Oplopanax horridus (devilsclub)

Devils Club is generally an unhappy plant (lots of spikes, gets intertwined with it's neighbors). I was surprised to see fruit, but not surprised to find it's not particularly edible. I do like the species name - "horridus" - it gives you a sense of what people think of it. Why leave that comment? Caitie Monday, June 12th, 2006 at 16:25:33 Fell off my bike and landed into a hole pile of the stuff had to walk back up threw it and can't sleep my legs are cut bad Kristina Thursday, June 22nd, 2006 at 05:15:12 In the East we have stinging nettle, which in some environments, particularly river bottoms, can grow higher thatn humans and with stems as thik as a thumb. The entire plant develops stinging needles and some can stem needles can penetrate 1/4 inch to deliver their formic acid sting. Ray Tuesday, July 25th, 2006 at 09:14:59 Is there a form of this plant that can be used to treat phlebitis or thrombosis? Sonia Fast Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 at 17:52:37 Devils Club is used by native Alaskans for medicinal purposes. The salve-like cream made from the plant is good for arthritis and in other forms,used to stablize blood sugar levels. If you get the chance, talk to J.J. Pate in Hoonah, Alaska about the Pain Ointment(Kaa'steen, native name for ointment)you can contact her at Box 9, Hoonah, Ak 99829. Kathy P from Ohio Saturday, September 2nd, 2006 at 05:54:03 Devils club is a medicinal plant, it is also known as devil's walking stick. It’s binominal name is Oplopanax horridus. It would rather grow in clay or loam soil, with poor drainage, ample shade and copious water. It likes soil that is rich and has a low pH. It normally grows high up and at northern latitudes. It is sometimes used as an ornament. It is usually found in mature or old forests. Devils Club is a slow sprouting plant. Sometimes it can take up to 18 months to germinate. It is a poisonous plant if it is not prepared properly. ?? Thursday, September 28th, 2006 at 05:07:08 I have met JJ Pate. She is a wonderful person, full of history. The ointment actually works. I've used it. Emma Friday, October 13th, 2006 at 07:56:46 Emma, I have been using it, but not having alot of relief. How do you use it? Karen Thompson Sunday, October 29th, 2006 at 19:27:27 I too have used the Kaa'steen from J.J. Pate's Pain Ointment. After dislocating my knee cap and tearing a ligament. Although the prescription pain killers the doctors gave me helped, when they ran out my knee still hurt. I also bike 14 miles a day. This ointment is my saving grace. I swear by it and recommend it to anyone who has joint issues. I fully intend on purchasing a nice stock pile as soon as I can. Be weary though, the plant is poisonous and so the salve should be used in small amounts. Just a little bit will work. apply to the affected joint just enough to feel the slightly greasy smoothness. Feel free to e-mail me with questions androse505@yahoo.com. Hope my information is helpful. Androse Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 at 19:34:05 I sprained an ankle, then went on our Alaska cruise anyway; kept right on walking/limping when I shouldn't, which resulted in horrible bruises up the leg along with extra swelling. I bought the smallest jar of J.J. Pate's ointment after talking to this nice Tlingit lady (who makes it herself) when we visited Hoonah. Twice a day application speedily removed the bruises and most of the swelling, which was actually more important to me than the pain relief. I recommend it! Walter Monday, August 20th, 2007 at 15:47:36 Recently purchased a med. size jar of ointment from J J Pate in Hoonah, Alaska. I have been using it twice a day for approx. a week on psoraisis and it is working better than anything I have used-even the expensive prescription ointments I have been using. I realize that my psoraisis will never be cured but it is looking much better just during this week of use.The ointment has taken away a lot of the redness and crusty dead skin build up and it is not so noticable.If this continues I will have to order some more!! Karen Friday, August 24th, 2007 at 18:37:54 Does anyone know how to get ahold of her to purchase some of this medicine if you are not in Alaska? I work in a Dr's office and a patient recently returned from a cruise to Alaska where they purchased some of this for wifes ankle and it worked wonders! Thanks Vicki Friday, September 7th, 2007 at 12:47:39 I have her business card with the following: p.o. Box 9, Hoonah, Alaska 99829, tel.907-945-3531 David Sunday, September 9th, 2007 at 16:30:39 We have just returned from Alaska and while in Hoonah, purchased the largest jar of Kaa'steen from J J Pate and this stuff really works. I have had a hip replaced and the main muscle in the thigh keeps getting a 'charlie horse' in it when I go for long walks. A little Kaa'steen and I can walk for hours. Also my husband works in the sun full time and gets crusty patchs on the back of his hands. The doctor keeps removing some of them as possible skin cancers. After a couple of am and pm applications, they are gone, no traces at all. GREAT STUFF> mindy Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 at 08:20:16 Hi, J.J. Pate is my sister-in-law and I am pleased to read such encouraging testimonials about her Devils Club ointment. We live in Lemont, Illinois where the temperatures can fall below zero and this ointment is our live saver during the winter momths when the old joints start to ache. I am going to pass these positive words of encouragement to J.J. She truly is a wonderful person and is always willing to help those in need. Sincerely, Cathy Davis Cathy Davis Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 at 12:11:45 I also had the pleasure of meeting jj in Alaska this last month and purchased the ointment for my elderly friend next door for her arthritis. She would love to order more but the e-mail address on the back of jj pate's business card does not bring up a place in which to order. We also have the box number 9 and her phone numbers which we have yet to reach. If anyone has suggestions let us know. Thank you. francie francie jones Monday, October 22nd, 2007 at 21:50:40 My Mom bought some of this ointment on here cruise last month and had a horrible grease burn last week, put on the ointment and the pain was gone within 3-4 minutes and had absolutely no blistering or redness or pain afterwards-from a grease burn!!! I imaginge we will all be buying a supply of it now! Carla Saturday, November 17th, 2007 at 10:24:08 I too was in Hoonah this past summer as part of a cruise. I met JJ and bought a small jar of ointment, not knowing if I would ever use it. I suffered a 2nd degree sunburn, causing my leg to swell and blister. I ran across the ointment after using other remedies with no relief. I gently massaged in the ointment, not holding out much hope, just before going to bed. I woke up the next morning pain-free and the blisters all but gone! My sister, who was on the same cruise, borrowed some ointment from me for her lower back (she has compression fractures due to osteoporosis). She woke up the next morning pain-free, without having to take her usual Vicodin dosage. She promptly called JJ to order a large jar as well as a jar for a friend of hers. I sing the praises of Devil's Club and JJ's remedy whenever possible - What a great find! Deanna Thursday, December 6th, 2007 at 20:10:32 J.J.Pate Ointment P. O. Box 9 Hoonah, Alaska 99829 Phone #: 907 945 3531 Cell # : 907 957 0588 Kathy Sunday, December 16th, 2007 at 01:06:53 what the price for a jar pat Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at 09:40:42 I echo all of the positive comments about J.J.'s ointment and add one more. Living in Colorado, my fingers regularly dried and cracked in winter, due to the dry cold. My fingernails also became brittle in the dry climate, constantly splitting and peeling in layers. I began using the ointment for my arthritic knee and plantar fasciitis, but found in the process that miracles seemed to happen to my hands, feet and nails. I no longer have cracked skin and my nails have to be trimmed to keep them from growing too long, not to keep them from breaking. Jeanne Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 07:28:54 Heard from a friend that visited Alaska that this is good stuff. How can I buy some and how much does it cost? Joyce Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 at 15:41:09 I would like to order some Kaa'steen, but can't find how to do it in the internet. Could you please email me and let me know which WEB address to use, or phone number to call? The phone numbers I've tried have not been working. Thanks so much for your help!!! Rachel Aurand 303-772-8116 Rachel Aurand Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 09:34:19 I am going to order some of the ointment. I have their email as jjpatepainointment@yahoo.com, phone 907-945-3531 or 907-957-0588, Cliff & JJ Pate, PO Box 9, Hoonah, AK 99829 Jeane Sunday, April 6th, 2008 at 21:40:56 As stated above this stuff is great. I highly recommend it to anyone with join issues. I just spoke to J.J. the other day (4/6/08) and the prices at that time were as follows: $40 - 4oz (get an extra 0.5oz free) $20 - 2oz $10 - 1oz I am fairly sure these were the prices, make sure you check first. I am ordering 8oz (plus my 2 free 0.5oz for $89 including shipping) A lot of it is for gifts though, as the 0.5oz I got just over a year ago for my knee problem is only now needing to be replaced. Give her a call, to get the price, then you will have to mail a check or money order to the P.O. Box listed above. It sounded like there may be a bit of a back log though. As you can read above the plant isn't fast growing. Additionally an article in a medical journal has greatly increased demand. Oddly enough Cathy Davis (J.J.'s sister-in-law) and I live only a few miles from each other. Cathy if you read this, we should start a J.J. Fan Club in Chicago LOL. Thanks all and hoe this helps. Androse Glover Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 16:57:31 Wow, so many people love J.J.'s Pain Ointment. I'm so proud of her, she's my auntie :D. And just to note, that the prices showed don't include shipping. The 4oz's have a $6, 2oz's $3, and 1oz $3 shipping charge. jabp891 Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 at 23:48:04 How do you get a hold of JJ PATE? I have tried her phone numbers 907.945.3531 as well as 907.957.0588 and email address jjpatepainointment@yahoo.com and nothing seems to work! Definitely not very good for business! If someone has a better idea of how to reach this company I am open to suggestions! Christina Thursday, April 10th, 2008 at 09:11:13 I think she's turned her phone off (due to so many calls). And if you emailed, it might take a little bit too. I would reccommend just mailing a letter to her with what you want, and a check, cash, or money order for what you want. Cliff & JJ Pate PO Box 9 Hoonah, AK 99829 Note, my post above shows the shipping costs (to be included with total) jabp891 Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 20:39:17 i have been looking in to this plant for a school project its really quite cool! and hey i fell in to it camping and dang it hurt some thing bad!! i read some of the posts and it helped to write one of the papers that was requiered thank you!!!! chantie Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 22:17:14 I live in northwes BC. Devils club is everywhere here. Would like to pick it and sell it. I wonder who the buyers are. BLASe Saturday, July 26th, 2008 at 15:33:16 Does anyone know where I can purchase some of this plant for medicinal purposes? Monica Saturday, October 11th, 2008 at 12:43:39 We cut Devils Club for walking sticks. How can we sell the bark and leaves? carol cooper 821 9th st. vader wa, 98593 carol cooper Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 05:30:06 Devil's club is a wonderful plant. Beautiful in bloom and while fruiting. The foliage is, if a little cranky, quite verdant. We also have stinging nettle in the west. It cannot compare in pure pain to what devils club can do to you. cole Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 13:33:07 After much research and trials, my wife and I started making and selling salves and lip balms made from local Alaskan plants. We all natural ingredients with NO CHEMICALS added. We offer Devil's Club Salve as well as Devil's Club and Skunk Cabbage together which we call Southeast Preimum. We aslo make healing salves and an Anti-Fungal salve from usnea. Customers report that it really works well on diaper rash, yeast infections and athletes foot. The natives in Southeast Alaska have used it for hundreds of years. Our products can be viewed on our website: www.alaskarods.com Please call or email if you have any questions and we will be glad to help you with information or products. Rodney and Rhonda Hinson Haines, Alaska 907-766-2352 Rodney Hinson Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 11:55:11 I too bought some ointment when in Hoonah. I am a Registered Nurse in California with over 30 years experience. This ointment is the best thing for pain since the opium poppy! I have reordered several times. I have chronic joint and muscle disease which is genetic. I have halved my pain pills with this product. The old folks knew best! I have been skeptical of "herbal" remedies that are more wishful thinking than actually effective. Devil's Club is the real thing. I would be interested in other uses like teas, etc. I am sure it must be toxic if not used correctly. It has been used for tuberculosis in days gone by--orally???inhaled??? Does anyone have a reference of any studies of this plant?? Teresa Gavaletz, MSHS, RN Livermore, CA Bushpups@cs.com Terri Gavaletz Saturday, July 11th, 2009 at 22:43:49 last year on an alascan cruise I purchased a tub of Kaa'steen whilst visiting Icey Straight Point. It has proved to be a wonderful product but is now all used. Can you send me details of how I can get further supplies and the associated costs. colin Monday, October 5th, 2009 at 07:09:54 My mom makes the devil's club ointment also and her information is Kathy Brewster, Box 8050 Nanwalek, Alaska 99603-6650 and her contact # is (907) 281-2203. Emilie Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 23:58:30 I cruised to ALASKA 2005, called into HOONAH & I brought some of JJ PATE'S wonderful ointment, sadly I only bought the small jar, I don't know how long it keeps for but I had a fall & bones were hurting, found my little treasure with only a scaping left have applied it & is helping. I would dearly love to buy more but have no idea how to go about it, so if there is a way for me to get it, I would much appreciate it. Could you send me details on how to get some more of this wonderful ointment & the costs. Regards TRISH Trish Andrews Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at 21:22:27 My wife and I have been making salves from local Alaskan plants for three years and have had great results from the Devil's Club Salve. We have several nurses from Washington, Oregon and California that use it all the time to relieve the swelling in their knees. We also mix the Devil's Club with Skunk Cabbage to make Southeast Premium. The skunk Cabbage has the same medicinal qualities for reducing inflammation. They also are wonderful for relieving the itch of mosquito and other bug bites. You can see all our products at www.alaskarods.com they are all natural with no chemicals or petroleum products. Rodney Hinson Sunday, May 30th, 2010 at 13:26:00 JJ is at PO Box 9, Hoonah, Alaska 99829 Phone: (907) 945-3531 Cell # (907) 957-0588 She does take orders Grace Villarreal Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 at 16:59:06 I am in a drilling camp and have pick some roots ,how is the cream made? Is has been sold has under different names. Look it up under herbs of northern BC S.K. creek.K2 camp canada karen m Sunday, August 8th, 2010 at 21:08:31 I learned how to harvest and prepare the salve. Have been making it a few years now and people use it for just about everything. Dani Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 at 10:48:55 i was wondering where would i get ingredients to make devil's club salve...would like to make my own for my arthritis..thank you June Johnson Sunday, July 24th, 2011 at 11:49:37