Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | July, 2011

You entered Yellow Erythronium, the more common name is...

Adder’s Tongue’s leaves may be added to a salad. Its root bulb can be ground into flour, dried or cooked. Made into a poultice, it has a drawing effect, and is thought to be good for use on pimples, splinters and boils.

Adder’s Tongue

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Erythronium americanum L.)


A native to eastern North America, it can be found growing in early spring while temperatures are still cool and before trees have their summer foliage. A perennial, approximately 1 foot in height having two long leathery green leaves mottled with purplish or brownish spots. One central stem produces one small lily like yellow flower tinged with red, whose petals curve back revealing 5 to 8 narrow yellow spikes in its center.



Common Names:

Dogtooth violet, Yellow Snakeleaf, Erythronium, Lamb’s Tongue, Snake Leaf, Rattlesnake Violet, Serpent’s Tongue, Trout lily, Yel


Uses:

Adder’s Tongue’s leaves may be added to a salad. Its root bulb can be ground into flour, dried or cooked. Made into a poultice, it has a drawing effect, and is thought to be good for use on pimples, splinters and boils.



Applications:

Infusion:
Add 1 tsp. fresh leaves or 2 tsp. fresh root to 1 cup boiling water. 1 cup by mouth.

Poultice:
Use crushed fresh leaves, or simmer the root in milk until proper consistency. Apply 3-4 times a day.

Tea:
Boil root or leaves in water. Tea may be bitter so you may want to add honey or sugar.


Warnings:

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.