Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Cryptantha crassisepala

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 advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Very poorly documented traditional use: caution requires not consuming this plant without the advice of a qualified professional. Certain species in the Boraginaceae family contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may be toxic to the liver; as a precaution, this botanical relationship calls for restraint. To be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in children, in the absence of safety data. Do not confuse with other species of Cryptantha or similar-looking Boraginaceae; certain botanical identification is essential before any handling.

Botanical observation only — Whole plant

No reliable traditional preparation to recommend

In the absence of solid and reliable traditional documentation on safe preparations, the Herbarium of the Ancients cannot recommend any form of preparation for intended use. This plant is presented here for botanical and informational purposes, not for practical use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

This inconspicuous plant grows wild in arid and sandy areas of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico; it is not commercially available in herbal shops.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Flowering occurs in spring in desert environments, but no traditional harvest is reliably reported for this species.

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