Herb of the Day Baneberry

Medical Uses: The root is used in both red and white baneberry. American Indians used red baneberry root tea for menstrual irregularity, postpartum pains, and as a purgative after childbirth; also used to treat coughs and colds.

Menominees used small amount of white baneberry root tea to relieve pain of childbirth, headaches due to eye strain. Once used for coughs, menstrual irregularities, colds, and chronic constipation; thought to be beneficial to circulation.

Magickal uses: none

 Properties: Antispasmodic

Growth: Red baneberry is a perennial; 2 – 3 ft. tall. Similar to white baneberry, though the flower head is rounder, and the berries are red and on less stout stalks. It fruits from 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. It is found in rich woods. Southern Canada to northern New Jersey, West Virginia, west through Ohio and Iowa to South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon.

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.

Source:
Author: Crick

Website: The Whispering Woods