Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed RecordFR · EN

Cercocarpus ledifolius

Cercocarpus ledifolius
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 advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Internal use is poorly documented scientifically: caution requires consulting a healthcare professional before any intake, particularly for decoctions. The plant contains cyanogenic compounds (like other members of the Rosaceae family), which advises against any significant or prolonged ingestion. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as in children, in the absence of sufficient safety data. Do not confuse reported traditional uses with validated therapeutic use; this content is purely historical and informational.
Decoction — Inner Bark

Bark decoction for external use

Gently boil a piece of inner bark in water for about fifteen minutes, then let cool. The liquid obtained was traditionally used to moisten compresses applied to the skin. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Poultice — Crushed Inner Bark

Poultice on wounds

Fresh or rehydrated bark was crushed to obtain a paste, then applied directly to the affected area and held in place with a clean cloth. This traditional practice requires medical advice before any reproduction. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Fumigation — Wood

Traditional fumigation

Small wood chips were slowly burned in an appropriate container, with vapors and smoke being inhaled at a reasonable distance according to reported traditional uses. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to Find It

Obtaining the plant

Cercocarpus ledifolius grows naturally in rocky and arid areas of the mountains of the North American West; it is rarely offered in herbalist shops and is mostly found in the wild or in botanical collections.

Harvest Season

When to harvest it

The bark and wood are traditionally harvested in late summer or autumn, when the shrub's sap is most stable.

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