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Common Name: Indian Physic

General Information

Gillenia trifoliata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern N. America - Ontario and New York, east to Michigan and south to Georgia and Missouri.

Habitat

Rocky open woods[]. Rich woods[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a rather moist but well-drained lime-free peaty soil in semi-shade[, ]. Succeeds in any well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in a sunny position but requires shade at the hottest part of the day[].
A very ornamental plant, but it can be difficult to establish due to slug damage[]. The stems usually require support[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The dried powdered root bark is cathartic, slightly diaphoretic, a mild and efficient emetic, expectorant and tonic[, , , ]. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, asthma and other bronchial complaints[, ]. The roots have been used externally in the treatment of rheumatism[]. A cold infusion of the roots has been given, or the root chewed, in the treatment of bee and other stings[]. The roots are harvested in the autumn, the bark is removed and dried for later use[, ].
A tea made from the whole plant is strongly laxative and emetic[]. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, indigestion, asthma and hepatitis[]. A poultice or wash is used in the treatment of rheumatism, bee stings and swellings[]. A decoction or strong infusion of the whole plant has been taken a pint at a time as an emetic[].
A poultice of the plant has been used to treat leg swellings[].
The plant has been used in the treatment of toothaches[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on for the first year in a lightly shaded area of the greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in late spring and protect from slugs until well established.
Division in spring or autumn[].