Useful Information On Lomatium Dissectum

Useful Information On Lomatium Dissectum
Other Common Names: Carrotleaf Biscuitroot, Chocolate-tips,
Cough Root, Fernleaf Biscuitroot, Fernleaf Lomatium, Lepotaenia,
Leptotaenia, Lomatium dissectum

Range: Western N. America - southwards from Alberta and British Columbia.

Habitat: Open, often rocky slopes and dry meadows, often on talus.

Fernleaf biscuitroot was widely employed medicinally by many native
North American Indian tribes who considered it to be a universal
panacea and used it especially in treating chest problems and skin
complaints. This is an important native American Pacific Northwest
anti-viral herb. Works where other anti-virals fall short. Fresh root
(alcoholic) extract is best mode of administration. Lomatium was used,
particularly in the southwestern United States, during the influenza
pandemic of 1917 with reportedly good results. Although it is little,
if at all, used in modern herbalism, but probably warrants
investigation.

The whole plant, but especially the root, is disinfectant, pectoral, salve, stomachic and tonic.

The dried root was used in the treatment of rheumatism, stomach
complaints, coughs, colds, hayfever, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia
and tuberculosis. The root was burnt and the smoke inhaled in the
treatment of asthma and other chest complaints, it was also used as a
herbal steam bath for treating chest complaints. The root was used to
make a drink that was taken as a tonic to help people in a weakened
condition gain weight. A poultice of the peeled and crushed roots has
been applied to open cuts, sores, boils, bruises and rheumatic joints.
The root has been soaked in water and then used as an antidandruff wash
for the hair.

An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a tonic.

The root oil has been applied as a salve to sores and also used as an eye wash in the treatment of trachoma.

Root - cooked. Resinous and balsamic. The root can be dried and
ground into a powder and then be mixed with cereal flours or added as a
flavoring to soups etc. The roots have been boiled to make a refreshing
and nutritious drink.

The pulverized root has been burnt as an incense.

• Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 ISBN 0-88192-453-9