Herbology Club - Herbfind #3

[dear-prudence.livejournal.com]

Here's your next Herbfind, herbologists! Sorry it took a little while. I'm on teaching rounds, and let's just say it's... hectic... yes.
Well! Here we go!




* A Native N. American perennial herb, found from New York to West Virginia and southward to South Carolina, Alabama and Missouri. Growing in rich woods, thickets, bluffs and along roadsides.

* Can be known to
Reduce fevers
Reduce inflammation
Hasten or bring on menstruation
Act as a sedative
Ease the effects of several mental ailments such as insomnia, anxiety, and even epilepsy.

* Used in some Native American tribes as a ceremonial plant to introduce young girls into womanhood.

* All varieties have a seed pod and distinctive hooded flowers. Leaf size and shapes vary widely amongst the species. Color of flowers range from red-violet to blue-violet often with white markings.

* Used in herbal teas and tinctures, but should NEVER be given to pregnant women.