Lycium pallidum
Pale wolfberry, Thornbush, Desert thorn, Tomatillo
Solanaceae – Nightshade family
Description
Wolfberry is a large, dense shrub typically 3-6 feet high; its branches are thorny, smooth and whitish, and are crowded with clusters of spatula shaped small leaves, approximately an inch in length. They are pale green and fleshy. The small, greenish, tubular flowers are often tinged with purple and hang downward from the leaf clusters. The smooth red fruits are the size of small grapes; they are juicy, contain a number of seeds, are slightly sweet and have a subtle nightshade taste.
Lycium is a moderately sized genus throughout the west. Most Lycium’s are similarly formed with main noticeable differences being leaf shape, berry size and basic stature. The medicinal use of this genius in modern times has only come about in recent years. It is reasonable to speculate that most species can medicinally be used alike, however, approach the use of each species of Lycium with prudence.
Distribution
From 3000 to 7000 feet, Wolfberry can be found throughout the Sonoran, Mojavean and Chihuahuan deserts. In higher elevations of these regions look for Wolfberry among Oak woodlands and Chaparral zones. The plant tends to inhabit varying areas such as basins, hillsides and arroyos. Wolfberry can be found from Texas to Colorado, west to Utah and California, and south to Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.
Medicinal Uses
Use Wolfberry when there is excessive eye and nose discharge in allergic situations. In addition, when lower respiratory tract tissues are congested and there are accompanying feelings of bronchial tightness Wolfberry can prove opening to this area. Wolfberry’s moderately anti-cholinergic activity shifts constrictive emphasis away from these affected respiratory tissues. This effect is most useful when this area is deemed over active, from an array of causes, but mostly because of an allergic-immune mediated response of some sort; Wolfberry shrinks tissues and allays hyper-secretion.
Wolfberry’s effect is also noticeable in gut and intestinal centered distresses. Nausea, intestinal spasms and general over-excitability of these areas respond well to Wolfberry. The plant acts well to quell chills, sweating and nausea (much like the drunken juice of 1 or 2 raw potatoes) from over-exposure to chemical herbicides, fertilizers and other conventional agricultural productions.
It is important to note that Wolfberry is a mild drug plant, meaning it suppresses symptoms and does not have much underlying value beyond temporally diminishing distresses, albeit in a limited way. In chronic issues, Wolfberry works well in formula with other more supportive herbs. It thereby can diminish surfaces distresses while deeper issues, possibly exaggerated immune responses or stress patterns can be addressed.
Topically the freshly poulticed plant or liniment can be applied to acute stings, swellings, contusions and other injuries where the skin is not broken. In this respect, Wolfberry acts like other Nightshade family plants applied externally. It moderately reduces pain and inflammation similarly to, although weaker than Datura or Tobacco.
Indications
Rhinitis
Constricted breathing from allergic reaction
Nausea
Intestinal spasm with or without accompanying diarrhea
Pain and inflammation from acute injuries (external)
Collection
In the spring or summer when Wolfberry’s foliage is hydrated and full collect the leaves by either stripping them with your hands from the young branches or pick individual leaf groupings where they are clustered. Be attentive to the thorns as they can prove to be an inconvenience.
Preparations and Dosage
FPT/DPT (50 %alc) 20-30 drops 3 times a day
Leaf infusion: 4 ounces 3 times a day
Poultice, liniment, and other external preparations: as needed
Cautions
Too much Wolfberry is apt to cause dizziness, overly dry skin and respiratory tract membranes. Do not use Wolfberry during pregnancy, while nursing or if taking anti-cholinergic pharmaceuticals.
Other Uses
The fruits can be eaten raw in limited quantities. Beyond a small handful, the medicinal effect of the plant may become evident. Not being the most palatable fruits, they are best cooked with other foods.