Rooted in Native American history, Parsnip Buckwheat is a versatile plant used as a food and medicine source throughout North America. This plant is easy to identify with its paper-like flowers and sage colored spear shaped leaves. The whole plant can be eaten from roots to seeds and flowers. Medicinally it has been used to ease intestinal issues and promote gut health.
“There are numerous documented medicinal uses by Native Americans. Stems, roots, and mashed leaves were used to treat colds and to wash out infected cuts by the Okanagan. The Sanpoil used the roots for treatment of diarrhea. The Thompson used the entire plant for rheumatism, steam baths, stomach pains, stiff and aching joints and muscles. A stronger mixture was used to battle syphilis.”
(Delmatier, 2013)
Delmatier, Charmaine. (2013). Parsnipflower Buckwheat (Eriogonum heracleoides var. heracleoides) United States Department of Agriculture.