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Lomatium is native to western North America.
Lomatium is potentially threatened in some parts of its habitat, so it
should not be picked from the wild without consulting local experts familiar
with the plant. The root of lomatium is used medicinally.
Historical or
traditional use (may or may not be supported by
scientific studies)
Native Americans of many tribes reportedly used
lomatium root to treat a wide variety of infections, particularly those
affecting the lungs.1 Lomatium was used, particularly in the
southwestern United States, during the influenza pandemic of 1917 with
reportedly good results.
 Active
constituents
According to obscure sources, lomatium is reputed
to have antiviral effects. One source suggests the constituents tetronic
acids and a glucoside of luteolin may be potentially antiviral.2
However, little is known about how these compounds act or if other ones
might be as important.
How much is usually taken?
Lomatium extracts with the resins removed (often
called lomatium isolates), 1–3 ml per day, have been recommended. Lomatium
tincture, 1–3 ml three times per day, can also be used, but it may cause a
rash in susceptible people. The tincture should not be used unless a very
small amount of it is first tested for a reaction. However, even very
small amounts can cause a reaction in sensitive people.
Are there any side
effects or interactions?
Use of lomatium extracts or tinctures containing
the resin (and possibly the coumarins) can, in some people, cause a
whole-body rash.3 This herb may also lead to nausea in some
people. The safety of lomatium during pregnancy and breast-feeding is
unknown and is therefore not recommended.
At the time of writing,
there were no well-known drug interactions with lomatium.
References:
1 & 3) Moore M.
Medicinal
Plants of the Pacific West. Santa Fe: Red Crane Books, 1993, 61–71.
2) Vanwagenen BC, Cardellina JH. Native American food and medicinal plants.
7. Antimicrobial tetronic acids from Lomatium dissectum.
Tetrahedron 1986;42:1117.
Not recommended for use by those taking blood thinning
agents. The extract may cause a skin rash--discontinue if it worsens.
 Read More About It
Digestive Wellness by Elizabeth Lipski.
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