Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Printable for Herbal

Balsamorhiza sagittata

Family: Asteraceae - sunflower and daisy

Parts used:  roots, leaves, flowers

Actions

Antibacterial

Antifungal

Antimicrobial

Antiseptic

Expectorant

Diaphoretic

Immune stimulant

Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Warming

Drying

Immune

Respiratory

Uses

• Use as you would echinacea – it is the wild version on steroids

• Immune stimulant, use at the onset of any illness

• Cold and flu season for fighting viruses and bacteria

• Respiratory issues such as coughs, croup, sore throat, congestion

• Infections of all kinds including fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm.

• First aid herb for wounds, cuts, bruises, bites, and burns

• Headaches

Herb Preparations

• Tincture and liniment (use alcohol for extracting root properties)

• Tea, steam (inhale to alleviate headaches)

• Syrup, honey

• Poultice (both root and aerial parts) can be chewed and applied instantly

• Powdered leaves (make a paste with hot water and apply for first aid).

• Powdered root (sprinkle on fungal infections like athlete’s foot and jock itch)

• Herbal oil, salve

Foraging/Harvesting

• Resinous, aromatic perennial can grow up to 30” tall.

• Can be found in forest openings, meadows, valleys, slopes, road banks, and hillsides.

• Large, grayish, basal leaves that are fuzzy and have the appearance of long arrows. Yellow, sunflower like blooms.

• Harvest aerial parts anytime during the season.

• Roots are best in the fall.

Cautions

Excessive use can irritate the kidneys and digestive system, nausea will be your guide.