Microsoft word - ladies slipper97-03.doc

Ladies Slipper
Ladi es Sl ipper: Cypripedium Hirsutum and Parviflorum. Nerve Root, Whippoorwills Shoe, Yellow
Indian Shoe, Noahs Ark, Bleeding Heart, Monkey Flower, Venus Shoe. Slipper Orchid.
Identification: Large showy wild flowers belonging to the orchid family. Solitary colored inflated
flowers with a pouch like lip or slipper. Stem is thick and hairy with dark green leaves extending
outward. Magenta to whitish pink flowers, grow 6-15 inches tall. Flowers between May and July.
Swollen ball shaped tubers. Requires rhizoctonia fungus to grow. Is an endangered species in some
areas. Is an herbaceous perennial and is native to the woods and meadows of the north.
In the 1800-1900 was used as a substitute for valerian as a sedative. Was introduced into the United States pharmacopeia from 1863-1916, mentioning several varieties of the root. Is a resinous substance, (plant exudation consisting of a mixture of gum and resin) cypridenin. Native American Indians decocted the root as a remedy for nervous tension, early settlers used as a sleep aid. In the 19th century was used for hysteria, delirium, irritability, headache, epilepsy and neuralgia. Sedative and antispasmodic. Today can still be used for anxiety, palpitations, headaches muscular tension and panic attacks. Non specific neurotic conditions, reduces emotional tension, elevates mood, especially if depression is involved. Works well with skullcap to treat nerve pain. Works well dogwood, passion flower and valerian. Has been used as mild sedative for chronic insomnia, restlessness, especially when the “brain just won’t shut off” and allows it to sleep. It is considered superior because it is non narcotic. Was used for male and female disorders, and is thought to strengthen the functional activity of the nervous system. Has been known as “American Valerian”, relieves depression, recurring headaches and hyperactivity in children. (Less potent than valerian) Relieves cramps, muscle twitches, spasms, neuralgia involving twitching, stabbing pain along the course of a nerve, and may help with Bells Palsy. Diaphoretic- Increases perspiration, which eases intermittent fevers and cools the body. Is: pungent, bittersweet, unpleasant odor. TCM considerations: Heart, Liver, Kidney, Blood and Qi Stagnation causing pain, and Wind Cold, esp with headaches. Lore: thought by the native Indians to induce spirit dreams, used as a love potion. Ladies slipper was thought to protect, considered feminine (Yin), and is Water element (Kidneys- calms fears) Directions on how to grow: www.ehow.com, is moderately challenging. Prefers woodland bog areas, grows well in areas that have been affected by woodland fires. Becoming rare from over picking, and use of fungicides. Recipes: Infuse one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoonfuls of root, for 10-15 minutes. Drink as needed. Dried Rhizome: 2-4 grams orally 3xday, liquid extract 2-4 ml: 1pint of water, to 45% alcohol taken orally 3x a day. No known safety issues, except skin irritation on contact with the plant. Can interact with other sleep inducing drugs. Should not use with: Levodopa, Permac, or Requip, don’t use if plant allergies, pregnant or breastfeeding. Tinctures at: webvitamins.com, Quantum Herbal Products, $11.35 for 1oz, or 2oz for 20.45. Ladies Slipper Capsules: at www.herbalextractplus.com Comes in liquid extracts, powdered root, dried rhizome, teas and tinctures online. www.isisbooks.com, www.herbalextractsplus.com, www.herbalremedies.com. Take a yellow Ladies Slipper root, Pleurisy Root, Skunk Cabbage Root, and Scullcap each, powder 1oz, and mix them. This powder is useful to allay irritability or excitability of the nervous system, to relieve spasms and produce sleep in restless, wakeful, or excited conditions. When acidity of the stomach is present it is common to add Bicarb of Sodium, 1oz. the dose is
to 1 drachm,(3.41grams, “a wee dram”) 3x a day. Or as required. Usually administered as a tea, or in water. These beautiful orchids are considered rare and endangered in some areas, don’t use or pick them unless you grow them yourself. Sources are available online to purchase ready made remedies.

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