White
baneberry is known as Doll's eyes
Root, in both red and white baneberry.
Red baneberry is a perennial; 2-3 ft.
tall. Similar to white baneberry, though the flowerhead is rounder,
and the berries are red and on less stout stalks. It fruits July
to October.
White baneberry is a perennial, 1-2 ft.
tall. Leaves twice-divided, leaflets oblong, sharp-toothed. Flowers
in oblong clusters on thick red stalks. Fleshy white berries with
a dark dot at the tip; fruits July to October. Flowers April to
June.
Found in rich woods. Southern Canada to northern New
Jersey, West Virginia, west through Ohio and Iowa to South Dakota,
Colorado, Utah, and Oregon.
American Indians used red baneberry root tea for menstrual
irregularity, postpartum pains, and as a purgative after childbirth;
also used to treat coughs and colds.
Menominees used small amount of white baneberry root
tea to relieve pain of childbirth, headaches due to eye strain.
Once used for coughs, menstrual irregularities, colds, and chronic
constipation; thought to be beneficial to circulation.
All parts of white baneberry may cause severe gastrointestinal
inflammation and skin blisters. Its use is not recommended.
Red baneberry is poisonous. May cause vomiting, gastroenteritis,
irregular breathing, and delirium. Its use is not recommended. These
herbs are poisonous.
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