Canadian Collinsonia (Collinsonia canadensis)

Canadian Collinsonia (Collinsonia canadensis) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to Eastern North America, Eastern United States, and Eastern Canada. Traditionally, its roots, stems, and leaves have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Canadian Collinsonia (Collinsonia canadensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Canadian Collinsonia (Collinsonia canadensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Canadian Collinsonia
Scientific Name	Collinsonia canadensis
Plant Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Collinsonia
Species	canadensis
Native Range	Eastern North America, Eastern United States, Eastern Canada
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Stems, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Collinsonia canadensis
Common Name: Canadian Collinsonia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Bluebell, Canada Collinsonia, Canada Indianpipe
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Collinsonia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 1.5 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with entire margins, upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and darker green, bearing prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemose with actinomorphic flowers having five white petals and five yellow stamens, each with anthers that are narrowly elliptic and exserted.
Stems: Erect, woody, simple branching, glabrous surface, opposite leaf arrangement, ascending growth habit.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a calming bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a mild anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a cooling tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Carminative: Traditionally described as a gentle carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.

Active Compounds

Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Available information does not clearly establish general precautionary concerns for this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.