Pedicularis Densiflora - Warrior's Plume
Pedicularis Densiflora, commonly known as Indian Warrior or Warrior’s Plume is a member of the Lousewort family, a genus of plants used worldwide to ease anxiety, tension, nerve pain, and insomnia. Indian Warrior is one of the stronger Louseworts, taken fresh or dried in tea or tincture form it produces a noticeable hypnotic effect, reduces pain, and induces relaxation and tranquility. The flower heads of Pedicularis Densiflora are considered an entheogen; representing Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra, and act on this energetic center of the body by elevating consciousness and assisting in the awareness of our connection to our divine aspects.
Pedicularis is an amazing medicine plant, simply, because I find it really puts you back into your body. It puts you back into parts of your body that you may have forgotten about. (Michael Moore)
Description
Indian Warrior is native to California and Oregon in western North America and is found in chaparral, forests, California oak woodlands at low elevations. Pedicularis densiflora is a perennial herb with stout, green or sometimes reddish or magenta stems and fern-shaped leaves, and long spikes of deep red to bright pink flowers with toothed petals.
Properties
STABILITY: The dried herb should retain its relative strength for up to two years.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None
SIDE EFFECTS: Large amounts of a potent strain can induce a safe but peculiar goofiness and physical lethargy
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS::
•Insomnia from exhaustion following excitement or Flight/Fight episode.
•Insomnia caused by muscular “jolts” when falling asleep
•Insomnia at first REM cycle, with agitation, fear or gastritis.
•Muscular pain, especially from excess training or exertion..
•Sprains, aggravated by sharp muscle spasms.
•Joint and muscle pain, especially in children.
•For use with bodywork or physical therapy, to help prevent reverting to pattern •Nocturnal cramps in a single muscle group; use internally and externally
•As a “Treatment Preparer” for Rolfing, myotherapy or muscle repatterning.
•Adjunct to neck adjustments, TMJ or Alexander work to lessen tonic resistance
•To lessen sensation (not cause) of nocturnal pruritis from liver or thyroid dysfunction, combined with a good Scutellaria preparation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None
SIDE EFFECTS: Large amounts of a potent strain can induce a safe but peculiar goofiness and physical lethargy
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS::
•Insomnia from exhaustion following excitement or Flight/Fight episode.
•Insomnia caused by muscular “jolts” when falling asleep
•Insomnia at first REM cycle, with agitation, fear or gastritis.
•Muscular pain, especially from excess training or exertion..
•Sprains, aggravated by sharp muscle spasms.
•Joint and muscle pain, especially in children.
•For use with bodywork or physical therapy, to help prevent reverting to pattern •Nocturnal cramps in a single muscle group; use internally and externally
•As a “Treatment Preparer” for Rolfing, myotherapy or muscle repatterning.
•Adjunct to neck adjustments, TMJ or Alexander work to lessen tonic resistance
•To lessen sensation (not cause) of nocturnal pruritis from liver or thyroid dysfunction, combined with a good Scutellaria preparation.
Anti-septic, astringent, diaphoretic, sedative, and vulnerary. Lousewort is used as a sedative for children, and as a tranquilizer for adults, especially for those hyper-active, frenzied states people can draw themselves into. It acts as a mild cerebral and skeletal muscle relaxant. It quiets anxieties and lessens tensions. Louse wort also stimulates sweating and helps reduce body temperature in fevers. The fresh or dried plant is used as an external wash or vulnerary for minor scrapes, abrasions, and skin injuries. (Michael Moore)
Constituents
Iridoid glycosides iridoids; 6-O-acetylaucubin; 8-epiloganin; mussaenoside; shanzhiside methyl ester; aucubin; euphroside; plantarenaloside; shanzhiside methyl ester; gardoside methyl ester; ixoroside; 8-epiloganin; mussaenoside; pedicularioside; penstemoside; penstemonoside; boschnaloside; and phenylpropanoid glycosides, verbascoside and pedicularioside.
Harvesting
The buds are typically harvested in spring and summer and dried before use, although a recent harvest could be made into tea or tincture while still fresh. Indian Warrior combines well with other herbs (I love to make a tea of fresh Mugwort and Indian Warrior in the Spring as these two plants are blooming) and can be found to enhance the overall effects. I find the best results are found when taken in tea or tincture form.
An infused oil can also produce excellent results as a nerve and muscle relaxer (see References & Recommended for books that go into more detail on this process), especially when used in massage, healing touch, and bodywork therapies.
Pedicularis species are known as hemiparasitic plants, meaning their roots feed off of the roots of other nearby plants. All of the plants I have seen and harvested seem to have a relationship to Manzanita, growing beneath its bushes in relative solitude. Please be aware when harvesting this plant of its immediate surroundings. Whatever it is growing near will have a direct affect on its constituents. As always it is recommeded to have an experienced person show you where the right places to harvest are.
An infused oil can also produce excellent results as a nerve and muscle relaxer (see References & Recommended for books that go into more detail on this process), especially when used in massage, healing touch, and bodywork therapies.
Pedicularis species are known as hemiparasitic plants, meaning their roots feed off of the roots of other nearby plants. All of the plants I have seen and harvested seem to have a relationship to Manzanita, growing beneath its bushes in relative solitude. Please be aware when harvesting this plant of its immediate surroundings. Whatever it is growing near will have a direct affect on its constituents. As always it is recommeded to have an experienced person show you where the right places to harvest are.
From the Apothecary
Resources & Recommended
