Spiderwort

(Tradescantia L.)

Other Names:
None known

Range:
map

Family:
Commelinaceae - Spiderwort Family

Growth Type:
Herbaceous perennial

Height:
1 to 2 feet tall

Leaves:
The leaves are long thin blade shaped to lanceolate.

Stem/Trunk:
The plant is weak stemmed. It sometimes grows erect, but is often sprawling.

Root:
Thick root mass

Flower Season:
Summer

Flower Appearance:
Three petaled flowers bloom in morning, but close when the sun shines on them in the afternoon. On cloudy days, you may still find the flowers in bloom. The flowers range in color from white to pink to purple, but are most often blue with 6 yellow anthers.

Seed/Fruit:
Fused three chambered carpel each containing seeds.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A

Habitat:
Wooded Areas, Prairies, Open Fields

Parts Used:
Leaves, Stems

Culinary Uses:
The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or as a trail nibble. The stems can also be eaten raw, or used as a cooked vegetable.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Medicinal Uses:
Native Americans brewed a root tea to alleviate "female" ailments, as well as stomach and kidney ailments. It also has a laxative effect. There is anecdotal evidence that a poultice made from the leaves and stems of the plant are soothing when applied to insect bites and stings.



Cautions According To WebMD

Contra-Indications
Text

Possible Side Effects:
None Known

Possible Interactions:
None Known

Medicinal Actions:
Aperient, Demulcent, Diuretic, Stomachic

Herbal Preparations For Tradescantia L.

Tea

Part Used: Roots
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 tsp of fresh chopped roots in a large mug. Pour almost boiling water over the leaves. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove sediment.
Dosage: a mug as needed


Strong Decoction

Part Used: Roots
Plant State: Fresh or Dried
Place 2 ounces of fresh, or 1 ounce of dried roots into a pan. Add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, stirring periodically, until reduced by half. Cool the mixture, and strain and drink.
Dosage: 2-4 oz up to 3 times daily as needed


Tincture

Part Used: Roots
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.

Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh roots, then pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof everclear and 250 ml of water. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 45-90 drops up to 3 times daily



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