Paleo Foraging

Calycanthus occidentalis Hook. & Arn.

Common name: Western spice bush

Form: shrub.

Medicine

Bark – peeled and dried or used fresh by Indians in northern California to make an infusion of varying strength used for chest colds, helping to expectorate phlegm (Goodrich et al. 1980). It was also used for sore throat and stomach problems (Goodrich et al. 1980).

Gathering Season – Mid to late summer (Goodrich et al. 1980).

Notes – the bark, leaves, and flowers pleasantly aromatic, especially when crushed (Chesnut 1902). Also, the bark is peppery, and the leaf is bitter (Chesnut 1902).

Material

Shoots – the pithy shoots were very highly valued by the Yokia for making arrows (Chesnut 1902).

Wood & bark – gathered from fresh shoots and used in basketry by Indians in northern California (Chesnut 1902).