Calumba

Jateorhiza palmata syn. J. calumba

Calumba Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Research Constituents How much to take Collection and harvesting

A profoundly bitter herb, the root of the calumba vine is an East African herbal remedy traditionally used as a digestive tonic, and to treat a variety of digestive infections, including dysentery. Calumba stimulates the appetite and digestive activity, making it a valuable herbal medicine in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Calumba has a soft, slippery texture and, as might be expected, a strongly bitter taste.

PARTS USED

Root.

USES

Bitter properties - Calumba's bitter properties are due to its bitter principles and, to a lesser extent, its isoquinoline alkaloids. These stimulate specific taste receptors on the tongue that in turn stimulate secretion of digestive juices. One of the bitterest of an plants, calumba has much in common with gentian, although it owes its bitterness to a different range of constituents. Unlike many bitter herbs, calumba contains very little volatile oil and no tannins (which give astringency) and is therefore always classed as a "pure bitter."
Digestive problems - By making the stomach more acidic (and therefore hostile to pathogens) calumba helps to prevent digestive infections. Calumba increases the level of digestive secretions, thereby improving the "breakdown and absorption of food. Calumba also relieves indigestion when this results from deficient digestive secretions -in particular, reduced stomach acid levels.
Loss of appetite - The pure bitter action of calumba makes it an extremely good remedy, not only for a weakened or under active digestion but also for poor appetite. Calumba is used specifically to treat loss of appetite and anorexia nervosa.
Chronic illness - As with other bitter herbs, calumba is useful in the treatment of many chronic illnesses. Taken regularly before meals (preferably in tincture form), calumba tones the digestion and improves the absorption of nutrients. Calumba is particularly helpful in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, which is often associated with deficient stomach acid production.
Other medical uses - Calumba is given to treat dysentery, being used traditionally for this purpose East Africa, and to expel worms. Although calumba should generally be avoided during pregnancy, small doses have been prescribed to relieve morning sickness.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Calumba is a creeping vine, native to the rainforests of East Africa, especially Mozambique and Madagascar. Calumba grows to a great height, often reaching the tops of trees. Calumba is cultivated in other tropical regions and also in Europe. Calumba is grown from seed planted in spring and trained along supports. The root is dug up in dry weather in early spring.

RESEARCH

Research in Singapore in 1986 indicated that 2 of the isquinoline alkaloids, palmatine and jatrorrhizine, reduce blood pressure. In addition, palmatine is a uterine stimulant, while jatrorrhizine is sedative and antifungal. The isoquinoline alkaloids are similar inaction, to those present in barberry and goldenseal.

CONSTITUENTS

Calumba contains:
- Isoquinoline alkaloids (palmatine, columbamine, jatrorrhizine)
- Bitter principles (furanoditerpenol, palmanin)
- Volatile oil (up to 1 % -mostly thymol)
- Mucilage

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Decoction: put 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the root in a cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Let it infuse for 10 minutes and drink a cup half an hour before meals.
Tincture: take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

The root of calumba is collected from a climbing plant indigenous to the forests of Mozambique and Madagascar.