Liatris spicata and a number of other Liatris species send up tall feathery spikes of purple or white flowers in the summer. Tests on members of this genus have shown anti-cancer properties. In Europe, liatris is used for gynecologic problems and as a diuretic and a gargle for sore thro  “America’s first botanist,” John Bartram of Philadelphia, included Liatris in his 1751 compendium, calling it “throatwort” and noting that chewing the tuber could cure sore throat. An older common name “colic root” came from its use for gastrointestinal complaints.

Part used::
Roots

Origin:
America

Hull, Kathleen; Photog. Hull, Meredith /Indiana Medical History Museum: Guide to the Medicinal Plant Garden./ USA: Indiana Medical History Museum. 2010. -- p. 58.