Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum
A member of the Araceae family
Habitat: Native to eastern North America, Jack-in-the-Pulpit moist woods from Canada to Florida and westward to Kansas and Minnesota.
Found: Woody property near the Big Woods state park in Nerstrand, Minnesota
Parts Used: Root (corm), fresh or dried
Collection Time: Jack-in-the-Pulpit is typically harvested in the summer.
Preparations: Tincture: fresh root (1:2), 1–5 drops
Energetics: Bitter, acrid; warm; expectorant and diaphoretic
Historical Uses: Despite the possible irritating effects of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, there are several accounts of Native Americans using a preparation of the root on sore eyes. It was also used for cold symptoms and as a tonic. Externally it has been used for various skin infections and against pain and swelling.
Use in Chinese Medicine: The Chinese species Tian Nan Xing (Arisaema Consanguineum) was used in eliminating dampness to resolve phlegm, and in dispelling wind to relieve spasm.
Flower Essence Usage: Helps one resolve conflicts between past spiritual experiences and present spiritual insight.
Native American Usage: The Ojibwa and Minominee Indians used the root as a remedy for sore eyes. The Meskwaki Indians would chop up the root and place it in meat to be left out for their enemies to find—the taste would not be noticeable, but eating the meat supposedly caused their enemies pain and death. They also used it to determine the fate of the sick by dropping a seed in a cup of water. If the seed spun four times clockwise, the ailing would recover, otherwise they would not. The Meskwaki also used the chopped up root for snakebites. Osage and Shawnee Indians used the plant in decoctions for coughs and intermittent fevers. The Pawnee dusted the powdered root on top of the head and temples as a headache remedy.
Folk Uses: Preparations of the plants were used to treat rheumatism, bronchitis, and snakebites. It has also been used to induce sterility.
Personal Experience: N/A
Indications for Use: Severe sore throat, intensely painful, swollen and fetid, with purple/red membranes similar to that of scarlet fever or angina; chronic laryngitis that is made worse by singing or public speaking and is accompanied by hoarseness and loss of voice, burning and constriction in the throat and thin discharge from the nose
Possible Side Effects: Jack-in-the-Pulpit is often considered toxic, but when administered in small and controlled doses, it has valuable healing properties. Higher doses can cause unpleasant side effects such as: burning in mouth and throat; diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; slurred speech; swelling of the mouth and tongue, which can cause breathing difficulties if severe; watery eyes.
Expected Outcomes from Usage: This plant appears to be either seldom used in the world of herbalism or was once an archaic remedy. Not much is discussed on anticipated positive outcomes from using this plant; however, it was interesting to research.