Herb: Cancer Root


Latin name: Orobanche fasciculata


Family: Orobanchaceae (Broom-rape Family)



Medicinal use of Cancer Root:

The root is pectoral. The chewed root has been used as a dressing on wounds and open sores. An infusion of the leaves is used as a wash on sores. Forms of the plant that are parasitic on sweet sage roots have been used as a treatment of cancer. The dried and powdered plant is inserted in the rectum as a specific treatment for haemorrhoids.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Sandy soils, where it is parasitic on the roots of Eriogonum and Artemisia spp, to 3200 metres in California and north to British Columbia.

Edible parts of Cancer Root:

The entire plant is edible - raw or cooked. The plant can be boiled in ashes then peeled and eaten like potatoes.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in a pot containing a host plant. The seed is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. It might also be possible to sow the seed in situ around a host plant.

Cultivation of Cancer Root:

Sandy soils, where it is parasitic on the roots of Eriogonum and Artemisia spp, to 3200 metres in California and north to British Columbia.

Known hazards of Orobanche fasciculata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.