General stimulant, cardiac stimulant, tonic, alterative, pungent, deobstruent, diuretic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, sialogogue, nervine. The action of this general stimulant is slower than cayenne, but its effects are more permanent, and it will remove obstructions in every part of the body. Berries: These possess volatile oils that are stimulant, antispasmodic, and carminative, and act principally upon the mucous membranes. An aromatic shrub or tree, 10-25 feet tall with paired short spines on the branches. The compound leaves are oval, toothed with 5"11 leaflets, and lemon-scented when crushed. Tiny green-yellow flowers, in axillary clusters appear before the leaves appear. The fruit is a small, dark berry-like capsule covered with lemon-scented, gandular dots, containing one or more shiny black seeds. Found in eastern and central U.S. in moist woods, and thickets. It is a anodyne, diaphoretic, irritant, stimulant, and diuretic. The bark tea or tincture have been used by American Indians and herbalists for chronic rheumatism, dysentery, kidney, heart trouble, colds, coughs, lung ailments, and uterine cramps. Berry tea is given for sore throats. The bark is chewed for toothaches. Bark and berries are used for the digestive and lymphatic system, skin diseases, nervous headaches, and varicose veins. Use 1 teaspoon of the dried bark or berries to 1 cup water. Take 1 cup a day. Research shows it may have anticancer properties.