Papoose Root

Caulophyllum robustum

Physical Characteristics

Caulophyllum robustum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antispasmodic Birthing aid Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Oxytoxic Sedative This herb is said to have similar medicinal properties to C. thalictroides[254]. These are:- Papoose root is a traditional herb of the North American Indians and was used extensively by them to facilitate child birth[207]. Modern herbalists still consider it to be a woman's herb and it is commonly used to treat various gynaecological conditions[254]. An acrid, bitter, warming herb, it stimulates the uterus, reduces inflammation, expels intestinal worms and has diuretic effects[238]. The root is anthelmintic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, oxytocic and sedative[4, 21, 46, 165, 207]. An infusion of the root in warm water is taken for about 2 weeks before the expected birth date in order to ease the birth[207, 213]. This infusion can also be used as an emmenagogue and a uterine stimulant[213]. Papoose root should therefore be used with some caution by women who are in an earlier stage of pregnancy since it can induce a miscarriage or early delivery[222]. The plant is also taken internally in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease, rheumatism and gout[238]. It should not be prescribed for people with hypertension and heart diseases[238]. Any use of this plant is best under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. The roots are normally harvested in the autumn, because they are at their richest at this time[213], and are dried for later use. The root is harvested in early spring as new growth is beginning and is used to make a homeopathic remedy[232]. It is used especially in childbirth and in some forms of rheumatism[232].

Known Hazards

Some caution is advised, the following note relates to another member of this genus but could have relevance to this species. This plant should not be used during pregnancy prior to the commencement of labour[165].