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Show botanical nomenclature has changed, as it commonly does. Chamberlin ( 1911: 364) did not suggest its use among the Gosiutes, either, another reason Fowler may have avoided using it in her paper. Needless to say, it is reported as currently used by the Northern Utes ( 1.1) who collect its roots for medicine. Uses by Neighboring Great Basin Populations: Train et al. ( 1974: 51- 2) report that the Paiutes used the roots and leaves in a tea for general aches and pains, venereal diseases, blood thickener and purifier, stomach aches, cough medicine, and bladder and kidney difficulties. Chamberlin theorized that the Gosiutes used it as food as the Gosiute term means " deer food" ( Chamberlin 1911: 364). A. 3.8 Porter\ s... Loyage.,.... Colorado.... Cough .. Root,... Chuchupate,....'.' Indian Parsley,'!. Bear. Medicine, .. Qsha,.. Bear. Root ( Ligusticum porteri, Apiaceae): This is probably the important bear root used by the Utes in the Sun Dance and in other ritual contexts. One Ute person indicated that bear root was called " kooy lat," " kooya atump" or " kooyah anut" ( 1.4), or " kwia ta kanupta" ( 2.1). Smith ( 1974a: 272) referred to a plant called / kwicumaa pi/ as taken in a bundle for the Sun Dancers. It was visually identified through pictures by two consultants ( 3.1; 4.1). Reported Locations: Bear Root is occasionally found in the Uinta Basin on the south slopes of the Uinta mountains from Uinta Canyon eastward amongst aspen woods from 7,400 to 9,600 feet ( Goodrich and Neese 1986: 27). ECOTONE ( 1995: A- 18) noted this plant in sagebrush/ grassland environments. Ute consultants indicate that some of the choicest and largest patches are found in Uinta Canyon ( 1.2; 2.1; 3.1; 4.1) especially near Big Springs ( 4.1). Whiterocks Canyon ( 3.1; 4.1) is another reported location and also among aspen along the Farm Creek Road about 8,500 foot elevation ( 4.4). Yellowstone Canyon purportedly contains bear root as well ( 3.1; 4.1). Ute Medicinal and Ritual Uses: Fowler ( 1986: 96) has written that this plant stands out in the Great Basin as more than an incidental remedy. Bear root is used as a blood tonic and laxative according to N. Bird ( Oral History, American West Center, 1967), but its most widely known for the vital role it plays during the Sun Dance ( Jorgensen 1972: 190; Smith 1974a: 272) to ward off thirst. Its significant role in the Sun Dance is also noted by Ute consultants ( 2.1; 4.1). Uses by Neighboring Great Basin Populations: The Paiutes use lovage root, probably all of the closely related Ligusticum, as a cough remedy ( Train et al. 1974: 101). 55 |