Indian pink and senna

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Indian pink, Spigelica marilandica

Times have changed. Often a colorful history lies hidden underground.

It wasn't that long ago that Indian pink, Spigelica marilandica, was also known as wormroot or Carolina pinkroot. Its powdered roots were in much demand as a medicinal herb, a fixture in Native American medicine kits used as an anthelmintic—an agent that kills or expels parasitic intestinal worms, a good thing unless you are lonely and want the company. It's often used in combination with senna.

In the 1800s, parents would go to their local apothecary and ask for "pink and senna" to treat their children afflicted with "worms."

A short time after I took the above photo of Indian pink at Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge, I received a photo from Glenn Marshall. He has had great luck with one in his yard. Look for them at many local nurseries that specialize in native plants.

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