Liliaceae Veratrum viride Ait.

American False Hellebore

Thompson - Drug, Pediatric Aid

Use documented by:
Turner, Nancy J., Laurence C. Thompson and M. Terry Thompson et al., 1990, Thompson Ethnobotany: Knowledge and Usage of Plants by the Thompson Indians of British Columbia, Victoria. Royal British Columbia Museum, page 131

View all documented uses for Veratrum viride Ait.

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Scientific name: Veratrum viride Ait.
USDA symbol: VEVI (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: American False Hellebore
Family: Liliaceae
Family (APG): Nartheciaceae
Native American Tribe: Thompson
Use category: Drug
Use sub-category: Pediatric Aid
Notes: Burned leaf ashes and Vaseline used as a diaper ointment to prevent babies from messing diapers. The ashes were probably originally mixed with deer or bear fat. The ointment was very strong and had to be used with extreme caution. One informant cautioned that it should not be taken internally because of its extreme toxicity.

RECRD: 32296 id: 42746

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