Botanical Name: Aplectrum hyemale

Also Known As: Putty Root, Adam and Eve orchid

General Info: An herbaceous perennial that grows from rounded corms that are often linked by a short rhizome. Flowers are 7–15 on a bare stem, light to dark brown, about ½ inch long, and sometimes slightly purple toward the bases of the 3 sepals and petals. The lip is small, white, 3-lobed, with magenta markings. Blooms mid-May to early June. Leaves 1 or 2 per plant, appearing in September, overwintering, and withering away by flowering time. Leaves are elliptical, with many white veins on a dark green background; often plaited underneath. This is the only member of its genus. Adam roots are pointy and elongated and come from the previous year's growth, while Eve roots are rounded, paler, and come from the newer growth. 

Historical Uses: The roots were given to children by some tribes of native North American Indians in order to endow the children with the gift of eloquence and to make them fat. A glue can be obtained from the tubers. The roots are bruised with a small addition of water, this gives a strong cement that is used for repairing broken pots, glass etc

Medicinal Properties: A tea made from Adam and Eve Roots has been used in the treatment of bronchial troubles.  The roots of Adam and Eve Roots can be made into a poultice with analgesic properties.  The roots can also be macerated into a paste and applied to boils or used to treat head pains.

Magical Uses & Associations: Used in rituals for love, marriage and faithfulness. To strengthen your current relationship, the masculine lover carries the Adam Root (shaped like a stick) and the feminine lover carries the Eve Root (little round root). These roots will keep the love that binds you strong. These roots may be worn to produce a strong good luck charm for attraction. Carrying both roots in a bag at all times will attract love or can free you from romantic competitors.  Another way to disperse the competition for someone’s affection is to split a walnut, removing the meat. Place the roots and a spider’s web inside, and seal it with wax. Wrap it in new handkerchief, and place this charm in your lover’s pocket. So long as he or she does not find it, no rival will bother you.  If given as a gift to a couple, they ensure continued happiness.  To encourage fidelity, the husband receives the female root, while the wife accepts the male root.  This root is often as an ingredient in mojo bags by women, usually wives, to cement their marriage relationship.

Form: one root pair 

Precautions: No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.