Medicinal Trees: Hemlock (Tsuga... not poison hemlock)

judsoncarroll4

https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/p/medicinal-trees-hemlock-tsuga-not

Torey

In my part of the world, the hemlocks we have are Western Hemlock and Mountain Hemlock, although Mountain Hemlock is much less common than Western.

I've never done anything with hemlock.

I know that First Nations in this area used hemlock for a variety of treatments including kidney or bladder issues, respiratory issues and as a gargle for sore throats. Mixed with licorice fern it was used to stop internal hemorrhage. They also used the fresh inner bark as a food source and the powdered bark as a type of flour additive or thickener.

The pitch was used to treat wounds, rashes, burns, etc., or to help with inflammation of arthritis. I am going to be making a pitch salve as soon as I can find some to harvest. They seem to be less susceptible to damage compared with other species in my area.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921272#Comment_921272

I mainly use it for a needle tea. It is very pleasant. Medicinally, I think of it as a less strong alternative to abies.

katymockus

I've used hemlock in homemade kombucha.

Linda Bittle

The tea is wonderful. We made it often at Wilderness Awareness School, and used the pitch for salves and for glue.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921314#Comment_921314

I agree. It is one of my favorite wild teas.