Description
Golden smoke is a small, weak-stemmed biannual or short-lived perennial. The plant is bluish-green, glaucous, and between 4-16 inches tall. Its distinctive yellow, spurred flowers tend to form in racemes at the branch ends. These little clump-forming plants have deeply lobed leaves that appear feather-like. The resulting seedpods are elongated, slightly curved, and scimitar-like; they are approximately 1 inch long and contain numerous small black seeds.
Distribution
Although the plant is sporadic in local distribution, it is a common plant throughout much of the west and can be found at most elevations. Look for Golden smoke along streamsides, in washes, and other drainage areas beneath overgrowth. It also frequents disturbed areas and is occasionally seen along road and trailsides. It is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring in arid, lower elevation areas.
Chemistry
Berberine, bulbocapnine, corpaverine, corybulbine, protopine, sanguinarine, and other isoquinoline alkaloids
Medicinal Uses
Golden smoke is a sedative of moderate strength. It is particularly useful when nervous system distress manifests as muscular twitching, tics, and mild seizure activity. Use Golden smoke when these excessive discharges are accompanied by pain. Chronic skin conditions that are of a low-grade, allergic nature respond positively to Golden smoke. The plant seems to be particularly suited to thin individuals whose skin and nervous systems are hypersensitive. If prone to lymph node enlargements, general lymph sluggishness, and blood dyscrasias then Golden smoke will prove corrective.
Golden smoke positively influences digestion and is used when the tongue is chronically coated, the stomach easily becomes distended, and there is a general sluggishness of upper digestive process. Think of Golden smoke as a combination of Desert barberry, California poppy, and Red root (Ceanothus spp.); it is a complex plant worthy of revitalization in modern-day herbal use. As an alterative or sedative, Golden smoke is best used in combination with other herbs.
Indications
Lymph node enlargements
Poorly healing tissue with tendency towards ulceration
Atonic gastric digestion
Chronic skin conditions from allergy or autoimmune disturbances
Nervous system irritability/mild seizure activity/muscular tremors/tics
Collection
Collect the whole plant when flowering in early spring.
Preparations and Dosage
FPT/DPT (50% alcohol): 10-30 drops 3 times daily
Leaf infusion: 2-4 ounces 3 times daily
Cautions
Pharmacologically Golden smoke is a complex plant. It has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, so is not recommended if taking medications that effect blood viscosity. If used alone, keep Golden smoke use to short term (2-3 weeks) or longer at lower doses in combination with other herbs. Do not use Golden smoke during pregnancy or while nursing.