Rivina humilis (Petiveriaceae) Bloodberry

Rivina humilis (Pigeonberry)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Rivina humilis

Family: Petiveriaceae (formerly in Phytolaccaceae)

Genus: Rivina

Petiveriaceae family contains plants with potent biological activities, often requiring cautious use.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Petiveria alliacea (Guinea Hen Weed): A strong-smelling herb used in traditional medicine for pain, inflammation, and as an immunostimulant.

• Phytolacca americana (Pokeweed): A powerful but toxic herb used externally for inflammation and internally in minute, processed doses.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Rivina humilis | English: Pigeonberry, Rouge Plant, Bloodberry | Sanskrit: Not classically documented. | Hindi: Lal Beri | Tamil: Sivappu Mullangi | Telugu: Erra Bokka, Harita Manjari | Kannada: Kempu Gida | Malayalam: Manithakkali | Marathi: Lal Bhendi | Bengali: Lal Bichi | Spanish: Coralito | French: Herbe à rouge |

3. Medicinal Uses:Traditional: Febrifuge (fever-reducing), Diuretic, Laxative, Anti-inflammatory (topical).Important Note: The berries are considered TOXIC if ingested in quantity. The plant is primarily used externally in folk medicine.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves and, with extreme caution, the root.

• Leaves: Used externally in poultices.

• Root: Used in very small doses in specific traditional preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Alkaloids (Rivinianin): Specific to the genus, these are likely responsible for the plant's bioactivity and potential toxicity.

Saponins: May contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and potential diuretic effects.

Flavonoids: Provide Antioxidant support.

Triterpenoids: Often associated with anti-inflammatory activity.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Shotha (Inflammation - Topical)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or wash.

Preparation & Use: A poultice of the fresh leaves is applied to the forehead to reduce fever. A decoction of the leaves is used as a wash for inflamed skin, rashes, and rheumatic joints.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and cooling properties of the leaf are utilized externally to draw out heat and reduce swelling.

Vrana (Wounds) & Charmakeela (Warts)

Formulation: Leaf juice or berry juice (external use only).

Preparation & Use: The juice from the leaves or the toxic red berries is applied cautiously to minor wounds, ulcers, and warts to promote drying and healing.

Reasoning: The astringent and antimicrobial properties may help cleanse and contract tissue. This is a risky practice due to potential skin irritation and toxicity.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

There is NO culinary use. The berries are poisonous to humans and many animals. Its use is strictly limited to external folk medicine.

External Leaf Wash for Skin Inflammation

Purpose: For soothing rashes or itchy skin.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil a handful of leaves in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes.

• Let it cool completely and strain.

• Use the liquid as a wash or apply a cloth soaked in it to the affected area.

• Perform a patch test first.

7. Disclaimer:

Rivina humilis, especially its bright red berries, is TOXIC and should not be ingested. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Internal use is not recommended. External use should be approached with great caution, as it can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is not a herb for home experimentation. This information is primarily for botanical identification and awareness of its hazards.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada by John M. Kingsbury.

• Handbook of Medicinal Herbs by James A. Duke.

• Regional ethnobotanical studies of the Southern United States and Central America.

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties (Safer Alternatives)

1. Phytolacca acinosa (Indian Pokeweed)

• Species: Phytolacca acinosa | Family: Phytolaccaceae | Genus: Phytolacca

• Similarities: A related, equally toxic plant with a similar profile of external use for inflammation and internal use only after extensive processing. Both serve as examples of potent herbs that are strictly within the domain of expert practitioners.

2. Aloe vera (Kumari)

• Species: Aloe vera | Family: Asphodelaceae | Genus: Aloe

• Similarities: For the external use for burns, skin inflammation, and wound healing, Aloe vera is a vastly safer, more effective, and widely studied alternative to the risky external use of Rivina humilis.