Lomatium

botanical

What is it

Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) is a North American medicinal plant used historically by Indigenous peoples for respiratory conditions. The root is the primary medicinal part.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Viral respiratory infection

Mixed

Traditional and anecdotal evidence is extensive, but rigorous clinical trials are lacking. Laboratory antiviral activity provides a plausible rationale.

How it works

Lomatium root contains coumarins (including pyranocoumarins), tetronic acids, and essential oils. Laboratory studies suggest antiviral activity against influenza and other respiratory viruses, with some compounds inhibiting viral replication. Anecdotal reports trace use back to the 1918 influenza pandemic, where Lomatium was reputed to help. Clinical human evidence is limited and largely traditional or observational.

Dosage

Tincture doses are commonly 30-90 drops two to four times daily during acute illness. Standardized extract doses vary; product labels usually suggest 250-500 mg twice daily.

When and how to take it

Short-term use during acute respiratory illness, divided across the day. Discontinue at first sign of rash.

2 commercial forms

Lomatium tincture (deresinified)

Removed resin reduces rash risk.

Preferred modern form.

Whole root tincture

Higher rash incidence.

Traditional form.

Safety

A characteristic full-body rash is a well-documented side effect, occurring in a subset of users particularly with the un-deresinified (whole root) tincture. The reaction resolves on stopping but can be alarming. Other side effects include nausea.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient data. People on anticoagulants should consult a clinician. The deresinified form reduces rash risk; choose this if available.

Interactions

Coumarins in Lomatium may theoretically enhance anticoagulant effects, though this has not been clinically established. Caution with warfarin and other blood thinners.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lomatium rash?⌄

A measles-like full-body rash that can occur during use. It is benign and resolves on stopping, but it can be alarming. Deresinified preparations are less likely to cause it.

Does it work for COVID-19?⌄

There is no reliable clinical evidence for Lomatium in COVID-19. Lab activity against some viruses does not establish clinical benefit.

References

  • Lomatium on Wikidata — Wikidata link
  • Lomatium on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Lomatium (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.