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Secretive Spiderwort - T. Virginica.

April showers give way to May flowers with the secretive spiderwort—a versatile herb loved for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental charm. Explore its hidden magic!

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Wisdom Awaits 
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Common Names

Commonly, it's called Virginia spiderwort, but it's also known as common spiderwort, spider lily, Inchplant, wandering jew, widow's tears, and flower-of-a-day, Job's tears, snake-grass, trinity, trinity-lily, dayflower. 

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Traditional Names 

Latin name is Tradescantia virginiana 

Family 

  Commelinaceae 

Parts Used 

Stems, leaves, & roots

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Harvesting 

Spring is ideal for harvesting Virginia spiderwort, especially when the plant is flowering. Collect leaves & stems when they're tender, & roots are typically harvested in late spring or early summer. Harvest in the morning to capture the plant's peak potency. ​

Sustainability 

Generally sustainable; research status in Your area before harvesting. 

The good stuff 

Below You'll find: the key constituents, actions/energetics, uses, sample dosage guidelines, and more! 

 Key Constituents: 

Virginia spiderwort contains flavonoids, mucilage, phenols, saponins, anti-microbial, & antioxidants, Minerals like calcium & iron, is rich in vitamins A & C & bioactive compounds that regulate gut health.   


 Actions & Energetics: 

Anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; astringent; diuretic; poultice; volatile compounds.  

 Safety: 

Generally considered safe & non-toxic. Always consult with a doctor before starting treatments. 

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Discover even more below! 

Scientific Research 

Modern Research: Confirms potential in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial applications. 


References 

Works from various authors and institutions, such as the USDA, Britannica, & various studies.

Sample Adult Dose: 

 Take EXTRA caution when giving herbal remedies to children! 

- Infusion: 1 cup (1 tsp dried herb in 8 fl oz boiling water), 3x/day.

- Tincture: 1-2 mL (1:5, 40%) 3x/day.           

Dosage Wisdom

Kids Dosage Wisdom

Disclosure

Information is for educational purposes only, not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Readers should research safety and usage of herbs or supplements.

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The Archives ​

May: Secretive Spiderwort April: Vibrant Violet 

May: Secretive Spiderwort 

April showers give way to May flowers with the secretive spiderwort—a versatile herb loved for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental charm. Explore its hidden magic!

What You'll Find

 Knowledge regarding the plant's names like spider lily, Inchplant, wandering jew, widow's tears, to name a few. Parts to use, roots? Tips? The whole thing? Harvesting & sustainability notes, & more! 

 

What You'll Gain 

 Insights to the Plant's key constituents, like flavonoids, mucilage, phenols, saponins and more! Energetics, cooling? Warming? Moistening? Drying? Safety notes, dosage suggestions and more! 

Read More 

April: Vibrant Violet 

 April brings a burst of color with the charming and delicate violet—a herb as versatile as it is vibrant. From soothing teas to whimsical garnishes, violets have been treasured for their culinary, medicinal, and ornamental beauty. Let’s dive into the allure of this purple powerhouse and uncover its hidden magic!

 

What You'll Find

 Knowledge regarding the plant's names like spider lily, Inchplant, wandering jew, widow's tears, to name a few. Parts to use, roots? Tips? The whole thing? Harvesting & sustainability notes, & more! 

What You'll Gain 

 Insights to the Plant's key constituents, like flavonoids, mucilage, phenols, saponins and more! Energetics, cooling? Warming? Moistening? Drying? Safety notes, dosage suggestions and more! 

Read More