American liverwort, Round lobed Hepatica: Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa (Pursh) Steyermark, as per "Doctrine of Signatures" human liver look-a-like hepatica was used as a treatment for liver complaints.  No longer used. Toxic!  (More)

See our videos Edible Wild Plants and Little Medicine for more on this plant and other North American plants used as food and medicine.
American liverwort, hepatica flower.  One of the first to bloom in the spring.

Native American Medicine:  Infusion of plant used as an emetic, laxative.  Root of H. nobilis used as an abortifacient. H. nobilis infusion used as contraceptive. Menominee used infusion, decoction of root to treat diarrhea.  Infusion of root and leaves used to treat vertigo.   

Plant decoction was used as a lure for fur bearing animals.

Hepatica nobilis var. acuta (Pursh) Steyermark called Sharp lobe Hepatica was used in decoction as aid to digestion and with pregnant women to ease labor pain.  Considered a blood purifier used to induce childbirth.  Infusion used to treat pain in the abdomen, also as an emetic and laxative.  May be a uterine stimulant based on effects on labor pain and induced childbirth.  
Right photo: Leaves of Hepatica:

Sharp Lobe (white flower) on the right and Round Lobe (bluish flower)on the left.

Below sharp lobed Hepatica.

(LOVE CREEK)