An Introduction

We’ve got a new true love, its name is Pedicularis densiflora. Also known as “Indian Warrior,” we’re more comfortable with its scientific name. This fiery beauty is one of our first wild medicines to bloom in the spring, so our wildcrafting adventures are filled with the fresh joy of spring. While looking for patches of Pedicularis, we also find morels, shooting stars, fawn lilies, and other colorful sproutlings… and the medicine we make from it is infused with the fresh, joyous energy of early spring.

Muscle Relaxant and Pain Relief

There are a great number of Pedicularis species in North America, many of which have traditionally been used for medicine. Our local species is P. densiflora, and its red color reflects its offering as a muscle relaxant.

Herbalist Michael Moore recommends using Pedicularis for muscle tension and pain caused by overuse and injury. He also suggests that it is a good one to work with before sexy time with a lover or other experiences that benefit from physical and emotional letting go like deep massage or rolfing work (Moore, 2011). Some folks find it particularly helpful for back, neck, and shoulder pain (Northeast School of Botanical Medicine).

Antispasmodic

Not only does it help muscles of the skeletal system relax, Sajah Popham of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism has found it to be helpful with smooth muscle cramping, like that associated with menstrual or gut pain (Popham, 2019).

Nervous System Support and Pain Relief

Popham also classifies Pedicularis as a Nervine Hypnotic, which means that it helps the entire nervous system and mind come into a calm state. So it’s an excellent herb to work with for just about any kind of tension, whether its muscle tension, emotional tension, a tension headache, or insomnia arising from tension of any kind.

Popham has found that overworked folks with a strong Pitta constitution—associated with the element of fire in Chinese Medicine—particularly benefit from the calming qualities of Pedicularis. Is it just a coincidence that P. densiflora looks like a little flame and emerges during Aries season? Hmm…

Unspooling Trauma

On a psycho-spiritual level, Pedicularis is also a great ally for working with embodied trauma, as most trauma is. By unspooling the tension held in the muscles and nerves, it seems to help some folks release deeply held, and often unconscious, memories connected to core wounds and physical traumas in particular. Others have reported experiencing greater access to expanded states of consciousness as a result of working with Pedicularis.

Seth field-tincturing *Pedicularis densiflora*, April 2022

Personal Experience

When Seth was recovering from a shoulder injury earlier this summer he took 2-4 droppers full of Pedicularis tincture a few times a day and it helped a lot. I like to take it most nights as a part of my evening calming routine, as well as during the day if I’m feeling particularly tense or experiencing menstrual or muscle pain… and it definitely helps!

Also, it’s hard for me to pick apart all the variables involved in my healing work, but I have been noticing a lot less physical reactivity, adrenaline rushes, and fear sensations in my body since I started working with Pedicularis this summer. I struggle with a deep fear of conflict, and Pedicularis seems to be a part of the multi-faceted cocktail of practices and herbs that is helping me to stand more fully in my power. I’m in love!

References

Northeast School of Botanical Medicine. Blog Post.

Popham, Sajah. Blog post. School for Evolutionary Medicine.

Popham, Sajah. Facebook post. School for Evolutionary Medicine, 2019.

Wood, Matthew. Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West. Museum of New Mexico Press, 2011.

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Pedicularis for Deep Relaxation, Pain Relief, and Inner Peace