Arrowleaf Balsamroots are large and bulbous with a deep main taproot and several side roots. They grow on rocky hillsides, anchoring their roots among the rocks. It takes approximately thirty minutes to dig one of the larger roots. The roots are harvested in early spring just as leaves are appearing or in the autumn when the leaves have died back.
WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR ROOTS: After scrubbing the soil from the root, break the outer bark from the inner core with a hammer. Break the outer bark into small pieces and place into a large glass jar or food-grade bucket. The core can then be pulled apart into long thin strips. Add the long strips to the outer bark. The outer bark and inner core are then tinctured together by covering both with food-grade alcohol, such as vodka. It takes at least four weeks for the vodka, acting as a solvent, to extract the sticky balsam from the root. After four weeks, strain the liquid from the root, discarding root. Bottle the tincture in dark glass bottles, sealed tightly. Suggested dosage is 1/2 to 1 tsp. twice daily.
Constituents: Dihydroxy-cycloartenol (root), hydroxy-two-0-hexa-nor-cycloartenone (root), hydroxy-cycloartenol (root), hydroxy-cycloartenone (root), hydroxy-lanosterone (root), hydroxy-methyl-kaempferol (leaf), methoxy-kaempferol (leaf), beta-hydroxy, beta-acetoxy, alpha eudesmol (root), beta eudesmol (root), beta sellinene (root), betuletol (leaf), carissone (root), cinnamic acid, heptadeca-one-cis-8-diene (root), jaceidin (leaf), montarusin (plant), nonacos-one-ene (root), patuletin (leaf), spinacetin (leaf).
Adaptogen – As an Adaptogen, take 1 tsp. tincture of the root twice daily for six weeks.
Antibacterial – A tincture of the root or Arrowleaf Balsamroot Salve may be applied to infections and hard to heal wounds. A tincture of the root and bark may be used internally or externally for bacterial problems. For internal use take one teaspoon tincture three times daily.
Antifungal – Make a liniment from the pounded root and bark by infusing it in rubbing alcohol. Apply to athlete's foot and other fungal outbreaks.
Immune Stimulant – Use the tincture as you would Echinacea, taking one teaspoon twice daily to strengthen the immune system.
Veterinarian aid: Arrowleaf Balsamroot is a natural antibiotic for pets and livestock, as well as a blood and lymphatic system cleanser. It is excellent for infections of the respiratory tract or head. It should only be used when necessary for no more than three weeks at a time. Dosage for small animals is ¼ to ½ tsp. of the tinctured root. Large animals, such as horses and cows can take 2 Tbsp. tincture per dosage.
Lomatium dissectum is considered among many Native American tribes as one of the Bear Medicines (along with Osha and Arrowleaf Balsamroot) since in spring it sends up parts resembling furry, brown paws. Bear Medicine plants were used to heal the heart, liver and lungs.
Cautions: Some people have experienced rashes as a side effect. Lomatium should be taken in small doses. If too much is taken (exceeding seventy drops per day), a rash can occur. Should this happen, discontinue use of Lomatium. The rash will clear up in one to five days.
Constituents: Essential oil, tetronic acid, luteolin, gums, resin, glycosides, furocoumarins, pyronocoumarins, saponins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and ascorbic acid.
Antiviral – Lomatium’s antiviral properties often make it effective against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is best taken as tincture in ½ teaspoon doses three times daily.
Immune Stimulant – A tincture of Lomatium helps the immune system during serious illness and flu. Take ½ teaspoon of tincture in hot water two to three times daily. A compound of the roots Lomatium and Arrowleaf Balsamroot is used as an herbal steam for lung or nasal congestion and asthma.
Wounds – Lomatium Salve is a very special, fragrant ointment for softening the skin, as well as disinfecting cuts and wounds.
