Giant white trilliums, Trillium grandiflorum (Michx.) Salisb, blanket the forest floor in my brother's woods.  I have eaten a few leaves and flowers, but typically forage for other plants.  They are best as they emerge before leaves unfurl.  Once unfurled the leaves become bitter.  (More)

Medicine: Once source describes the use of dog whiskers dipped into the root infusion of T. grandiflorum then used to treat the human teat by piercing it through the nipple orifice (Potawatomi).  Chippewa used scarification to apply root decoction to treat rheumatism, arthritis.  That is, they used a hot rock to make the decoction of the smashed root.  Then dipped hawthorn, rose or other needles into the decoction.  Next they took the inoculated needle and pricked the skin around the joint of the inflicted individual. The root decoction was also used to treat cramps and irregular menses (Menominee).  

See Wake-Robin, Beth Root below.

Beth root above, the dried root, rhizome and leaves are used internally may induce or promote labor.  Not to be used during pregnancy and only in the hands of a skilled physician.  Used externally as an analgesic for varicose veins, ulcers, bleeding hemorrhoids.

Above right: Wake-Robin, Beth root, Trillium erectum (L.), root tea emetic, expectorant, astringent herb.   Phytosterol rich.  Pytosterol rich containing: disogenin monglucoside, cryptogenin, chlorogenin.

Nodding trillium, Family Liliaceae, Trillium cernuum (L.)