Paintbrush
Some holiday color for you!
Peace Love Cheer
When we see many of these red-orange flowers in the wild, we know the soil is rich in selenium. This type of plant concentrates the mineral in its tissues. This is important when gathering wild edibles, because humans want traces of selenium, but not too much of it, as its compounds are very powerful and toxic in concentration. So the flowers of this plant can be eaten in moderation. Some say the health benefits are similar to garlic, which would be significant!
Captured near the junction of McKnight Road and Pretty Canyon.
Aldo Leopold Wilderness, New Mexico.
"The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens...Indian paintbrush has similar health benefits to consuming garlic if only the flowers are eaten in small amounts and in moderation."
"The Ojibwe used a hairwash made from Indian paintbrush to make their hair glossy and full bodied, and as a treatment for rheumatism. The high selenium content of this plant has been cited as the reason for its effectiveness for these purposes. Nevada Indian tribes used the plant to treat sexually transmitted diseases and to enhance the immune system."
Paintbrush
Some holiday color for you!
Peace Love Cheer
When we see many of these red-orange flowers in the wild, we know the soil is rich in selenium. This type of plant concentrates the mineral in its tissues. This is important when gathering wild edibles, because humans want traces of selenium, but not too much of it, as its compounds are very powerful and toxic in concentration. So the flowers of this plant can be eaten in moderation. Some say the health benefits are similar to garlic, which would be significant!
Captured near the junction of McKnight Road and Pretty Canyon.
Aldo Leopold Wilderness, New Mexico.
"The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens...Indian paintbrush has similar health benefits to consuming garlic if only the flowers are eaten in small amounts and in moderation."
"The Ojibwe used a hairwash made from Indian paintbrush to make their hair glossy and full bodied, and as a treatment for rheumatism. The high selenium content of this plant has been cited as the reason for its effectiveness for these purposes. Nevada Indian tribes used the plant to treat sexually transmitted diseases and to enhance the immune system."