Status: Native
Synonyms:
None
Ligusticum porteri is an upper elevation herb which grows out of moist hillsides. It has compound umbels of small
white flowers and terete, ridged fruits. The leaves are irregularly divided.
This Ethnobotany information is provided by John Dunne-Brady for historical and cultural value but is not intended as medical advice:
Ligusticum porteri - OSHA, CHUCHUPATE
Well known and much used plant with aromatic roots - dry powdered roots in
hot water used to induce sweating, to break or reduce fevers, and also to
loosen and expel phlegm in lung infections such as flu, pneumonia and
consumption; syrup made with roots and honey used for coughs and sore
throats; salve made from root powder with tallow, turpentine, camomile and
contrayerba (Kallstroemia) used as disinfectant for external cuts and
bruises; roots mixed with olive oil used as liniment for rheumatism; chewing
small root pieces used as stomachic and carminative for flatulence and have
also helped break nicotine addiction; tea made with leaves and stems used
for child colic; WARNING: do not confuse this plant with poison hemlock
(Conium maculatum) - Curtin 139; Moore 61
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Ligusticum porteri, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak, July 15, 2008
Ligusticum porteri, detail of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak, July 15, 2008
Ligusticum porteri, fruits, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Leith Young, Patrick Alexander, Ed & Dorea Gilbert, Richard Felger, Mogollon Mtns., Redstone trailhead, September 13, 2009
Ligusticum porteri, flowers, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Leith Young, Patrick Alexander, Ed & Dorea Gilbert, Richard Felger, Mogollon Mtns., Redstone trailhead, September 13, 2009
Back to the Index