Blue Gum

The root of this plant is said to have been used by

the Navajo-Kayenta Indians as a narcotic

(Moerman 1986,469*). It is questionable whether

this information is correct, for the root is also used

as a kind of chewing gum (Vestal 1952, 53*). The

chemistry of the plant is unknown (Ott 1993,

420*). It is, however, regarded as a "life medicine."

Perhaps it is a psychoactive chewing gum.