Ghost Pipe Then and Now

(Publication resulting from Final Report of grant WRCP 21633). Anez, Savannah; Burkhart, Eric; Kellog, Joshua. PSU. 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.

WRCP

WRCP-21633

Click To View Report

2021

2025

04/28/2025

Pennsylvania State University

Anez, S.G., Burkhart, E.P. & Kellogg, J.J. Ghost Pipe Then and Now: the Influence of Digital Media on the Medicinal Use of Monotropa uniflora in the United States. Econ Bot (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-025-09637-1 https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/traditional-forest-medicinal-plant-ghost-pipe-used-differently-today?utm_audience=External&utm_source=newswire&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Penn%20State%20Today&utm_content=04-27-2025-21-14&utm_term=Research%20-%201