Western hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

A large conifer with a drooping top and short, flat needles. The bark is very rich in tannins; the young needles contain vitamin C.

Safety notes

Not to be confused with poison hemlock (Conium), a very poisonous herb that is also called hemlock in English. 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)

Kwakwaka'wakw medicine: Do not confuse with poison hemlock. Not in pregnancy.

Preparation

Pound root bark lightly and leave it in water overnight until the water is red; use as a wash for sores. Young needles as a tea.

Use in traditions

For a sore or burn that would not heal, a Kwakwaka'wakw man scraped the rough bark off a root, shaved off four pieces of bark and pounded them gently between two stones. He left them overnight in water in a large shell; in the morning the water was red. With it he washed the sore morning and evening. A child with a sore throat or sore gums kept a folded piece of bark in its mouth. For diarrhoea the root bark was boiled with juniper and two ferns. Other peoples ate the inner bark in times of famine.

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 old sores and burns, a sore throat or sore gums in children, and diarrhoea.

Preparation and amount

Gently pound four pieces of root bark and leave in water overnight until it is red; wash the sore morning and evening. Keep a folded piece of bark in the mouth. For diarrhoea boil the root bark all day with juniper and two ferns and drink a teacup four times.

Caution: Do not confuse with poison hemlock. Not in pregnancy.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)

Sources

All herbs from North America →