DrFeb
Health Guide

Washington Lily

Washington Lily (*Lilium washingtonianum*), also known as the Shasta Lily or Mountain Lily, is a beautiful botanical native to the western United States. While its flowers are iconic, the bulbs have been used traditionally as a nutrient-dense food and soothing remedy. In modern dietary supplementation, it is prized for its high mucilage content and antioxidant profile, offering gentle support for the respiratory system and digestive tract. Think of it as nature's soothing balm, packed with essential minerals.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Washington Lily
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Soothing Effect on Throat Mucosa

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Comfort Level (1-10)
Method →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Respiratory Soothing: Helps calm dry coughs and irritation in the throat.
  • Digestive Health: High mucilage content supports a healthy gut lining.
  • Antioxidant Support: Contains flavonoids that fight oxidative stress.

Deep Dive

The Washington Lily is unique because it is non-toxic (unlike many other lilies which are poisonous to cats and humans if ingested raw in large quantities). When prepared as a supplement, the bulb provides a rich source of mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and soothes mucous membranes. This makes it excellent for dry throats or irritated stomachs. Additionally, the bulbs contain fructans (a type of prebiotic fiber) that feed healthy gut bacteria, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Natural Food Sources

It is important to distinguish the Washington Lily from toxic varieties. The bulbs are the primary edible part, historically used by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest (often pit-roasted).

FoodAmount% DV (Estimate)
Lilium Bulbs (Cooked)100gHigh in Mucilage
Daylily Buds100g15% (Similar profile)

Supplementation

Dosage: Standard extracts usually range from 300mg to 500mg per day. Usage: Best taken with a full glass of water to activate the mucilage. Ideal for those with seasonal dryness or digestive sensitivity.

Top Food Sources

Cooked Lily Bulbs
Roasted or boiled (Traditional)
Daylily Buds
Closely related edible variety
Slippery Elm
Similar mucilage profile (Supplement)
Marshmallow Root
Similar soothing properties (Supplement)
Aloe Vera Juice
Gut soothing alternative

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Washington Lily (*Lilium washingtonianum*) is generally considered non-toxic and was historically eaten by Native Americans. However, many other lilies (like the Tiger Lily or Easter Lily) are toxic to cats and can cause stomach upset in humans if eaten raw.
It is not recommended to eat wild plants without expert identification. Bulbs should be cooked (roasted or boiled) to break down starches and improve digestibility. Supplements are the safest option.
Indirectly. The fiber and mucilage can promote a feeling of fullness and support digestive regularity, but it is not a stimulant or fat-burner.
For soothing a dry throat, effects can be felt almost immediately. For gut health benefits, consistent use for 2-4 weeks is usually recommended.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety First

Who should avoid it:

  • Individuals with a known allergy to lilies or related plants (Amaryllis family).
  • Pets: While Washington Lily is generally considered less toxic than Asiatic lilies, it is always safer to keep supplements away from cats.

Potential Side Effects:

  • Mild digestive fullness due to fiber content.
  • Interaction: Because of its mucilage, it may slow the absorption of other oral medications. Take this supplement at least 2 hours apart from prescription drugs.

Scientific References

  • [1]USDA Plants Database: *Lilium washingtonianum* taxonomy and traditional uses.
  • [2]Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Review of edible lilies and their mucilaginous properties.
  • [3]Western Folklore: Historical accounts of the 'White Lily' as a food source.