Chionanthus virginica. N.O. Oleaceae.Synonym: Old Man's Beard, Snowdrop Tree.
Habitat: U.S.A
Features ? A small tree with snow-white flowers which hang down like fringe—hence the common name and synonyms. Root about one-eighth inch thick, dull brown with irregular concave scars on outer surface, inside smooth, yellowish-brown. Fracture short, inner layer shows projecting bundles of stone cells. Very bitter taste.Part used ? Root bark.
Action: Alterative, hepatic, diuretic, tonic.
In stomach and liver disorders, and poor digestive functioning generally. Also finds a place in gall-stone prescriptions and those for certain female disorders, in which latter Pulsatilla is another frequent constituent. The 1 ounce to 1 pint infusion is taken internally in 1-4 tablespoonful doses, and is applied as lotion and injection.... fringe-tree
Old man’s beard. Snowdrop tree. Chionanthus virginicus L. German: Schneeflockenbaum. French: Chionanthe. Italian: Chionanto. Root bark. Keynote: liver.
Constituents: saponin glycoside, chionanthin.
Action: liver stimulant, cholagogue, laxative, diuretic, alterative. Tonic action on spleen and pancreas. Uses. Liver disorders, inflammation of the gall bladder and duodenum; gall stones. Jaundice, to liquefy bile and assist its elimination from the blood. Excess sugar in the urine; of value in diabetes. Suited to liverish temperaments, malaria liver, constipation, high blood pressure due to congestion of the portal circulation.
In the presence of yellow or greenish discolouration of the skin, eyes; highly coloured urine, clay- coloured stools and pain on the right side of the body: Fringe Tree is indicated.
Weil’s disease: with Echinacea BHP (1983).
Combines well with Barberry and Wild Yam (equal parts).
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Tea. 1 teaspoon to each cup water, simmer 1 minute, infuse 15 minutes: dose – half cup. Liquid extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose – 1-3ml.
Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose – 2-3ml.
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