Indian Hemp
Parts Usually Used
Root, stem, berries, latex
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Shrub-like; 1-5 feet high. Leaves (except lowermost ones) with definite stalks, 1/2 inches long. The leaves of this plant are oblong and sharp pointed at both ends. Flowers terminal, whitish green, a light pink or purple inside; bell-like, 5-sided, June to August. Seedpods paired; 4-8 inches long. Poisonous to stock but usually avoided because of the bitter, rubbery juice. This is one of several plants called Indian Hemp.
Where Found
Much of the entire United States. Native to North America. Grows wild in pastures and fields.
Legends, Myths and Stories
Sally bags once were made by the Wasco Indians, an art borrowed from the Nez Perce Indians, who were horse Native Americans. These soft bags were originally saddle bags that had a foundation of Indian Hemp or any of the native milkweeds. The bottoms and top margins were made with woven cedar bark. Indian Hemp was used by the California and Death Valley Indians for bowstrings. String milkweed (Apocynum cannabinum), Indian Hemp, was gathered in the fall.
In the fall after the frost comes, the outer bark will fall off, and both this and the inner bark make excellent string. It was stretched and pulled then rolled on the leg; made a handsome string about like fishline, and just as strong. Native Americans used the string to weave nets and ropes. Cannabis sativa (Hemp): it is illegal to grow this plant without a permit; it is the source of a tough fiber used to produce ropes, and the illegal drug marijuana.
(Not Apocynum cannabium) Not Indian Hemp.
Uses
Historically, the stems of this plant were harvested for cordage and fiber, while the seeds, oil, and fiber were utilized in clothing, paints, and preparations for birds. In folk traditions, practitioners applied the milky sap topically for warts, and poultices were placed on sores, wounds, ulcers, and hemorrhoids. Herbalists historically recommended preparations of the plant for conditions such as dropsy, diarrhea, migraines, asthma, eczema, menstrual discomfort, neuralgia, and urinary difficulties.
Native American traditions included preparing weak teas from the berries and root, which were used as a diuretic and for heart-related complaints.
Warning
Contains toxic cardioactive (heart affecting) glycosides. Cymarin and apocymarin have shown anti-tumor activity; the latter also raises blood pressure. Too large a dose will cause vomiting. Use with medical supervision.
Bibliography
, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023