Sarracenia Purpurea Medicinal Uses

Sarracenia Purpurea is not only a beautiful and unique looking houseplant that also catches flies, it also has a wide range of medicinal properties. 

Also known as the Pitcher plant, it contains tannins and other chemicals that are thought to help with some digestive tract problems. There is some evidence that suggests that pitcher plant extract may affect nerves involved in pain sensation. Pitcher plant might also protect against certain viruses and also reduce blood sugar levels.

The Sarracenia Purpurea have been used for centuries to treat smallpox (and other similar virus's), fevers, the herpes virus, and the whooping cough. 

Sarapin, an extract of the plant is actually an FDA-approved prescription product. 

In terms of preparing your Sarracenia for consumption, you will need to thoroughly clean the entire aerial portion/pitcher of the plant. Then dry them (at room temperature for 5 days) and then ground to a fine powder in a pestle and mortar. 

Alternatively, in order to prepare the Sarracenia for use in tinctures, chop the plant into chunks including the roots. Weigh them and multiple the weight by 2 adding this amount in alcohol to a mason jar. The plant material must be completely covered in the alcohol. Screw lid onto jar and shake vigorously for a few seconds and store in cool dark place for 2 weeks. Shake jars once a day. Open the jars and pour through a cheesecloth to strain out the plant matter. Pour into glass dropper bottles and label. Fifteen to 30 drops taken 3 times a day is a typical dosage.

You can buy your Sarracenia Purpurea seeds here.