Herb: Cup Plant


Latin name: Silphium perfoliatum


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Cup Plant:

Cup plant was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. A decoction of the root has been used to treat the stoppage of periods, and also to treat morning sickness and to prevent the premature birth of a child. In view of these conflicting uses, it is best that it is not used by pregnant women unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The root is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, stimulant, styptic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of liver and spleen disorders and has also been used to treat morning sickness. A decoction of the root has been used internally in the treatment of back and chest pain and lung haemorrhages. A decoction of the root has been used as a face wash to treat paralysis. A poultice of the moistened dried root has been applied to wounds to stop the bleeding.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
2.5 m
(8 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
July


Scent:
Scented
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Rich woods, thickets, river banks and prairies.

Propagation of Cup Plant:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. This is very difficult due to the deep and extensive root system.

Cultivation of the herb:

Rich woods, thickets, river banks and prairies.

Known hazards of Silphium perfoliatum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.