Cryptolepis (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta)
Recently, I experienced some redness, pain and swelling around an ingrown toenail. I decided to apply a paste of goldenseal powder mixed with tinctures of cryptolepsis and cannabis root. Within a day or two, the swelling had subsided and the redness and pain were gone.
Both cannabis root and cryptolepsis have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions.
The root of cryptolepsis is harvested from a thin stemmed climbing shrub located primarily in West Africa,but also found in Madagscar and parts of Asia and New Guinea.
It has been traditionally used to combat malaria in West African herbalism. Steven Harrod Buhner, who brought some attention to cryptolepsis in his wonderful book: "Herbal Antibiotics", was introduced to this plant by Nana Nkatiah, a healer from Ghana.
It is considered a systemic anti-microbial and is successful against staph infections that have resisted multiple antibiotic regimens. For severe systemic staph, Buhner recommends 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the tincture 3 x daily, although more can be taken in very severe cases.
Cryptolepsis is also very effective against other systemic infections: MRSA, streptococcus, babesia, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis and wound sepsis.
It combats E. coli, salmonella, klebsiella, and shigella, all gram negative bacteria.
Research indicates no known contraindications or herb/drug interactions. (Caution is always recommended for pregnancy).
Cryptolepsis is taken as a regular tonic for long periods of time in some parts of Africa and India, although mainly as a tea.
Recent research also indicates broad spectrum anti-cancer activity.
In traditional medicine, cryptolesis has been used to address insomnia.
Finally, the root has been used as a brilliant yellow dye, particularly for leather.