Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Ocean Spray

Holodiscus discolor

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

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Traditional use poorly documented scientifically: seek the advice of a healthcare professional before any use, particularly internal. Avoid all use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in the absence of sufficient safety data. Do not administer to young children without professional advice. Reserve cautious external use (preliminary skin test) in the absence of complete toxicological data.

Decoction — Leaves

Leaf decoction for external use

Boil a handful of dried leaves in water for about ten minutes, then allow to cool. The filtered liquid was traditionally used as a wash or compress on the skin. Professional advice is recommended before any use, including external, due to lack of complete safety data. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Poultice — Leaves

Fresh leaf poultice

Fresh leaves, crushed or lightly bruised, were applied directly to the areas to be treated and then held in place with a cloth. This traditional practice requires caution and prior medical advice in case of damaged or sensitive skin. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Ocean spray grows wild in open forests and dry hillsides of western North America; it is very rarely available in herbalist shops in France, where its presence remains marginal.

Harvesting season

When to harvest it

Leaves are traditionally harvested in spring and summer, when the shrub is in full foliage, preferably in dry weather.

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