Disclaimer: The following is an exploration of a plant that has been traditionally used for pain and mental illness. It is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended for diagnosis nor treatment. If you are suffering, know that there are resources out there to help you. Please contact the help line if you are in need
Keep a lowered gaze on your next walk in the woods and you may spot some curious little ghosts. Pale white and spooky-looking, these are Ghost Pipes - a mysterious plant with some unique properties and potential uses.
Ghost Pipes are categorized as a flowering plant, but unlike many plants, Ghost Pipes don’t get their nutrients directly from the sun - instead, they are parasites, feeding off of the nutrients of mushrooms deep beneath the soil.
Wikipedia states that Ghost Pipes can be found in North America, South America, and parts of Asia, but with “large gaps between areas”. The unique nature of this plant, which doesn’t require sunlight but does require pollination, means that Ghost Pipes are often found in dark areas of the forest 
Although not listed as an endangered species, Ghost Pipes are rare and have been overharvested in some areas. If you choose to collect Ghost Pipes, please harvest mindfully and respectfully.
Folklore
Ghost Pipes have attracted attention for their curious qualities throughout history, fascinating artists and nature-lovers alike.
They were said to have been the favorite plant of poet Emiliy Dickinson. She wrote one surviving poem about Ghost Pipes (historically called “Indian Pipes”).
'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe –
'Tis dimmer than a Lace –
No stature has it, like a Fog
When you approach the place –
Not any voice imply it here –
Or intimate it there –
A spirit – how doth it accost –
What function hath the Air?
This limitless Hyperbole
Each one of us shall be –
'Tis Drama – if Hypothesis
It be not Tragedy –'Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe by Emily Dickinson, shared by the Morgan Library
One Native American legend says that Ghost Pipes grow where friends once quarrelled.
A Cherokee legend about Ghost Pipe tells of a time long ago, when selfishness first entered the world, and people began quarreling. First, they quarreled with their own families and tribal members, and then with other tribes. The chiefs of several tribes met together to try to solve the disputes, and smoked a peace pipe together, while continuing to quarrel with each other for seven days and seven nights. In punishment for smoking the peace pipe before actually making peace, the Great Spirit turned the chiefs into grey flowers and made them grow where relatives and friends had quarreled.
From Into the Haunted Forest: Ghost Pipes by Clary Greacen Montagne
Medicine
Ghost Pipes have become highly prized in the medicinal world as they are believed to help deal with pain. They are especially noted for dealing with pain from mental illness and recent loss.
On a nature walk with a local herbalist, I was told that Ghost Pipes are particularly useful for handling grief. The herbalist said that after taking a prepared dosage of Ghost Pipes, the person feels as though their grief, though still lingering, is happening to the person next to them. It puts distance between you and what you are going through.
The following notes are my own personal notes taken from talking with the herbalist. Her name has been removed to preserve privacy.
How to take Ghost Pipes: Take as a tincture. Can make using vodka- makes a beautiful purple color. Only three drops under tongue. Should NOT take if you have heart problems. Side effects include heart palpitations and a disconnect.
The herbalist said she had no bad effects when she took it as intended (3 drops under the tongue as a tincture). But she experimented again just to see how much she could take and took a higher dose - she had heart palpitations for like 3 weeks (note that she has a heart murmur). She said the grief was like it was happening to someone next to her.
Magick
Ghost Pipes - in appearance, function, and medicinal use - are associated with death, loss, and transformation. They help those who feel torn between this world and the next by providing comfort and relief to those who find themselves outside of the light.
A mirror to its medicinal properties, Ghost Pipes can be used magically to banish pain, remove suffering, offer comfort, and guide one to begin their healing journey.
Their properties make them a good addition to Shadow Work, Healing Magick, and New Moon Magick.
Have you ever seen a Ghost Pipe? What do you think about this spooky plant?
Feel free to share your spell experiences, advice, and wisdom with fellow coven members in the comments below.
Blessed Be 
Sources and Additional Reading:
- Foraged: Ghostly Encounters: An Introduction to the Mysterious World of Ghost Pipes
- Wikipedia: Monotropa uniflora
- The Reading Tub: The Spiritual Meaning of Ghost Pipes
- David Canterbury: Best Woodland Pain Killer
- American Herbalists Guild: Ghost Pipe: A Little Known Nervine
last year. They are really interesting looking plants but I didn’t know their medicinal aspects. Good to know!
Every time we go out into the woods (which is often because of disc golf… lol) I’m looking for them. What a great find!
I spend a looooooot of time in the woods every week and am always looking at plants and flowers. My camera is full of pictures and my plant press if full of leaves and flowers. 