Trillium

Trillium spp. (o.a. Trillium erectum en T. grandiflorum)

Spring flowers with three leaves, three sepals and three petals. The rhizome contains saponins. Clinical research is lacking.

Safety notes

A plant that takes seven years or more to flower; picking leaves and flower can kill it. The white trillium is the emblem of Ontario. Not in pregnancy. 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)

Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Do not gather: the plant grows very slowly. Not in pregnancy.

Preparation

Do not gather or prepare it yourself.

Use in traditions

Known in North America as 'birthroot', a remedy around childbirth. According to the notes in Herrick, the Haudenosaunee used the root as fishing medicine, leaving the fishing line overnight in its juice, for itching and for a pregnant woman. A dried piece of root carried on you was said to bring luck and protect the teeth.

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.

Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine

Attributed effects

As fishing medicine, for itching, for a pregnant woman and for luck.

Preparation and amount

The tradition soaks the fishing line overnight in the juice of the root, or carries a dried piece of root.

Caution: Do not gather: the plant grows very slowly. Not in pregnancy.

Sources

All herbs from North America →