Poke (Phytolacca americana) is one of the most recognized plants in Southern folk practice and one of the most misunderstood. It grows wild across Alabama and the Southeast, in fencerows and ditches and anywhere nobody mowed. We wild harvest the berries by hand from our land in Opp, in small batches, one season at a time.

Poke is not a casual herb. Read the whole page before you order.

Is poke safe?

Poke demands care. Raw poke root and large quantities of the berries are toxic, and that is not a figure of speech. Dried berries in very small amounts have a long history of traditional use, and none of that history involves guessing. If you are new to medicinal herbs, start somewhere gentler in our catalog and come back to this later.

How are dried poke berries traditionally used?

Dried poke berries are traditionally made into a tincture or a decoction, or taken in very small amounts as the dried berry. The dose is the entire question with this plant. Start extremely low, a berry or three, or a few drops of tincture, and move up slowly under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or your doctor.

Who uses poke berries?

Experienced herbalists, traditional practitioners, and people raised around Southern folk medicine who already know the plant. Poke was a staple of the Eclectic physicians in the 19th century and it is still used in Appalachian and Southern practice today, carefully, by people who learned it from somebody.

Where are these harvested?

From our land in Opp, Alabama. Wild harvested, not cultivated, and dried and packed by hand on the farm. No processing additives and no artificial drying agents. Seasonal, so when it is gone it is gone until next year.

Why do you sell it?

Because it grows here, and because keeping traditional plant medicine within reach of the people it belongs to matters to us. We trust you to do your reading. If you have questions, write to us and we will answer them.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We make no medical claims. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.