Spiderwort(Tradescantia L.)
Other Names:
None known
Range:
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
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
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. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. 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
