Fresh Balsamorhiza sagittata Root 5 lb.

5 lbs. freshly dug Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata). Arrowleaf Balsamroot usually grows in large stands on hillsides. It has long, basal, silvery-green leaves shaped like arrowheads. Early spring blooming sunflowers are bright yellow and extend past the leaves on long stems. The root of Arrowleaf Balsamroot can be quite large--weighing up to 30 pounds. When broken or bruised, the massive, bark-covered root exudes a sticky, fragrant sap.

Arrowleaf Balsamroots are large and bulbous with a deep main taproot and several side roots. They grow on rocky hillsides, anchoring their roots among the rocks. It takes approximately thirty minutes to dig one of the larger roots. The roots are harvested in early spring just as leaves are appearing or in the autumn when the leaves have died back.

WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR ROOTS: After scrubbing the soil from the root, break the outer bark from the inner core with a hammer. Break the outer bark into small pieces and place into a large glass jar or food-grade bucket. The core can then be pulled apart into long thin strips. Add the long strips to the outer bark. The outer bark and inner core are then tinctured together by covering both with food-grade alcohol, such as vodka. It takes at least four weeks for the vodka, acting as a solvent, to extract the sticky balsam from the root. After four weeks, strain the liquid from the root, discarding root. Bottle the tincture in dark glass bottles, sealed tightly. Suggested dosage is 1/2 to 1 tsp. twice daily.

Constituents: Dihydroxy-cycloartenol (root), hydroxy-two-0-hexa-nor-cycloartenone (root), hydroxy-cycloartenol (root), hydroxy-cycloartenone (root), hydroxy-lanosterone (root), hydroxy-methyl-kaempferol (leaf), methoxy-kaempferol (leaf), beta-hydroxy, beta-acetoxy, alpha eudesmol (root), beta eudesmol (root), beta sellinene (root), betuletol (leaf), carissone (root), cinnamic acid, heptadeca-one-cis-8-diene (root), jaceidin (leaf), montarusin (plant), nonacos-one-ene (root), patuletin (leaf), spinacetin (leaf).

Adaptogen – As an Adaptogen, take 1 tsp. tincture of the root twice daily for six weeks.
Antibacterial – A tincture of the root or Arrowleaf Balsamroot Salve may be applied to infections and hard to heal wounds. A tincture of the root and bark may be used internally or externally for bacterial problems. For internal use take one teaspoon tincture three times daily. Antifungal – Make a liniment from the pounded root and bark by infusing it in rubbing alcohol. Apply to athlete's foot and other fungal outbreaks.
Immune Stimulant – Use the tincture as you would Echinacea, taking one teaspoon twice daily to strengthen the immune system.
Veterinarian aid: Arrowleaf Balsamroot is a natural antibiotic for pets and livestock, as well as a blood and lymphatic system cleanser. It is excellent for infections of the respiratory tract or head. It should only be used when necessary for no more than three weeks at a time. Dosage for small animals is ¼ to ½ tsp. of the tinctured root. Large animals, such as horses and cows can take 2 Tbsp. tincture per dosage.

Arrowleaf Balsamroot Salve
4 oz. cocoa butter
1 tbsp. shaved beeswax
10 oz. infused Arrowleaf Balsamroot oil
4 oz. distilled water

To make infused oil, fill a quart jar half full of the outer root bark of Arrowleaf Balsamroot. Cover with olive oil and allow it to stand in a warm place for three to four weeks. Strain the oil from the bark.

Over low heat gently melt cocoa butter, wax and oil over double boiler, stirring until blended. Remove from heat. Put distilled water into blender and agitate. While water is spinning, slowly pour the cocoa butter mixture into the water. Continue mixing until emulsified. You may notice a distinct change of sound as the cream congeals. Pour the cream, while still warm, into clean containers and leave open until completely cool.