Good day! We've got a very cool plant in the spotlight today, one I had no idea existed: Ghost Pipe, also known as Indian Pipe.
The Latin name of this plant is Monotropa uniflora.
This interesting looking plant may remind you of a mushroom, but it’s actually a wildflower. This plant has no chlorophyll, so it doesn’t photosynthesize like other plants do. Ghost pipe is known as a mycotrophic plant, which are plants that obtain water, minerals, and carbohydrates in a similar way to fungi - using the nutrients under the soil to grow. These will often appear in wooded areas near trees after some intense rainstorms.
This plant is an antispasmodic, nervine, and sedative, and is known for being an effective pain reliever for both physical and mental pain. It has been used to relieve anxiety symptoms and ease panic attacks. Consumption of ghost pipe in large doses can cause deep sleep due to its sedative properties. This plant is best consumed in tincture form, since the plant in its raw form can be toxic.
The way this plant works to relieve pain is not by reducing the feeling of pain receptors in the brain, but by reducing the body’s response to painful stimuli. It won’t get rid of the pain completely, but will allow your mind to not focus on the pain; so you’re still aware the pain is there, but can continue to function with it. There are no psychotropic effects when taking this plant as a painkiller, you simply forget the pain you had is there and don’t put any focus on it.
If you find these in the woods while hiking or foraging, the best way to harvest them is by clipping the visible part of the plant with scissors, or cutting them with a knife instead of pulling them from the ground - keeping the root structure intact so it can regrow in the same spots. A tincture of ghost pipe can be made using a handful of fresh ghost pipe and clear alcohol. The tincture is then stored in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Just 1-3 drops of this tincture is needed daily to feel the medicinal effects of this plant. And the tincture will turn a DARK PURPLE color in time. How cool is that?
Have a magical day!
Jenny
PLANT INGESTION WARNING!
As with all herbs and plants you plan to ingest, never ingest them before doing your own research and/or talking with your doctor - it’s possible that medications you take or health conditions you have could have a negative effect if paired with ghost pipe. Better safe than sorry!
