Seneca snakeroot

Seneca snakeroot, Senega snakeroot, milkwort, mountain flax, rattlesnake root

Polygala senega

bizhikiwashk, wiinizikens

A perennial, 6 to 18 inches tall, that usually has unbranched stems. It is found growing in clumps in dry to wet woods, prairies and along shores. From May to July, the white pea-like flowers bloom in a loose cluster, maturing into soft hairy seeds. The alternate leaves are lance-shaped and pointed. The stem is covered with tiny glandular hairs. (Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)

Has perennial, firm, hairy, branching root, with a thick bark, and sends up several annual stems, which are erect, smooth, 8-14 in high, occasionally tinged with red The leaves are alternate, nearly sessile lanceolate with a sharpish point, smooth. The new small white flowers consist of white sepas, three petals and the capsules are small, two-celled and two valved. (Indian Herbalaogy of North America)

The stout knobby root had many uses, a compind infusion or decoction was used on wounds to stop bleeding, was taken or sued externally as a stimulant, was used for heart troubles, and was taken as a tonic. The root was also carried on long journeys as a charm for safety and good health. (Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)

Gather in autumn just before the frost; the taste is bitter, though somewhat sweet. An infusion of the dried roots actively promote salivation, desirable in chronic catarrh, croup, asthma and lung disorders of pleurisy and pneumonia, but too irritating for recent coughs of active inflammatory diseases. It increases the secretions and circulation and is indicated where there is prostration from blood poisoning, smallpox, asthma, diseases of the lungs, bronchitis, chronic catarrh, croup, dropsy and rheumatism. 1 tsp of the root, cut small or granulated to 1 cupful of boiling water. (Indian Herbalaogy of North America)