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Mathew (OK) on 01/22/2024
5 out of 5 stars

My family has been eating pokeweed since I was a child. In fact I purposely grow it on my acreage to this day and I'm 55. The leaves need boiled ONLY once, everyone says multiple times, but that's just not true. I also make jelly out of the berries separating the seeds from the juice. My uncle takes one berry each day to treat his arthritis. My wife was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, so she will start taking the berries tomorrow.
REPLY   18      

Replied By Jimbo (Pikeville, Ky) on 06/08/2024

Hello sir. I am greatly intrigued about the pokeberries. I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and am considering other natural alternatives around the house I can pick. My question is does your uncle pick the seeds out of the beery before he eats it? Thanks
REPLY   6      

Replied By WKAIII (Rural Indiana) on 10/16/2024

Howdy, Jimbo.

I use pokeberry juice in a honey and vinegar concoction as an energy and lymphatic booster. After finding a good plant (they're everywhere around where I am) I harvest the whole stem bunches and compost what I do not use. I usually bring home anywhere from 1-2 pounds per harvest. Once harvested, place the bunches in a stock pot with enough water to cover and let sit for 30 minutes to loosen any "wild residues" from the berries. Swish once, then strain. Cover with water again and agitate gently to finish the wash. Strain again and let dry, setting the stem bunches on towels for about 10-15 minutes.

I use a fork to pop the berries off of their little stems. USE ONLY THE DARK PURPLE BERRIES. If they're still hard or not fully ripe, they contain too much toxin and will not be usable. Then place the picked berries in a stainless steel or glass bowl. You want a good, hard surface which some plastics will not afford.

Use the end of a wooden spoon or other rounded utensil to crush the berries. DO NOT GRIND. You don't want to rupture the seed skins since that's where all the bad stuff is. Gently crush the berries until you have a pulp. I then add about a cup of raw cider vinegar, swish to mix well and then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Gently press the pulp in the strainer but don't stir it around, avoiding rubbing the seeds against the mesh. You can use water or anything else, but adding something to the pulp helps pull most of the juice out. Just be careful not to bother the seeds.

I hope that helps.

Replied By Sheila Rekdal (MO) on 11/14/2024

I have made juice for several years and have frozen some as ice cubes. I had one for my herbal tea blend. I have had a good experience with the juice. Have not gotten the courage up yet to try the greens as I have not ventured into finding out how to prepare them yet.

Replied By Ross (Tx) on 07/09/2025

I started taking poke berries about three weeks ago for my spinal stenosis. It has really helped. Better than celebrated which I cannot take anymore. I swallow the berry whole like a pill. Do not chew it. The seeds in the berry has poison that is released if chewed or crushed. Look out for side effects of diarrhea or headache. If you experience that cut back or stop altogether. Do your own research and make your own decision. I'm not a Dr or have any training to give medical advice

Replied By Patsy (SC) on 08/10/2025

here's a recipe I use- boil greens to remove toxins- I do this twice. Then I fry bacon pieces, remove from pan and add one half minced onion to drippings, saute till soft, add poke greens and cook till softened, add 5 beaten eggs, add bacon back in finish cooking then enjoy.

Replied By Lea (TX) on 08/31/2025

Do I have to cook it?

Replied By susuba (huntsville, al) on 09/19/2025

As long as you swallow the berry whole and dont chew, you are fine. The toxins are inside the seeds, and will not break down in your stomach