Arrowhead Balsam

Question

I would like to know the medicinal qualities and properties of arrowhead balsam and its root. It is a wild plant that grows on grassy slopes in Canada and the USA. I have seen it all around the Colville, Wa area and the west Kootenay area of Canada.

Answer 1

I think you mean the arrow-leaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), which is also native to many parts of the U.S. as well as Canada. The sap has been used as an antiseptic for minor wounds, and while the entire plant is edible, this same bitter-tasting sap isn't particularly yummy on the palate. However, the large taproot is said to be far more pleasing. This article has more information on the plant: http://www.mtnativeplants.org/filelib/14.pdf