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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


CANAIGRE
POLYGONACEAE
aka Canyaigre, Dock, Sorrel, Wild Rhubarb
(Rumex hymenosepalus)
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!CAUTION!
!ROOT IS POSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC!

CONTAINS: Tannins (high), anthraquinones, starch, resin.

Native to deserts and sandy mesas of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The stems, leaves and roots were used chiefly for tanning and dyeing by Native Americans of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

A deceptive practice by commercial sellers is to label this herb as Red American Ginseng or Wild Red Ginseng. It is not in fact a ginseng at all and due to the concentration of tannins is highly astringent.

DYE:
The roots, being high in tannic acid, are used fresh or split and sundried to produce a medium brown to yellow-orange.
BROWN = Boil 1 lb of dried roots in 4 gallons of water for 1 hour, then mash the roots. Strain and preserve the liquid dyebath. Add 1 lb of wet yarn to the dyebath and stir well. Boil for 1 to 2 hours. If a deeper color is desired, allow to sit overnight. When the desired color has been attained, then rinse.
YELLOW-ORANGE = Boil 1/2 lb of roots in 4 gallons of water for 1 hour, then mash the roots. Strain, saving the liquid dyebath. Add 1/4 cup of raw alum and stir again. Add wet yarn and boil 1 to 2 hours. If a deeper color is desired, allow to sit overnight. When the desired color has been attained, then rinse.



©2005 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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