What Is Lomatium?

Identification

• Lomatium has petite green foliage connected to a single stem and produces yellow or purple flowers from April through May. The flowers are set in umbrels of 10 to 30 rays. The plant is hermaphroditic, with stamens and pistils in the same flower. At maturity, this herb reaches a maximum height of 51 inches. The seeds are oval, up to 0.6 inches long and up to 0.4 inches wide. They have a thickened wing approximately .04 inches wide.

Growing Conditions

• In the U.S., lomatium is found in the western states. This herb will grow in coarse, medium and fine soil textures and has high tolerance to drought-like conditions. This herb grows best in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Lomatium can tolerate short spans of cold temperatures to 7 degrees Fahrenheit and has moderate tolerance to shade.

Uses

• Lomatium provides forage for domestic and wild animals, such as cattle, sheep, horses, elk, deer and antelope. Herbalists claim that lomatium has anti-viral properties that may help treat conditions like acute bronchitis, colds and HIV. However, preliminary trials evaluating the effectiveness of this herb in treating viral conditions have not shown enough evidence to support medicinal claims for this plant, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center.

Dosage/Reactions

• Lomatium is available in a resin-free liquid root extract form. The normal dosage is 1 to 3 ml. Ingesting lomatium may cause digestive tract upset in some people. Resin-free extracts are sold because lomatium resin can cause allergic reactions, such as a body rash. This herbal remedy has not been proven safe for pregnant individuals or for young children.