Devil's Club: Transforming Fear into Reverence
I've been living in Alaska for more than 20 years, and let me tell you, the Devil's Club plant has always been quite the character along hiking trails. When I first started hiking here, there were all these warnings about Devil's Club because of its spiky thorns that cover every part of the plant. The leaves are huge, measuring between 10 to 18 inches wide, and I've heard of new hikers mistaking them for natural toilet paper. Trust me, you definitely want to avoid touching or brushing up against it. These warnings were constantly drilled into the heads of newbies, serving as a constant reminder as a hiker's worst nightmare.
But let's fast forward to today, because my perspective on this plant has completely changed. Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) is a prominent plant in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. You'll find it in moist areas like streams, creeks, wetlands, and forest lowlands. It's a slow grower, only adding 4 to 8 inches of new growth each year. And get this, the taller plants can reach up to 12 feet, which means they're around 20 to 30 years old!
Now, the genus name Oplopanax can be translated as 'the juice of all-heal,' and the species name horridus means bristly, prickly, unpolished, referring to the protective thorn covering. It's actually part of the ginseng family and has a ton of medicinal value. So, even though the name Devil's Club might sound a bit ominous, it's actually all about its properties to protect against negative energy.
Indigenous people have known about the medicinal value of this plant for thousands of years, but it's only in the last century or so that it's gained more recognition in Western herbalism. It's great for strengthening and balancing the mind and body, and it even has spiritually protective properties. Plus, it can help with respiratory ailments, pain, arthritis, skin conditions, and it's known to have a calming effect on the body. People make teas, salves, tinctures, and elixirs out of it. And get this, it's even used for ceremonial purposes, like making drum handles and beads for regalia. My aunt even hangs stocks of Devil's Club above her doors to keep evil spirits away!
Isn't that just amazing? Now that I know all this fascinating information about this plant and the forest around it, my hiking experience is completely transformed. It's as if I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world around me. When I walk through a thicket of Devil's Club, it's like stepping into a sacred space filled with wise elders or ancient spirits. The atmosphere exudes a profound sense of reverence and tranquility that never fails to leave me in awe. I am invited into this space to sit for a moment and breathe in the healing power of these spirits. It is truly incredible!
On our Mindfulness in the Wilderness adventure, we explore the magical realm of the forest, where we not only talk about the Devil's Club but also the countless other captivating plants, trees, shrubs, and lichen that flourish here. Join us on this incredible journey of serenity and experience the deep sense of peace that nature offers.
