What is Lady’s Slipper
Orchids have long been revered for their elegance and rare beauty. Found in the meadows and woods of North America, Lady’s Slipper Herb, a member of the orchid family, is hard to find and now considered an endangered species. As a result, harvesting of the plant is discouraged.
Despite its endangered status, Lady’s Slipper herb has a rich history and has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.
Plant Description
Lady’s Slipper herb received its name due to the shape of its flowers, which resemble slippers. This herb is extracted from a perennial plant that produces lovely purple and yellow flowers in the late summertime.
These lovely flowers and the health benefits associated with Lady’s Slipper herb have lead to over harvesting. As a result, it’s a rare occasion to spot Lady’s Slipper herb in the wild anymore.
Despite it’s delicate appearance, the flowers sprouting from Lady’s slipper have a pungent, unpleasant odor. Growing about two feet high, Lady’s Slipper grows best in shady regions and moist soil.
History
Before it became a popular herb to harvest, Lady’s Slipper could be found dotting forests and meadows in brilliant shades of purple and yellow, from May to July. This herb was harvested not only for it’s ornamental features, but also for its medical applications as well.
Lady’s Slipper was widely used by Native Americans as a natural tranquilizer and nerve tonic. As a result, Lady’s Slipper became known as nerve root.
Early European settlers used Lady’s Slippers as a sedative and as an alternative to valerian root. These settlers then began to fondly call Lady’s Slipper American Valerian.
As the 19th century approached, physicians recognized the potential in Lady’s Slipper and began to consider the herb as a treatment for headaches, irritability, epilepsy, hallucinations, and neuralgia.
As researchers began to study the herb, they believed that Lady’s Slipper to be a safer alternative to opium for insomnia, as it is not a narcotic and carried fewer unpleasant symptoms than a downer.
Uses of Lady’s Slipper Herb
These days, you don’t hear about too many people using Lady’s Slipper herb. It is quite rare and expensive. Before Lady’s Slipper herb found itself on the endangered species list, it was used for a variety of ailments and conditions.
If you’re able to find Lady’s Slipper her at all these days, it’s found in small concentrations as a sedative to treat symptoms of stress, muscle tension, and panic attacks.
1) Tranquilizer
Lady’s Slipper was commonly used as a tranquilizer. For centuries, Lady’s Slipper herb has been recognized to ease emotional tension, quiet the mind, and encourage sleep.
2) Muscle Tension
Lady’s Slipper herb’s ability to calm and soothe also works on the physical symptoms of stress.
3) Headaches
Lady’s Slipper herb is beneficial to those suffering from headaches related to stress and tension.
4) Antispasmodic
Lady’s Slipper herb was commonly used for its ability to treat cramps and muscle spasms. When Lady’s Slipper herb was fist applied to medical conditions, many believed that its ability to alleviate twitches made it a suitable cure for epilepsy.
5) Nerve Pain
Lady’s Slipper herb may help alleviate neuralgia. This herb has been found to treat the stabbing pain surrounding the nerve.
Some Considerations
If you ever find that you have access to this rare herb, please consider the following before using Lady’s Slipper.
- Consult a physician before using Lady’s Slipper herb as a supplement or treatment.
- Lady’s Slipper herb should not be used in place of traditional medicine and a doctor’s advice.
- More scientific evidence is needed to back up the claims associated with Lady’s Slipper herb.
- Lady’s Slipper herb is not recommended for the use of pregnant women.
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction when using Lady’s Slipper herb.
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