- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Moist woods and banks of northern and western North America
- Traditions
- Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
North America · Herb · № 971
Lonicera involucrata
Herb · North America
Black twinberry
Lonicera involucrata
A honeysuckle with yellow flowers in pairs, which later form two shiny black berries in red bracts. Effects not studied.
Safety notes
The berries are probably poisonous; coastal peoples called them 'monster food' or 'crow berry'. External use only. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Kwakwaka'wakw medicine: External use only; the berries are probably poisonous.
Preparation
External: boil the leaves briefly and lay them hot in a cloth on the swelling; in winter the pounded young roots.
Use in traditions
For a swelling on the shoulder or the feet, a Kwakwaka'wakw woman picked leaves, boiled them in a little water and laid them hot in a cotton cloth on the swelling, warming them again and again. In winter the soft new roots were dug, pounded and laid warm on the swelling. The Quileute, Kwakwaka'wakw and Haida made black paint and hair dye from the berries.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
Attributed effects
For swellings on shoulder, hip or feet.
Preparation and amount
Boil the leaves in a little water and lay them hot in a cotton cloth on the swelling, warming again and again; in winter the pounded young roots, warm.
Caution: External use only; the berries are probably poisonous.