Baneberry
Parts Usually Used
Root, in both red and white baneberry.
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Red baneberry is a perennial; 2-3 ft. tall. Similar to white baneberry, though the flowerhead is rounder, and the berries are red and on less stout stalks. It fruits July to October. White baneberry is a perennial, 1-2 ft. tall. Leaves twice-divided, leaflets oblong, sharp-toothed. Flowers in oblong clusters on thick red stalks. Fleshy white berries with a dark dot at the tip; fruits July to October.
Flowers April to June
Where Found
Found in rich woods. Southern Canada to northern New Jersey, West Virginia, west through Ohio and Iowa to South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon.
Uses
Historically, Native American traditions utilized teas brewed from red baneberry root for menstrual irregularities, coughs, and colds. The Menominee prepared white baneberry root tea to address headaches associated with eye strain. In broader historical folk practice, baneberry preparations were employed for coughs, colds, menstrual irregularities, and chronic constipation, and the plant was believed to benefit circulation.
Warning
All parts of white baneberry may cause severe gastrointestinal inflammation and skin blisters. Its use is not recommended. Red baneberry is poisonous. May cause vomiting, gastroenteritis, irregular breathing, and delirium. Its use is not recommended. These herbs are poisonous.
Bibliography
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, first printed by the United States Government Printing Office, Washington, in 1928, this Dover edition 1974