3. Eriogonum fasciculatum “Buckwheat” Wilakal

 

Food: The shoots of Wilakal were eaten.

Seeds were mixed with Mentzelia affinis “Blazing Star” seeds and eaten.

Medicinal: Flowers were made into a mild tea for bronchial ailments.

Such a tea was also used to bathe newborn babies as a purifier.

Leaves, before flowering, were brewed into a strong thick tea for headaches and stomach pains. The oldest plants were considered the most efficacious for medicine.

A mild tea was made from leaves and stems for bladder problems and as a gargle for sore throats.

Roots were dried, ground, and used for headaches and stomach troubles. A tea from the roots was used to clean out the intestines.

Small twigs were chewed for constipation.

A poultice from flowers and leaves alleviated sores and wounds. Flowers were also used for an eyewash.

Spiritual: Seeds were ground and scattered during ceremonies.

Other: Leaves were used to line granaries to keep acorns dry.

Stems were used to pierce earholes.

Herbal shrub.

Blossoms throughout the year.

Dry slopes and canyons near the coast; Coastal Sage Scrub.