Polymnia uvedalia Family: Asteraceae Perennial. Native eastern American plant growing in pastures
and ravines, rising unperturbedly above the tall grasses. The stems
bear opposite, 3-lobed leaves which resemble the footprint of a bear.
The bright yellow flowers occur in a single row at the apex of the plant.
This is a traditional specific remedy for enlargement of the liver and
spleen. The resinous root contains the active principles. Cultivation:
Challenging. Sow in fall in outdoor flats or outdoor nursery bed.
Germination in the spring of the first and second years. Grows from 3 to
6 feet in full sun or partial shade..
Ointment of Polymnia (From King’s Dispensatory)
Take of fresh Polymnia root 1 part and lard or mutton suet 2 parts.
Cut root into small pieces, and having added the lard, heat the mixture
until water ceases to evaporate, and then strain while hot. The ointment
is a light-greenish color, and posesses the disagreeable odor of the root. Return
to Herb Seed Index
Return
to Herb Seed Index