Devil’s Club
Oplopanax horridus
With sharp spines on its leaf stalks, leaf veins, and stems, Devil’s club seems like a plant to steer clear of—but it has a myriad of healing properties. Native Americans of the northwest coast use the roots and inner bark to treat ulcers, arthritis, and digestive problems. They also use it in hot baths and in a poultice for rheumatism and other ailments. Devil’s club is sold today as a dietary supplement and is being explored for potential anticancer properties.
Botany Break-Out
Superficially similar to ginseng, and a member of the same plant family, Devil’s club is sometimes called Alaska ginseng. The Alutiiq of south-central Alaska call it cukilanarpak, while the Dena’ina of central Alaska refer to it as heshkeghka’a, and the Tlingit of southeast Alaska know it as sauthkt. In various forms, Native people consider it a powerful spiritual protectant.
