Abrus Herb Information

Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius

Uses of Abrus

Used by the Chinese as a medicinal.

In professional hands the seeds have been used to treat fever, malaria, headache, dropsy, and worms.

Also used externally to treat sciatica, skin disease, leprosy, nervous exhaustion and paralysis.

The leaves have been used for sore throats and dry coughs.

The roots have been used as a substitute for licorice due to the presence of glycyrrhizin; however, they also contain toxic compounds which makes their use unadvisable under any circumstances.