Locust Tree

Also known as: Robinia Pseudacacia, False Acacia, Gemeine Robinie, Black Locust

Native to South Eastern US, Locust Tree is an ornamental arbor with bunches of white flowers, very appreciated for its high quality timber. Symbol of tenacity and longevity, Locust Tree is also a major honey plant. Water extracts from flowers have an alkaline effect and relieve excessive stomach acidity, being helpful in hyperacid gastritis, ulcers and stomach burning. For infusion, only dry flowers without the inflorescence axis are used: 1 tablespoon for one cup of water, administered 2-3 cups a day.

Popular medicine recommends Locust Tree flowers for convulsive cough and asthma, but the fresh flowers are also considered useful in the treatment irascibility, anxiety, prolonged depression and insomnia. An ancient recipe for detoxification and weight loss requires 5 tablespoons of Locust Tree flowers to 1 liter of still or spring water, filtered and consumed after 8 hours, instead of water. The cure lasts for 14 days for a complete detox effect. The same purification effect can be obtained through a 21 day cure with the infusion obtained from Locust Tree flowers (1 cup/day).

Other uses for Locust Tree include muscle cramps of nervous origin, memory disturbances, balance disorders and sexual dysfunction.

Due to its high content in a toxalbumin called “robin”, the bark and leaves are considered toxic. They have emetic and purgative effects, damaging the liver and the kidneys and leading to colics, diarrhea, tachycardia, hyperexcitability, paralysis, coma and death in a few hours. Consequently, empiric use  of Locust Tree bark and leaves should be avoided.