Beech drops!

By Lex Orgera in 13 Oct 2022 | 19:46
Lex Orgera

Lex Orgera

 Student
Posts: 29
Member since: 20 Jul 2022
Hiya David, and I'm including Rich here too because we were talking about obligate parasitic plants and plants that totally lack chlorophyll in botany the first week... Anyway, I have a forager friend who has been tincturing Epifagus virginiana, beech drop, for (I think) headaches. She's relying solely on folklore, and we're both curious about what, if any, modern uses this plant might have. I can't find anything about edibility, let alone medicinal uses. Thank you! lex
13 Oct 2022 | 19:46
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David Winston

David Winston

 Instructor
Posts: 858
Member since: 22 Sep 2020
Beech Drops are not edible and they have little history of medicinal use. The Iroquois used a tea of the herb for diarrhea (it is a bit astringent), but that is about all i am aware of. I wonder if they are confusing it with Indian Pipe, which has antinociceptive activity ?
14 Oct 2022 | 20:45
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Lex Orgera

Lex Orgera

 Student
Posts: 29
Member since: 20 Jul 2022
Thanks, David. I'm going to quiz my friend some more about this and get back to you! I bet there's some confusion.
15 Oct 2022 | 13:30
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Eileen

Eileen

 Staff
Posts: 215
Member since: 16 Dec 2019
Rich said: Very cool little plant, I have a lot growing on my land and always enjoy seeing it. That is a pretty obscure one for usage, as you already know! You can check this out: https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/epiphegus.html Apart from that, I am not aware of any solid sources for you on any therapeutic uses
19 Oct 2022 | 19:26
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Lex Orgera

Lex Orgera

 Student
Posts: 29
Member since: 20 Jul 2022
Thanks, Rich! There *is* that mention of homeopathic use for headaches. I love how King says, "headaches brought on by fatigue and journeys." Very poetic. I came across Henriette's site when I was editing a new edition of Culpeper and remember it being helpful in a few instances. Thanks for reminding me that it's a great historical resource.
24 Oct 2022 | 20:42
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