A traditional healer, Sc̓rsiłməlx in the Syilx language of this territory of the Okanagan First Nation, is a blood tonic, an antimicrobial, a laxative, and can ease stomach irritability.
Sc̓rsiłməlx grows plentiful where I am at present on the Okanagan First Nation territory, also known as Kelowna, BC, Canada. This land is where I was born and grew until I was eight years old. It reminds me of my grandmothers who both lived here and one especially, who has a woman of the land and whom I spent a lot of time with on the land. This project has taught me the deep healing properties of this plant and helped grow my vision of land I am walking on.
Sc̓rsiłməlx has many complex compounds including the bright yellow alkaloid called berberine. Berberine is a strong antimicrobial and liver stimulant.
Sc̓rsiłməlx can be used both externally and internally to fight bacterial infections. For wounds, you can either make a strong tea and soak the wound in it, or you can saturate a dry sterile bandage or very clean cloth in the tea, then secure it on the wound. You can also power the dried root and sprinkle it directly on wounds. It is specific against salmonella, shigellosis and amebic dysentery.
