Dried Ground Lomatium Root (1 lb.)

Ground dried Lomatium Dissectum root, dug during the peak spring and autumn seasons, cleaned, sliced and dried, then ground.  During harvest season, Jil will dig your roots on order, then clean, dry and grind them.  She will have your dried, powdered root mailed to you within 10 days or your order.  During off season, she will have a limited amount dried and stored.  The off-season dried roots will then be ground when ordered, to preserve maximum freshness.

Lomatium dissectum is the most robust of the desert parsley. This fern-leafed variety is highly variable and has a wide range. It grows as much as four feet tall, making it the tallest of the Lomatium. The leaves, mostly basal, are large and divided into many segments. The multiple umbels develop on a long, leafless stalk, with early spring flowers that vary in color from deep purple (nearly black) to pale yellow. It most frequently grows in rocky habitats, particularly on talus slopes. It is often found growing among Arrowleaf Balsamroot. The root can be chopped and tinctured, infused in oil, or sliced and dried.

Lomatium dissectum is considered among many Native American tribes as one of the Bear Medicines (along with Osha and Arrowleaf Balsamroot) since in spring it sends up parts resembling furry, brown paws. Bear Medicine plants were used to heal the heart, liver and lungs.

Cautions: Some people have experienced rashes as a side effect. Lomatium should be taken in small doses. If too much is taken (exceeding seventy drops per day), a rash can occur. Should this happen, discontinue use of Lomatium. The rash will clear up in one to five days.

Constituents: Essential oil, tetronic acid, luteolin, gums, resin, glycosides, furocoumarins, pyronocoumarins, saponins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and ascorbic acid.

Antiviral – Lomatium’s antiviral properties often make it effective against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Take 1/4 tsp. brewed in one cup of water as tea three times daily, or 2 #00 capsules three times daily.

Immune Stimulant – A tincture of Lomatium helps the immune system during serious illness and flu. Take ½ teaspoon of dried Lomatium in hot water two to three times daily. A compound of the roots of Lomatium and Arrowleaf Balsamroot is used as an herbal steam for lung or nasal congestion and asthma. 

Wounds – Lomatium Salve is a very special, fragrant ointment for softening the skin, as well as disinfecting cuts and wounds.

Lomatium Salve
8 oz. infused Lomatium oil
3 oz. shaved beeswax
3 oz. cocoa butter

To make infused oil, cover 1 1/2 cups dried Lomatium with 10 oz. olive oil in glass or stainless steel pan.  Cover pan.  Put covered pan in larger pot with water to form a double boiler.  Heat on lowest heat for 5 to 6 hours.  Cool to room temperature,  then pour oil through cheesecloth or coffee filter, gently squeezing solids to release as much oil as possible. Measure eight ounces of oil.

Melt cocoa butter over low heat and then add the beeswax; stir until melted. Add the infused Lomatium oil and transfer into a glass measuring cup. Quickly pour into salve jars