[Wikipedia] Etymology, Native American Medicinal Uses: All parts of the plant have a bitter taste (this is the meaning of the genus name Marah, which comes from Hebrew). The fruit is inedible.[3] Some Native Americans may have consumed the seeds to commit suicide.[2] The large tuber of the manroot can be processed for a soap-like extract.[citation needed] Medicinal uses Marah oreganus was used by the Native Americans for various health problems. The Chinook made a poultice from the gourd. The Squaxin mashed the upper stalk in water to dip aching hands. The Chehalis people burned the root and mixed the resulting powder with bear grease to apply to scrofula sores. The Coast Salish made a decoction to treat venereal disease, kidney trouble and scrofula sores. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)