Poke root (Phytolacca americana) has been used in Southern and Appalachian folk practice for generations, and it was a cornerstone remedy for the 19th-century Eclectic physicians. It grows wild across this land. We dig the roots ourselves in Opp, Alabama and tincture them by hand in small batches.

This is an herb for people who already know what they are doing with it. Read the whole page before you order.

Is poke root safe?

Poke root is toxic in quantity, and that is not a marketing line. Too much causes vomiting and worse. It has a long record of traditional use in small doses and in trained hands, and no record at all of being safe to guess at. If you are new to herbs, buy something else from us and come back to this in a few years.

How is poke root traditionally used?

Poke root tincture is used in drops, not dropperfuls, typically 1 to 5 drops. It was used in the Eclectic and Southern folk traditions in low doses, taken carefully and watched closely. Start at the lowest dose and move up slowly, and do it under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or your doctor.

What is in it?

Poke root (Phytolacca americana) wild harvested from our land in southern Alabama, extracted in grain alcohol and distilled water. No additives and no fillers. Bottled by hand on the farm.

What is the difference between poke root and poke berry?

We sell both. The root is the stronger of the two and it is the form the old tincture recipes call for. The berries are used differently and at different doses. Neither one is a beginner herb, and neither one should be dosed on a hunch.

Which size should I buy?

The 1 oz. At the doses poke root is taken, a 1 oz bottle lasts a very long time, and most people will never finish one. The 2 oz is for practitioners who use it regularly in a clinical setting.

Why do you sell it?

Because it grows here, because people in this part of the country have used it for two hundred years, and because taking a plant off the shelf does not make anyone safer. We would rather sell it with a page like this attached to it.

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.