Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Notebook

Strophanthus amboensis

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Highly toxic plant: the seeds contain powerful cardiotonic glycosides, potentially fatal in excessive doses. Never use internally without supervision by a qualified professional trained in this specific plant. Contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, and in case of heart conditions or ongoing medication (risk of severe interaction). Keep out of reach, particularly as it was historically used as a hunting poison.

Powder / poultice — Seeds

External friction with crushed seeds

The seeds were ground into a fine powder then mixed with a fatty substance to obtain a paste applied as a local friction on painful areas. This preparation requires extremely precise dosing and should only be prepared by an experienced practitioner. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Maceration — Stem or root bark

Bark maceration for external use

The bark was sometimes macerated in water or oil to obtain a preparation intended for limited and localized skin use. A healthcare professional must be consulted before any use, as the margin between effect and toxicity is very narrow. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Seeds

Traditional tincture for very restricted use

A tincture could be prepared by macerating seeds in alcohol, but this concentrated form was used only in minute quantities and under strict supervision in the traditions that report it. No domestic use is recommended. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

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