Yellow root

Plant Family: Clusiaceae (St. John’s Wort)

Botanical Name: Xanthorhiza Simplicissima

Alternative Name: Yellow-root

Medicinal Uses: Yellowroot is an anti-inflammatory and a natural antibiotic. This plant can help in the treatment of sinus infections, bladder issues, cold/flu symptoms, sore throat, laryngitis, mouth sores, colitis, gastritis, congestion of the chest, and even earaches. Yellowroot is also uterine tonic and a digestive aid. It is an excellent liver stimulant and is useful in soothing the mucus membranes. Its’ cooling astringent qualities allow it to reduce any phlegm. Its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of different ways. Some of which include, as a mouthwash, tea, tinctures, eyewashes, salves, douches, and even ear drops. Can also be used to treat female health conditions including PMS and yeast infections. It has also been found that it can be helpful in lowering blood pressure.

Folklore: The Native Americans used xanthorhiza (xantho– yellow, rhiza-root), that produced a yellow dye used for war paint. The Cherokee Indians used the root to cure indigestion and to improve appetite. They also used the herb for a variety of different things which included the treatment of cancer, whooping cough, liver disorders, fevers, and heart problems. Yellowroot is toxic in large doses.

Other fun facts: The demand for Yellowroot is steadily increasing, it is now considered one of the most popular herbs. It’s estimated that 250,000 pounds of it is now sold each year due to the belief that the tea can help mask the presence of drugs in urine. This is completely false!

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