Botanical name: Oplopanax horridus

Common names: Devil's club, devil's walking stick, Alaskan ginseng

Devil's club is a plant found native in our area, specifically in the understory of the rainforests in the PNW. It is used both medicinally and ceremonially by native americans throughout the area for centuries. Traditionally, the bark was employed for its many healthful qualities, including for minor stomach complaints, respiratory support, and minor musculoskeletal complaints. Folklorically, the spiny stems and root were used for protection and in cleansing practices. Modern herbalists consider devil’s club root to be energetically warming, sweet, and bitter. It is usually prepared as a decoction or extract.

Devil's club is a cousin to ginseng, eleuthero, and spikenard.