Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus) is a distinctive shrub native to the moist, coastal rainforests stretching from Alaska through the Pacific Northwest. It is easily recognized by its large, maple-like leaves and stems densely covered in sharp spines. This species commands both respect and caution; it is highly valued as a traditional medicine while presenting immediate physical risks to those who encounter it.
Immediate Physical Hazards
The most common threat posed by Devil’s Club comes from the dense covering of spines on its stems and the undersides of its leaves. These spines are brittle and detach readily upon contact, leading to fragments that easily embed themselves deep within the skin. Because they break off, these small prickles are notoriously difficult to remove completely with tweezers, often remaining lodged beneath the surface.
Once embedded, the fragments can cause significant localized irritation and may lead to festering wounds. There is a documented risk of secondary bacterial infection, such as staphylococcus, as the body attempts to expel the foreign material. Physical contact can also result in puncture wounds that allow the plant’s sap or oils to enter the skin, occasionally triggering contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction. Severe injuries can occur if spines become lodged in the eyes.
Toxicity Concerns When Ingested
Concerns regarding internal danger focus primarily on the potential for toxicity if various parts are consumed. The bright red berries produced in late summer are generally considered poisonous to humans. Ingestion of these berries can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The root and inner bark, which are the parts used medicinally, contain compounds that can be irritating to the digestive system. Traditional uses sometimes involved preparing a decoction of the inner bark as a powerful purgative or emetic. This suggests that consuming unprocessed material or improper dosages could lead to significant discomfort and adverse effects.
Traditional Use Context and Safe Preparation
Despite its physical hazards, Devil’s Club has been revered for millennia by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for its spiritual and medicinal properties. It is often employed as an anti-inflammatory and for pain relief, treating conditions like arthritis and fevers. The plant is also traditionally used to address respiratory ailments and to assist with regulating blood sugar levels.
The danger associated with consumption is mitigated through specific, time-honored preparation methods. The inner bark of the root or stem is the part typically harvested. It is processed by boiling, steeping, or drying to create teas, tinctures, or salves, which is believed to neutralize or remove potentially irritating compounds found in the raw material.
The safety of using Devil’s Club relies heavily on respecting these traditional practices and preparation protocols. Commercial supplements should be sourced with caution. Individuals considering internal use should seek guidance from knowledgeable herbalists or healthcare providers, and experts recommend avoiding its use during pregnancy due to the lack of clinical safety data.
Handling Emergency Exposure
Immediate action is necessary if exposure to the spines occurs to minimize irritation and the risk of infection. The first step is to promptly remove any visible prickles using fine-tipped tweezers. The affected area should then be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water to cleanse the puncture sites and remove any remaining irritants.
If a person has a rash or significant localized swelling, applying a low-dose anti-inflammatory cream, such as hydrocortisone, can help reduce the skin reaction. If the spines have penetrated the eye, flushing the eye with copious amounts of water is necessary, followed by immediate emergency medical attention due to the risk of severe injury. In the event of accidental ingestion of the toxic berries or unprocessed plant material, Poison Control should be contacted immediately for guidance.