Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Native American

Photo credit: H. Zell

Safety information

Toxicity: White berries are toxic if eaten (saponins/isoquinoline alkaloids) — vomiting, dizziness; some Native names translate as 'poison/ghost berries', reflecting recognized inedibility.

Contraindications: Do not ingest berries; internal use not advised.

Interactions: Not characterized.

Evidence level

Folk

Reported in folk medicine sources; not clinically validated. Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.

Preparations

decoction/wash (external), poultice (described) · root/bark

Part used: root/bark

Traditional use: sore/inflamed eyes, skin sores, wounds, general external medicine; berries crushed as soap/wash(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)

Proposed mechanism: saponins; little modern study

Dosage note (descriptive only): internal use not advised

Evidence:Folk

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

skin sores Wounds / cuts inflamed eyes

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Native American

Sources (2)

Moerman, Native American Ethnobotany
USDA NRCS (Symphoricarpos albus)

All sources →