Culver’s Root

A spectacular native prairie plant found in moist soils from Manitoba and Ontario south to Texas and the Gulf States, especially in the U.S. states along the Mississipi River. Elegant white candelabra-like flowering spikes, perched almost 2m (5-6ft) high, appear from mid-summer to early fall. Native Americans used the root as a laxative and as a detoxifier, and as a spiritual aid in in purification rituals. The European settlers used the root for chronic constipation, hepatitis, jaundice and other diseases associated with poor liver function and poor flow of bile. Herbalists say fresh roots are too strong and should be dried and stored a year before use. They also say small doses administered repeatedly work best when using this potent herb. And who was this plant named after? Dr Culver was an 18th century American physician who popularized the use of the root in medicine.