Health Guide

Aquilegia viridiflora

Aquilegia viridiflora, commonly known as Green Columbine or Granny's Bonnet, is a unique flowering plant used traditionally in herbal medicine. While not a standard kitchen vegetable, it has been historically prepared as a wild edible and medicinal tea. Rich in bioactive compounds like alkaloids and flavonoids, it is primarily valued for its potential to support respiratory health and reduce inflammation. Historically, Native American tribes utilized this plant for ailments ranging from headaches to coughs. Today, it is gaining attention in the supplement world for its antioxidant properties, offering a natural way to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Aquilegia

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Frequency of Use (Scale 1-10)

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Respiratory Support: Traditionally used to soothe coughs and clear congestion.
Anti-Inflammatory: May help reduce swelling and joint discomfort.
Antioxidant Protection: Fights free radicals to support overall cellular health.
Digestive Aid: Mild astringent properties can support gut health.

Deep Dive

Aquilegia viridiflora contains a variety of alkaloids and flavonoids. These compounds are responsible for its therapeutic effects. The respiratory benefits are likely due to its antispasmodic properties, which help relax the airways. Regarding inflammation, the plant's antioxidants combat oxidative stress, a key driver of chronic inflammation. While research is ongoing, traditional usage suggests that consuming the plant (specifically the leaves and roots) in moderation can act as a gentle tonic for the body's defense systems.

Natural Sources

Aquilegia viridiflora is a wild plant, not a common supermarket item. It grows naturally in the rocky slopes and woodlands of the Western United States.

Food	Amount	% DV
Aquilegia viridiflora (Leaves)	1 cup (cooked)	N/A
Aquilegia viridiflora (Tea)	1 cup	N/A

Supplementation

Because this is a specialized botanical, it is most commonly found in herbal extract capsules or tinctures. If foraging for the wild plant, proper identification is critical to avoid toxic look-alikes. Dosage for standardized extracts typically follows the manufacturer's recommendation (usually 300-500mg daily), but clinical data is limited.

Top Food Sources

Aquilegia Leaves

Cook before eating

Aquilegia Root

Used for medicinal teas

Standardized Extract

Capsule form

Dried Herb

Tea infusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the leaves and roots have been eaten historically, usually cooked. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to alkaloid content.

The leaves have a slightly bitter, earthy taste, similar to other wild greens. It is often boiled or added to soups to mellow the flavor.

Yes, it is a hardy perennial that grows well in partial shade with well-drained soil. It is often grown for its unique, bell-shaped flowers.

While traditional use suggests safety in moderation, long-term daily use is not recommended without professional guidance due to the lack of modern clinical trials.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety First

Important Warning: Like many plants in the Ranunculaceae family, Aquilegia contains toxic alkaloids in small amounts.

Toxicity: The plant is generally considered safe in culinary or medicinal doses used historically, but high doses can be toxic.
Pregnancy: Avoid use entirely, as safety for fetal development has not been established.
Identification: Do not forage this plant unless you are an expert, as it can resemble other toxic species.
Chemical Sensitivity: If you have a sensitive stomach, start with very small amounts (tea) to avoid nausea.

Scientific References

[1]USDA Plants Database: Aquilegia viridiflora classification and distribution.
[2]Native American Ethnobotany: Historical uses of Columbine species for medicinal purposes.
[3]Journal of Natural Products: Analysis of alkaloid content in Aquilegia species.