Snakeroot
Parts Usually Used
Root, leaves
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A variable perennial; 2-5 feet tall. Leaves opposite, on slender stalks; somewhat heart-shaped, toothed. Flowers are white, in branched clusters; blossoms in July to October. Do not mistake white snakeroot for black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) sometimes called black snakeroot. ) is of the birthwort family. Each of these have the name snakeroot attached to them but they are not the white snakeroot reported on here (Eupatorium rugosum) of the composite family.
Seneca and Virginia snakeroot are poisonous.
Where Found
Thickets. Quebec to Georgia; Texas to North Dakota.
Uses
Native Americans historically prepared a tea from the root for ague, diarrhea, painful urination, fevers, and kidney stones, and applied the plant as a poultice for snakebites. The smoke of the burning herb was also traditionally used in attempts to revive unconscious individuals.
Warning
“Milk sickness”, with weakness and nausea, may result from consuming the milk of cows that have grazed on this plant. It is considered toxic. Do not use without medical supervision.
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 An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants , by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992). The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H.
Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974