Seed to Table

Image credit: Gillfoto, via Wikimedia Commons Latin name:   Oplopanax horridus Synonyms:  Devil's walking stick, Alaskan ginseng, sƛ̕ax̌ʷdup (Salish), Ts’iihlnjaaw (Haida) Action:  adaptogen, alterative, analgesic, anti-microbial, carminative, expectorant, immune stimulant, pulmonary, rheumatic, tonic Parts:  Bark of buried stems, roots; bark of aerial stems (inferior) Harvest:  Fall/winter Uses: -  external:  tense/cramping/sore muscles, sprains; sore joints, arthritis; abscesses, staph infection -  internal:  cold/damp stagnation; damp/toxic heat; indigestion, constipation, stomachache; regulates blood sugar and metabolic syndrome; anxious depression; menstrual/muscle cramps; colds and flu Notes:  May have a laxative effect when taken internally.  Some active compounds are aromatic - fresh vs. dried may have slightly different characteristics.  Dry with as little heat as possible, or tincture fresh. Of all the ...