Turkey Corn

OTHER NAME(S): Bleeding Heart, Dicentre à Capuchon, Dicentre Capuchon-Jaune, Dicentre Nain, Dutchman's Breeches, Squirrel Corn, Staggerweed, Dicentra cucullaria, Maíz de pavo, Dicentre à capuchon

Overview

Turkey corn (Dicentra cucullaria) is a plant native to the US and Canada. The fleshy root (tuber) has been traditionally used to make medicine.

Turkey corn might help the body get rid of extra fluids by increasing urine production.

Despite safety concerns, people use turkey corn for digestion problems, urinary tract diseases, menstrual disorders, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

References
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Taxon: Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh. U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=405116. Accessed September 30, 2021.