions regarding you're harvesting the seed!), here's what I have for some quick info.
This is what I have in my notes on Poke....
Poke Root - (Phytolacca americana) 1 to 2 drops per day boosts the immune system (becomes poisonous with more)
Also used for mastitis (infected breasts). 1 or 2 drops or 1/8 part of Poke Root in formulas acts as a catalyst.
Also in a few books I referrence gave this info:
David Hoffman (The Holistic Herbal) writes:
Poke Root has a wide range of uses and is a valuable addition to many holistic treatments. It may be seen primarily as a remedy for the use in infections of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aiding the cleansing of the lymphatic glands. It may be used for catarrh, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps, etc. It will be found of value in lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body and especially where it is longstanding. Care must be taken with this herb in large doses it is powerfully emetic and purgative. Externally, as a lotion or oinment, it may be used to rid the skin of scabies and other pests.
Part used: root.
Penelope Ody (Complete Guide of medicinal Herbs) writes;
Called Pocon by Native Americans, pokeroot was used mainly in two ways: as an emetic, and externally for skin diseases. The Delaware Indians took it as a heart stimulant and in Virginia it was regarded as a strong purgative. Even today Appalahian backwoodsmen chew the seeds and berries for arthritis - all the more remarkable because the fresh plant is very toxic. It arrived in Europe in the 19th century and is used as an important lymphatic cleanser.
Dried Root - used today as a lymphatic cleanser, particularly for mononycleosis and tonsillitis, the dried root can also be helpful for mastitis, and is added to rheumatic remedies. Externally, it is used occasionally for skin infections such as scabies and ringworm: it can also be applied in poultices to soothe ulcers, hemorrhoids and inflamed joints.
Berries - Generally described as "milder" in action than the root, the fresh and dried berries are toxic, so the Appalachian practice of chewing them is not recommended. In the past, they were used externally for skin complaints and in poultices for rheumatism. The juice was applied for ulcers and tumors, but is not particularly effective.
Caution * All parts of the fresh plant are toxic and can cause vomiting. Avoid growing pokeroot in the garden if you have young children, as fatalities have been reported. * The dried berries are toxic. * In large doses, the dried root is an extremely violent emetic (causes vomiting) and purgative. Do not exceed stated doses. * Avoid pokeroot in pregnancy, as it can cause fetal abnormalities.
And this was easy to copy and paste from a Cd Rom:
THE HERB MASTER (on CDRom)
POKEWEED
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
(Phytolacca americana)
Synonyms
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
American nightshade, cancer root, common pokeberry, red-ink plant, coakum, poke root.
Identification and habitat
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
This perennial plant produces stems that are green when young and purplish later. The stem is hollow and has an unpleasant smell. It reaches the height of 4 to 12 feet, and a diameter of 1 inch. It has an extensive system of gnarled roots. The alternate, simple, entire leaves are oblong or ovate-lanceolate and acute or acuminate. Numerous small white (or greenish-white) to pinkish flowers grow in peduncled racemes during July and August, followed by clusters of round, purple berries, that remain well into the winter; these berries contain a crimson juice. Pokeweed is native to North America as well as other pads of the world. In the U .S., it is found in damp and rich soils, low ground, edges of woods, recently cleared areas, roadsides, and abandoned strip-mine areas from Maine, New York and south to Florida.
Parts used
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
Root, leaves, fruit.
Action
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
Anodyne, cathartic.
Reported uses
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
laxative, relieving pain, reducing inflammmation treating rheumatism and arthritis, and combating skin parasites, cancer.
Application
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
The extract is said to have been used in chronic rheumatism and hemorrhoids. Authorities differ as to its value in cancer; although said to give great relief towards the close of a difficult case of cancer of the uterus and also stated to be of undoubted value as an internal remedy in cancer of the breast (use only with medical supervision). The dried root is used for pain, and cornbating skin diseases. The sprouts of the young plants are sometimes eaten as pot-herbs after being boiled in two changes of water.
Preparations and approximate dosage
Infusion or Decoction
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
Use 1 tablespoon root or leaves with 1 pint water. Take 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed.
Tincture
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
2 to 5 drops, every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
CAUTION
LeArta Moulton, Nature's Medicine Chest
The fresh or insufficiently cooked plant is poisonous, particularly the root. The seeds in the berries are also poisonous and are particularly hazardous
for children.
Booger, I would wear gloves when handling the berries to be safe and Yes, I want some! lol Crazy as it sounds.
Vicki