07/28/2025
Let’s Talk About Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)
I was at the Coeur d’Alene River last weekend and was so happy to find a beautiful patch of Ghost Pipe growing all around the base of a large tree. Ghost pipe is a striking and mysterious plant often promoted as an “herbal morphine” for pain and trauma. While it has a history of use as a strong nervine and analgesic, here’s why I don’t use it in practice:
👉🏼 There are safer alternatives.
I’ve never seen a situation that truly requires ghost pipe. Herbs like skullcap, passionflower, California poppy, wild lettuce, and kava can offer similar support—without the toxicity risks or ethical concerns.
⚠️ It’s potentially toxic.
Ghost pipe contains compounds (grayanotoxins, a type of neurotoxin) that can be harmful, and the levels vary depending on growing conditions and preparation. We also lack consistent research on safety and dosing. While lack of research isn’t always a dealbreaker (because we all know herbal research funding is lacking!), when there are safer options, why take the risk?
🌱 It’s not sustainable.
Ghost pipe is a mycoheterotroph, which means it depends on fungi to survive. It can’t be cultivated easily and is often overharvested in the wild. In some areas, it’s considered endangered.
✨ As a clinical herbalist, I believe in working with plants that are safe, effective, and sustainable. Ghost pipe doesn’t meet that standard, and in my experience, it’s just not necessary. I know some people really love and connect with ghost pipe, and that’s their choice. But I believe herbalism, like any kind of healthcare, should be based on informed decisions that take safety, sustainability, and the bigger picture into account.
