> Supplement Index> Jalap / Ipomea turpethum / Operculina turpethum / Rinones / Bush Morning Glory > Jalap General Information Jalap Uses & Scientific Evidence For Jalap Dosage Information Jalap Safety & Interaction Information Buy Products That Contain Jalap - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Jalap General Information Ipomea means worm-like, which describes the twisted nature of Jalap roots. The Mexicans first used this herb as a purgative and vermifuge. The Pawnee, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Kiowa Indians used the root as an emergency food and as a therapeutic. The Pawnee also used it as a smoke treatment for nervousness and bad dreams, and they dried and pulverized the root, and dusted it onto the body to relieve pain. The Lakota Indians ate the Jalap root raw for stomach complaints. The Spanish colonizers learned from the Mexicans how to use it, and in 1565, they introduced it into Europe as a cure all until the 19th century. The active principle of Jalap leaves is a cardio-tonic substance named oleandrin, which has anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties. The roots, bark and seeds contain cardio-active glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties, and make a good pain reliever. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Jalap Uses & Scientific Evidence For The resin of the Jalap plant is used to facilitate bowel evacuation in the most dramatic cases of constipation. It is so strong that it must be combined with such other herbs as ginger, licorice, or some other digestive stimulant. It is also used for colic and pain in the intestinal region, dysentery, colitis, and rheumatism. Jalap root has strong anti-spasmodic properties that make it useful in treating epilepsy. Taking the root in a tea form can help treat spastic diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and general hysteria. Jalap root is also used to help treat fevers, cough, asthma, skin disease, sores, boils, and itching. It is also a mild laxative. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Jalap Dosage Information Jalap comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow product directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Jalap Safety & Interaction Information Jalap has strong actions and should be used under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner. Even moderate doses of Jalap can cause loose stools and vomiting. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Buy Products That Contain Jalap Below