Maralroot (Rhaponticum carthamoides) is a nourishing adaptogen plant that is uniquely suited to grow in Canada because of its cold-hardy nature. It is also the “forgotten” adaptogen in some ways, as it has not gained the same widespread use as other plants such as ginseng or rhodiola. Each herb is unique, and the medicine of maralroot offers something similar but different than other plants. Maralroot has a very nourishing and building quality that make it distinct from other adaptogens. In this class, we will discuss the growth requirements and methods for cultivating maralroot, how and when to harvest the plant as medicine, and explore the rich phytochemistry and medicinal applications of roots, seeds and aerial parts.

Learning objectives:

1. Learn what kind of growing conditions maralroot likes, and how to cultivate, harvest and process the plant for medicine.
2. Learn some of the major groups of constituents in maralroot including ecdysteroids, phenolics and many more.
3. Learn the herbal actions of maralroot, how they relate to the phytochemistry, and which people are likely to benefit from the use of maralroot.