Tephrosia virginiana Catgut (Leguminosae)

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Tephrosia virginiana
Catgut
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The Tephrosia virginiana plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New Hampshire to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Catgut.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Tephrosia virginiana
Common Name:  Catgut
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  (L.)Pers.

Known Hazards:  Contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222]. The seeds are toxic[222].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Dry sandy woods and openings[43].

Medicinal Information: The root is anthelmintic, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral and tonic[207, 222, 257]. A tea made from the roots is said to make children muscular and strong[222, 257]. A cold tea is used to improve male potency and also to treat TB, bladder problems, coughs, irregular menstruation and other women's complaints[222, 257]. Experimentally, the root has shown both anticancer and cancer-causing activity[222]. The leaves have been placed in the shoes in order to treat fevers and rheumatism[257].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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