Gelsemium (Gelsemium sempervirens)

Gelsemium (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a member of the Loganiaceae family, native to Southeastern United States, Eastern United States, and Southern United States. Traditionally, its stems, leaves, and flowers have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, antispasmodic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Gelsemium (Gelsemium sempervirens) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Gelsemium (Gelsemium sempervirens) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Gelsemium
Scientific Name	Gelsemium sempervirens
Plant Family	Loganiaceae
Genus	Gelsemium
Species	sempervirens
Native Range	Southeastern United States, Eastern United States, Southern United States
Plant Parts Used	Stems, Leaves, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Antispasmodic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Gelsemium sempervirens
Common Name: Gelsemium
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Yellow Jessamine, Yellow Woodbine, Common Yellow Jessamine
Plant Family: Loganiaceae
Genus: Gelsemium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with smooth margins, upper surface yellow-green, lower surface pale green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along midvein.
Flowers: Tubular flowers with two lips, yellow color, zygomorphic symmetry, five stamens, two carpels, and a superior ovary.
Stems: Elongated, herbaceous, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth, glabrous surface, and presence of prominent, ridged longitudinal lines.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: Historically regarded as a soothing sedative, for relaxation-oriented uses.
Antispasmodic: Traditionally described as a calming antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a warming tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Stimulant: As described in traditional systems, a gentle stimulant, for alertness-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: Organic compounds biosynthesized by plants as part of secondary metabolism.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: This herb has been associated with interactions when used alongside certain pharmaceutical medications.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.