Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Apocynum cannabinum

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses—it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek professional advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Plant containing potent cardiotonic glycosides: unsupervised internal use can be dangerous, even at low doses. Never combine with cardiac, diuretic, or hormonal treatment without medical advice, due to serious interaction risks. Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in children. Any internal use must be supervised by a healthcare professional or qualified experienced herbalist.

Decoction — Seeds / fruits

Traditional seed preparation

The seeds were sometimes made into a light decoction according to reported traditional uses, in a very limited and supervised context by an expert. This preparation should under no circumstances be reproduced without the advice of a healthcare professional, given the potential toxicity of the plant. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

Apocynum cannabinum grows wild in moist meadows and along waterways in North America; in France, it is virtually unavailable in herbalist shops due to strict regulations related to its toxicity.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Seeds and fruits are traditionally harvested in late summer, when the follicles begin to open and release their silky seeds.

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