Description
Desert anemone is a small, herbaceous perennial. Thin stems arise 1-2 feet from the plant’s tuberous roots. The divided, semi-succulent leaves are few, mostly originating from the base and mid-stem. The 1½-inch diameter flowers are positioned at stem ends and are composed of approximately 10 modified sepals, appearing as petals. The sepals are often white but can also have pink or purplish twinges. The seeds are wooly and form in dense, cylindrical heads. Throughout much of Desert Anemone’s western expanse, the plant is dependent upon winter-spring rains to sprout above ground. In dry years, it is common for the plant to forgo rising from its tuberous roots.
Distribution
From 2,500-5,000 feet Desert anemone is found on slopes and hillsides crowded among rocks and boulders and occasionally under shrubs and trees. The plant is found from the southern California Desert to southern Nevada and Utah, through much of Arizona, to New Mexico.
Chemistry
Lactones: anemonin and protoanemonin; triterpenoid glycosides; flavonoids
Medicinal Uses
The understanding of Desert anemone comes to us largely from the associated use of Anemone patens or Pulsatilla by nineteen and twentieth century Eclectic and Homeopathic physicians. For all practical purposes, Desert anemone is just as useful. The plant is both an emotional and physical medicine. Use small doses of the fresh plant tincture in episodes of fear, gloom, and depression. The plant works well if there is also restlessness, insomnia, and nervous system debility from substance abuse, laziness, or too much cerebral work. Desert anemone has the ability of lifting the spirits and making needed rest possible. It is of particular use to individuals who are thin, cold-bodied, and tend to have reactive skin allergies.
Desert anemone is not to be underestimated in calming premenstrual emotional yo-yos and first or second day period cramps. In addition, slowed menses tends to be stimulated slightly, particularly if there are accompanying feelings of chilliness of the pelvic area and lower back. Ovarian pain during ovulation or otherwise is sedated by Desert anemone. For men, the plant proves relieving to epididymitis, idiosyncratic orchitis, and varicoceles. In fact, through its restorative influence on venous circulation, relief is provided to most chronic inflammations of the genital/urinary systems, if dependant upon debility. Use it also if there is decreased libido and lack of sexual interest from stress, overwork, and nervousness.
Like Clematis, Desert anemone is used as a migraine abortive. Because it is vasodilating it is best applied when visual disturbances and the classic migraine aura is noticeable. 5-10 drops directly on the tongue can stop the progression almost immediately, although if in the advanced pain of a migraine Desert anemone may worsen the episode.
In small amounts, Desert anemone is a gastric stimulant; it provides more blood to the stomach walls through its dilatory effect. For indigestion and digestive atony combine the plant with bitters and take before meals, particularly if the emotional picture fits as described previously.
The plant reduces cerebral spinal fluid and intraocular pressure; use in mild cases of glaucoma. An eyewash made with the fresh plant tincture is of value in chronic conjunctivitis, ocular irritation, and styes. Topically, Desert anemone, like Clematis, is rubefacient. It will cause vasodilation, bringing more blood to surface tissues in a matter of minutes. Apply a fresh plant poultice to chronic arthritic conditions. Remove the poultice at the first sign of redness.
Indications
Depression, gloominess
Genital-urinary system debility
Decreased libido
Dysmenorrhea/amenorrhea
Migraines, beginning stages
Indigestion
Glaucoma/conjunctivitis/styes (internal and eyewash)
Arthritis, as a counter-irritant (external)
Collection
Gather the foliage – leaves, flowers, and stems – in early spring. Chew a small piece of leaf to better understand the plant’s medicinal effect. There is no need to dig the tubers since the above ground portion is medicinally potent.
Preparations
Tincture fresh. Desert anemone’s potency tends to degrade quickly. It is best to make a fresh batch of tincture every year or two. Drying the plant greatly diminishes its potency. For an eyewash mix 10 drops of fresh plant tincture in 2 ounces of isotonic water; make fresh daily.
Dosage
FPT: 3-10 drops 3-4 times daily
Fresh poultice: apply as needed
Eyewash: 3-4 times daily
Cautions
For robust people with strong circulation Desert anemone can be emotionally unsettling. Too much of the plant will cause gastric irritation and diarrhea. Do not use in any condition that is hot, fiery, and acute. In addition, like most other Buttercup family plants do not use Desert anemone during pregnancy due to its dilatory effects on uterine vasculature.