- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Moist woods and banks along the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California
- Traditions
- Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
North America · Herb · № 973
Rubus spectabilis
Herb · North America
Salmonberry
Rubus spectabilis
A bramble with pink flowers and yellow-orange to red berries. Leaves and bark contain tannins and are astringent.
Safety notes
A wound that does not heal or becomes inflamed needs a doctor. 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: A wound that does not heal or becomes inflamed needs a doctor.
Preparation
Dry loose old bark, pound it fine and sprinkle the powder on a washed sore or burn; renew every morning.
Use in traditions
The berries and the young peeled shoots are a favourite spring food. For a burn or sore that would not heal, a Kwakwaka'wakw man peeled loose bark from an old bush, dried it over the fire and pounded it in a cloth to flour. After washing the wound he sprinkled on a thick layer, and again in the morning. The Kwakwaka'wakw called it 'sore-healer'. Bark of the black raspberry was used the same way.
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
'Sore-healer', for burns and sores that will not heal.
Preparation and amount
Dry loose bark of an old bush over the fire, pound it to flour in a cloth and sprinkle it thickly on the washed wound; renew every morning.
Caution: A wound that does not heal or becomes inflamed needs a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen