Ghost Pipe Then and Now: the Influence of Digital Media on the Medicinal Use of Monotropa uniflora in the United States

Abstract

Monotropa uniflora, commonly known as “ghost pipe,” is a plant with a long history of traditional medicinal use in the United States. More recently, ghost pipe has become popular as a medicinal plant on social media and the internet. Despite this recent popularity, there is no current literature documenting the medicinal uses, preparation practices, or economic trade for ghost pipe. To fill these knowledge gaps, we conducted one of the first targeted studies of the digital ethnobotany of this medicinal plant utilizing a digital survey within the United States. Results show that social media and the internet were the primary source of information and learning for respondents. Notably, respondents overwhelmingly reported consuming ghost pipe in tincture form and for pain management. Both findings appear to be recent developments, as there is limited indication from the historical record that ghost pipe was primarily prepared and used in these ways. These results suggest that the internet has emerged as an important platform not only for learning and sharing ghost pipe ethnobotany, but also for developing new traditions and practices. These survey results highlight the contemporary need to understand ghost pipe ethnobotany within an increasingly influential digital world.