narrowleaf stoneseed
Lithospermum mandanense Spreng.
Traditional Food Use
The Lakota also used the root as a love lobelia, blue cardinal úma/uŋmá wápe charm by adding powdered root to the food of a person whom one was
Medicinal Documentation
The root is used to treat fluid retention, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Leaf, root, and stem powder rubbed on body for paralysis
Infusion of roots, leaves, and stems rubbed on head & face for irrational behavior from any illness.
Chewed plant spit and blown into face and rubbed over the heart by the doctor for sleepiness. The treatment will keep a person awake.
Poultice of dried, powdered leaves and stems applied for rheumatic pains.
Used for paralysis by grinding the leaves, roots, and stems into a powder and rubbing the mixture on the affected body part. Additional commentary: Or for the same condition, another preparation could be used: the leaves, still green, are wrapped in a cotton cloth, crushed between a person’s teeth, and rubbed on the affected parts.
Irrationality, as an illness, could be dealt with by making a hot water infusion of this plant’s stems, leaves and roots, and rubbing it on the face and head.
This plant can also be used as a stimulant. The plant is chewed really fine and spit and blown into a weary person’s face, and rubbed on his or her chest to revive them and keep them awake. Additional commentary: Moerman indicates the same uses but under the name Lithospermum incisum.413
Ceremonial & Cultural Notes
Artifacts: The root is used medicinally by all Plains Indians
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: Root, bark, leaf, leaves, plant, roots, stem, stems
Distribution: Dry prairies, open woods, and disturbed areas; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico