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Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest New Title - Soon to be Released Medicinal Plant Profiles Photographic Index |
Puncturevine Goathead, Sandbur, Bullhead Description Puncturevine grows mat-like and covers expansive stretches. The entire plant is hairy, including the leaves, which are composed of 4-7 small compound leaflets. They are borne on long horizontal stems sometimes reaching 7-8 feet in length, though normally they are only 2-3 feet long. In the summer, the small, 5-petaled, bright yellow flowers open in the morning and close soon after when confronted by the hot sun. The seed capsules are 5-sectioned and break apart at maturity; each section is double-spined and contains several seeds. They are viable for at least five years, making eradication next to impossible. The seed capsules or goatheads as they are “affectionately” called are legendary for the discomfort they cause to bare feet.
Distribution A non-native from southern Europe, Puncturevine now is distributed widely throughout the west. Look for the plant in disturbed areas such as roadsides, vacant lots, and along fields and pastures.
Chemistry Sapogenins: terrestrosin, ruscogenin, and hecogenin; harmine and nor-harmine; flavonoids: quercetin and rutin
Medicinal Uses Although terminology and descriptions of effects differ, western perspectives and more ancient systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda coincide on Puncturevine use. On its relationship to the cardiovascular system, the plant fits individuals with moderately elevated blood pressure who suffer from angina pectoris. The coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart, is dilated through Puncturevine’s effect, therefore quenching the heart’s literal cry for oxygen. Compounding this with Puncturevine’s slowing and force-lessening effect on the cardiac muscle makes the plant very useful for hypertensive, middle-aged individuals whose lifestyle has become sedentary and diet is caloricly burdensome.
Puncturevine is useful in diminishing the formation of both uric acid and oxalate based kidney stones, be it from injury, dehydration, or metabolic excesses. In addition, its tendency to dilute the urine through its diuretic action, combined with the plant’s soothing effect on urinary tract mucus membranes, makes the plant’s application to urinary irritability well suited.
It is known that Puncturevine augments androgens, particularly DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone within the body. Although the mechanism is still unclear, the effects are noticeable in that libido is increased, and in men, erectile response is heightened, as is the quantity and quality of sperm. Nocturnal emissions or spermatorrhea lessens under its use. Many men using the plant often notice a related sense of increased physical strength and will – a good tonic for older men and the metrosexual alike.
Traditionally Puncturevine is used for skin outbreaks that exhibit redness and heat – the typical eczematous rash. Since the plant is significantly antiinflammatory and hence somewhat mediating to allergic reactivity, topical and internal use of Puncturevine is of value in treating eczema and psoriasis. Of interest also is the plant’s stimulatory effect on melanocyte proliferation, making external therapies of use in treating vitiligo.
Indications Essential hypertension with fluid retention Angina pectoris Kidney stones, as a preventative, both uric acid and oxalate types Decreased libido/low sperm count and poor quality Allergic skin conditions/eczema/psoriasis (internal and external) Vitiligo
Collection Collect Puncturevine from mid to late summer after it responds to seasonal rains. The plants are easily pulled up, roots and all; be mindful of the seed capsules or goatheads as they can gouge hands easily if aggressively handled. Collect the seed capsules in the late summer to early fall.
Preparations The whole plant is active, although the mature, dried capsules with seeds are traditionally used. Puncturevine lends itself to most preparations.
Dosage Herb-seed infusion: 2-4 ounces 3 times daily FPT/DPT (60% alcohol): 30-40 drops 3 times daily Topical preparations: as needed
Cautions Most reports of Puncturevine toxicity have been though observations of the effects on sheep from grazing areas where the plant is in great abundance. Cases of liver and kidney problems and sun-sensitivity do arise in these circumstances. With this in mind, prudence suggests if the herb is to be used as a simple, keep the duration short term (several weeks). In formula, long-term use is acceptable. Do not use during pregnancy, while nursing, or with liver or kidney disease. |