American Indians and herbal medicine
American Indians have always relied on healing plants for broken bones, injuries, snakebites, and other problems. Before the arrival of Europeans, American Indians were almost disease free, so rashes, burns, animal bites, wounds, broken bones, and child birth were their main concerns.
They also used herbs to treat arthritis, frostbite, scrapes, and bruises. Today, although modern medicine is welcome, medicinal herbs still play a big part of American Indians culture.
Using herbs for disease, injury, and sickness
American Indian "medicine men" have a good knowledge of the human body. They understand the value of medicinal plants, provide spiritual guidance, and are even skilled at pulling teeth.
It is well documented that American Indians could tie off arteries to prevent blood loss, practiced advanced personal hygiene, and used sophisticated childbirth techniques centuries before white man arrived.
They had a lot of knowledge to share with the newcomers.
Healers passed on knowledge of herbal medicine.
Healers were once available in most villages, plus every member of the tribe knew about the use of herbs and where to find them. Herbal practices were not kept secret. Most families gathered and stored their own herbs for use when needed.
A spiritual relationship with medicinal herbs
In today’s American Indian communities, many people still have a spiritual relationship with herbs. It is believed that health is a gift and comes from good living.
They do not have a sharp division between medicine and religion. Most American Indians understand that everything depends on everything else.
Many American Indians believe that everything flows together in a giant circle supported and connected by the spirit world. I like that belief much better than the religious leaders that think it is OK to dominate everything.
American Indian healers are powerful figures.
American Indian medicine men treat the sick, study the weather, look into the future, and deal with evil spirits. American Indian healers use herbs along with elaborate ceremonies to treat specific problems such as drought, sickness, crime, and other maladies that affect the people.
Healers are highly respected members of the community.
Blending different ingredients.
Many American Indian remedies are complex blends and recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. Keep reading to learn about the most famous medicine man of all time.
Chief Two Moons
Chief Two Moons was the most famous American Indian healer.
In the fall of 1930, Chief Two Moon and his wife traveled to Europe where they had a private audience with Pope Pius XI. The Vatican newspaper called Chief Two Moon the Leader of the Indians, and Italian physicians saluted him for his cures, calling him the Great Medicine Man from America.
Chief Two Moon was famous for his tea blends. His Stomach Tea recipe included senna, coriander seed, gentian root, juniper berry, centaury plant, calamus root, buckthorn bark, ginger, cascara sagrada, rose buds, lavender flowers, anise seed, and fennel seed.
During the last years of his life, Chief Two Moon spent much of his time in courtrooms. In the New York City Court, he was convicted of practicing medicine without a license.
Well known American Indian herbal remedies
Well known American Indian herbal remedies include:
- Skunk cabbage for treating nervous disorders
- Arnica for bruises
- Horsemint for back pain
- Thistle for burns
- Catnip for colic
- Wild cherry for coughs
- White pine for colds
- Black raspberry for diarrhea
- Dandelion for spring tonic
- Willow bark for fever
- Witch hazel for swelling
- Honeysuckle for bee stings
- Yellowroot for stomach disorders
- Ginseng for energy
More about American Indians and healing
American Indians have passed down a tradition of living in a close connection with the earth.
While traditions among different tribes are unique, their medical systems usually involve holistic treatments for health and well being.
In Arizona, some Native Americans run every morning to greet the dawn. This strengthens their bodies and uplifts their spirits.
Legends and stories are used to pass on herbal remedies. Ceremonies include dancing, song, music, prayer, and symbolism. These rituals are proven to bring health and vitality to participants.
American Indians have contributed a lot of knowledge to modern medicine including aspirin, syrup of ipecac, quinine, morphine, curare, cocaine, and hundreds of lesser known drugs.
My grandparents used a lot of Cherokee remedies including mullein, yellowroot, and blackberry leaf. I still find these to be valuable plants today.
For in-depth info on Cherokee herbs, visit Cherokee.org.
*Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2913884/
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
*Note - the information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
© 2005-2024 website design and content by Janice Boling