Stillingia

Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Warning | Bibliography

Scientific Names
o Stillingia sylvatica L.
o Euphorbiaceae

Common Names

Cockup hat
Marcory
Queens delight
Queens root
Silver leaf
 Yaw root
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Parts Usually Used

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.