What is Indian Warrior Pedicularis densiflora ?

Pedicularis densiflora, known commonly as Indian warrior or warrior’s plume, is a plant of the Iousewort genus in the broom rape family.

Indian Warrior is native to California and Oregon in western North America and is found in chaparral, forests, California oak woodlands at low elevations.

Description

Pedicularis densiflora is a perennial herb with stout, green or sometimes reddish or magenta stems and fern-shaped leaves, and long spikes of deep red to bright pink flowers with toothed petals.

Like others of its genus, it is a root parasitic plant, attaching to the roots of other plants to obtain nutrients and water. This species is a facultative parasite, or hemiparasite, in that it can live without attaching to another plant but will parasitize if presented with the opportunity. It often parasitizes plants of the heath family , such as manzanita.

Indian Warrior Pedicularis densiflora used for?

Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) is the most potent species of Pedicularis, which is known for its purported sedating and relaxing effects. 

Indian Warrior is used as a tea or tincture for its ability to relax tense muscles. It is also useful for helping with insomnia and nerve pain. The buds and flowers are often smoked or added to herbal smoking blends for their color, flavor, and relaxing properties

Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior) was used medicinally as a muscle relaxant and is thought to be smoked by at least one Native American tribe for its narcotic effects.