Field photography of arrow leaf balsam: Lindsay Dawson Mynatt

The hillside is covered with arrow-leaf balsam, symbolizing the abundance of spring in the central Pacific Northwest. The indigenous Wenatchee tribe’s calendar is based on seasonal cycles, and the native sunflower Smokakhin first appeared in March. Balsam is an important source of food and medicine for Wenatchees. All parts of the plant are edible and useful. Collect sprouts and early leaves as early spring vegetables, and mash the seeds into powder. Large arrow-shaped leaves are used as a salve for burns. The long taproot is used in medicine to support the respiratory system, as an ointment to treat wounds and blisters, and to relieve body aches and pains.

Balsam root plants take several years to mature and should be harvested selectively and carefully. Compared to clumps with thicker roots, smaller underdeveloped roots from a single independent flower are more popular. The huge root systems of these plants help prevent soil erosion, so pay attention to the harvesting site and stay away from steep embankments.

Arrowleaf balsamroot photo by Lindsay Dawson Mynatt 

Some people use kupenz or digging sticks for harvesting. I used a pointed shovel and carefully erected the roots until I could pull it out. Even harvesting a thinner root system requires more effort than expected.  

The taproot will be covered with hardened bark and a lot of dirt. The bark can be washed and used with the tap root or removed. I chose to peel off the bark to reveal the long resin-like roots. Note carefully that the roots do not need further cleaning, which is good because it is very sticky.

 Photo of taproot before cleaning by Lindsay Dawson Mynatt

Photo of the peeled taproot from Lindsay Dawson Mynatt

From this step, I cut the roots into small pieces and peeled the taproot to expose as much surface area as possible to prepare the infused honey and tincture.

Using a 3:1 ratio of honey to taproot, put the two ingredients in the pot. Bring to a simmer (do not boil). calm down. Repeat the process in a few days. Honey will change from light amber to dark amber. When ready to store, heat the mixture and pour it into a small glass jelly jar to cool. The end result will be thicker and harder than honey, with a lovely clove-like essence-a soothing and delicious cough medicine. Keep the roots for flavoring the tea. 

Infused honey photo by Lindsay Dawson Mynatt

Using a one-to-one ratio of 80% alcohol to the taproot, put the raw materials in a glass jar and leave it in a cool place for 6 weeks or more. Gin, rum, or vodka (most common) are all alcohols suitable for tinctures. Recipe from Joyce A. Wardwell's Herbal Home Remedy Book. Tinctures can be added to warm water or tea to relieve sore throat, phlegm, or as an overall immune booster.

Michael Moore, a medicinal plant in the western Pacific, compares balsam root to a combination of echinacea and oxa root. It is an expectorant, but contains resins and oils that stimulate breathing. Topically, balsam can disinfect, reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Lyndsay Dawson Mynatt is a dedicated forager, outdoor enthusiast and blogger of Mother Earth News. Her articles include: Building a DIY Cider Press in the September/October 2015 issue of GRIT and a 5-minute, 5-component mayonnaise in the 2015 Best Mother Earth News. Follow her adventures in A Faithful Journey and read all of Lyndsay’s Mother Earth news posts here.

All MOTHER EARTH NEWS community bloggers agree to abide by our blog guidelines and they are responsible for the accuracy of their posts.

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