James' buckwheat

Description

Eriogonum jamesii is a species of wild buckwheat known by the common name James' buckwheat and antelope sage. It is native to the southwestern United States, being found in: Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. The Navajo people have used Eriogonum jamesii as an oral contraceptive. Among the Zuni people, the root is soaked in water and used as a wash for sore eyes. The fresh or dried root is also eaten for stomachaches. The root is carried in the mouth for a sore tongue and then buried in a river bottom. The ground blossom powder is given to ceremonial dancers impersonating anthropic gods to bring rain.