Herb: Japanese Dodder


Latin name: Cuscuta japonica


Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory Family)



Medicinal use of Japanese Dodder:

A sweet, pungent herb that acts mainly as a liver and kidney stimulant, the seed of Japanese dodder is aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, enuresis, hepatic and tonic. A decoction of the seed is used to treat a variety of complaints including diarrhoea, vaginal discharge, enuresis, backache, constipation and impotence. The young shoots are used to treat sore eyes.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual Climber


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
August to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Parasitic on shrub branches in lowland and low mountains all over Japan.

Edible parts of Japanese Dodder:

Young growth, boiled and seasoned.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, by lodging it among the stems of a host plant.

Cultivation of Japanese Dodder:

Parasitic on shrub branches in lowland and low mountains all over Japan.

Known hazards of Cuscuta japonica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.