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Showy Lady's Slipper

Cypripedium reginae
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: Contact with the glandular hairs of the fresh plant may cause allergic-type dermatitis in some sensitive individuals. Rare and protected species in many territories: wild harvesting is now discouraged or prohibited, favor a cultivated source if available. Traditional use is poorly documented by modern research; not to be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor in children, without advice from a healthcare professional. Do not combine with sedatives or anxiolytics without medical advice, due to a risk of uncharacterized interaction.
Decoction — Root

Dried root decoction

The dried and cut roots were traditionally gently decocted for a few minutes in water, then left to infuse off the heat. This preparation was reserved for occasional use, under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Root

Root tincture

In the American eclectic pharmacopoeia, the fresh or dried root was macerated in alcohol for several weeks to obtain a nervine tincture. This concentrated form requires the guidance of a qualified professional. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Powder — Root

Dried root powder

The dried root could be reduced to a fine powder, used in small quantities mixed with honey or water. This preparation, like the others, requires validation by a healthcare professional before any use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

Showy Lady's Slipper is now rarely available in herbal shops due to its protected species status; it is mainly found in the wild in peatlands and moist forests of northeastern North America, or from rare specialized nurseries in cultivated native orchids.

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