Cephalanthus occidentalis
Buttonwillow, Buttonball, Riverbush
Rubiaceae – Madder family
Description
Buttonbush is a large, deciduous shrub that forms dense thickets. In rare instances, it grows as a small tree, 30-40 feet in height, usually in isolative pockets in southern Arkansas and eastern Texas. As the plant ages the blackish-brown trunk bark becomes deeply fissured. Like other Madder family plants, Buttonbush’s leaves are situated in wholes of 3 or 4, although sometimes they are found in oppositely arranged pairs. The leaves are shiny, leathery, and oblanceolate. The small trumpet-shaped, cream-colored flowers are arranged densely in ball-like clusters terminating at branch ends, hence the name Buttonbush.
Distribution
Look for Buttonbush along streamsides, pond and marsh borders, and river bottoms, or at least in places where the earth stays consistently moist. From sea level to approximately 6,000 feet, Buttonbush is found throughout North America.
Chemistry
Cephalanthin, cephaletin, cephalin, and tannin, among other constituents
Medicinal Uses
Although not used extensively in present-day herbalism, Buttonbush still has the same value today as it did in the past. It is effective in strengthening the gastrointestinal tract in weakened and atonic states. It is a useful bitter tonic that can be used with success in chronic states of indigestion. After a meal if stomach secretions are deficient, bloating, oppressive feelings of fullness, and general dyspepsia can ensue; in these situations Buttonbush stimulates proper digestive responses.
Living a harried lifestyle (particularly, worry and rumination while eating) is a quick way to set up harmful digestive patterns. Buttonbush redirects digestive emphasis back where it belongs, to the belly. Buttonbush, as is the case with most bitters, combines well with aromatic herbs such as Ginger, Peppermint, or Fennel. The plant’s stimulatory effect on the liver and gallbladder make it of use in relieving mild constipation, especially if there is difficulty digesting fat.
Indications
Indigestion
Intestinal distress, in response to meals high in fat
Constipation, dependent on stress and worry
Liver/gallbladder congestion, non-organic causes
Collection
Collect the leaves in the spring before the plant flowers, or the inner bark in colder seasons.
Dosage and Preparations
Leaf infusion/bark decoction: 4-6 ounces before meals 3 times daily
FPT/DPT (50% alcohol): 30-40 drops before meals 3 times daily
Cautions
Because Buttonbush is a gastric stimulant do not use if there is an over production of hydrochloric acid (which tends to be rare), or if there is an existing duodenal ulcer. Because there are still unknowns concerning Buttonbush’s physiologic effects, it is best not to use in pregnancy or while nursing. Moreover, do not use if there is an active biliary blockage.