Herb: Yampa


Latin name: Perideridia gairdneri


Synonyms: Carum gairdneri


Family: Umbelliferae



Medicinal use of Yampa:

The root is carminative, diuretic, mildly laxative and ophthalmic. An infusion of the roots has been taken to counter the cathartic and emetic effects of another infusion. An infusion of the roots has been applied as a wash to sores and wounds and also used as a nasal wash to get rid of catarrh. A poultice of the roots has been used to draw inflammation from swellings. The juice of the slowly chewed root is said to be beneficial in the treatment of sore throats and coughs.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

Woodland, dry and wet meadows and mountains.

Edible parts of Yampa:

Root - raw or cooked. A pleasant sweet and nutty taste, it can be eaten in quantity as a staple food. It is best used when the plant is dormant. The root can also be dried for later use or ground into a powder and used with cereals when making porridges, cakes etc. The seed is used as a caraway-like seasoning, or can be parched and eaten in porridge or used as piäole. Young leaves - raw or cooked.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Alternatively, sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting out in late spring of the following year. Division may be possible in spring or autumn.

Cultivation of Yampa:

Woodland, dry and wet meadows and mountains.

Known hazards of Perideridia gairdneri:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.