Celastraceae
Wahoo Bark
Euonymus atropurpureus
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Eastern Wahoo, Burning Bush, American Wahoo, Indian Arrow Wood
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
BarkRoot bark
Therapeutic Uses
Liver and gallbladder disorders, constipation with liver involvement, biliary dyskinesia. Eclectic American liver and gallbladder herb. LOW DOSE — cardiac glycosides.
Herbal Actions
Cholagogue, laxative, cardiotonic (cardiac glycosides — low dose), hepatic tonic
Active Constituents
Cardiac glycosides (evobioside, evomonoside), alkaloids, triterpenes (alatamine), tannins, flavonoids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not recommended — cardiac glycosides difficult to dose in tea |
| Tincture | 0.5–2 ml (1:10, 45% ethanol) — LOW DOSE, 2–3x daily |
| Notes | LOW DOSE cardiac glycoside herb. Professional guidance recommended. Primarily for liver-related constipation and biliary sluggishness. Safer alternatives (artichoke, dandelion root) preferred for most conditions. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Cardiac glycosides — avoid with cardiac medications. Low dose essential. Avoid in pregnancy. Professional guidance required.
Side Effects: Cardiac effects at higher doses. GI irritation. Diarrhea. Use with extreme caution.