Persimmon Tree
Diospyros virginiana
Direction
East
In earlier years persimmon fruit was dried for traveling food and to use as a lure when hunting animals. The bark was used in a formula for treating venereal disease. According to an elder, sweetgum was used in that formula. Persimmon is a member of the Ebony family.
Direction
West
The bark of persimmon, or possumwood was chewed for heartburn, a use that was confirmed by Mary Chiltoskey. Persimmon was used in cases where there was blood in the urine or "dark discharge from the bowels." It was also mentioned by an elder for "problems with gravel and bile, as well as cleansing the liver." While I was not able to validate any of these uses, there is nothing in the resources reviewed that deny any of these uses. The formula, and "internal tonic Medicine," is an old one that includes tree barks such as walnut, wild black cherry, alder, as well as dandelion, and comfrey in more recent years. The persimmons were dried in the sun, similar to other wild fruits, beans, and corn. Persimmon is a member of the Ebony family.
Direction
North
As Mary Chiltoskey mentioned, the bark of persimmon tree was used for treating toothaches. The mountain folks also used it as a remedy for throat and tonsil problems. An infusion would include persimmon, alder, walnut, and wild cherry. One elder said that it was used for "thrush and sores in the mouth" related to fungus. Persimmon was called common persimmon or possumwood. The sweet fruit contains tannin, which is an astringent. It was used in pudding and breads. Persimmon is a member of the Ebony family.
The Cherokee Herbal
Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions
J. T. Garrett
ISBN 187918196-7
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