30 medicinal plants the Native Americans used on a daily basis
30 medicinal plants the Native Americans used on a daily basis.
The rich medicinal plant knowledge of Native Americans has been admired for centuries. Legend has it that they first observed animals consuming specific plants when they fell ill, leading them to explore the healing properties of these herbs and plants. To preserve their natural resources, the wise medicine men adopted a sustainable approach, picking only every third plant they encountered. Let’s delve into the versatile plants that were an integral part of Native Americans’ daily lives, offering an array of remedies for various ailments.
Rosehip – Nature’s Vitamin C Powerhouse:
The vibrant red to orange berries of wild roses, known as rosehips, were valued by Native Americans for their high vitamin C content. Whether consumed whole, transformed into a soothing tea, or added to meals, rosehips provided relief from colds, coughs, intestinal distress, while also acting as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Rosemary – The Sacred Herb:
Considered sacred by various Native American tribes, rosemary served as a potent analgesic for alleviating joint soreness. Additionally, this revered herb enhanced memory, relieved muscle pain and spasms, and bolstered the circulatory and nervous systems. Its immune-boosting properties and effectiveness in combating indigestion made it an invaluable resource.
Yarrow – Ancient Wound Healer:
Known as Achillea millefolium, yarrow has been renowned since ancient Greece for its ability to halt excessive bleeding. Legend has it that the Greek hero Achilles utilized this plant on his wounds, hence its name. Native Americans and pioneers alike applied yarrow leaves as a poultice to encourage clotting and expedite wound healing. Furthermore, fresh yarrow juice mixed with water eased upset stomachs and intestinal disorders, while a tea made from its leaves and stems acted as an astringent.
Red Clover – Inflammation Fighter:
Healers turned to red clover to combat inflammation and respiratory conditions. Recent studies have unveiled its potential in preventing heart disease by enhancing circulation and lowering cholesterol levels. This versatile plant emerged as a valuable ally in maintaining overall well-being.
Valerian – The Root for Relief:
Valerian root, when infused in tea, provided respite from muscle aches and pain, earning its reputation as a calming agent. Its soothing effects extended to the nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
Hops – Digestive Tonic and Throat Soother:
As a tea, hops were employed to address digestive issues and were often combined with other herbs like aloe to soothe muscles. This versatile plant also offered relief from toothaches and sore throats, showcasing its diverse healing properties.
Sumac – The Eye Healer:
Among the multitude of medicinal applications, sumac emerged as a rare gem for treating eye problems. Native American healers prepared a gargle from sumac decoction to alleviate sore throats and consumed it as a remedy for diarrhea. Infusions combining sumac leaves and berries reduced fever, while poultices provided soothing relief for poison ivy.
Aloe – Nature’s Healing Balm:
With its cactus-like appearance, aloe’s thick leaves yielded a viscous sap that worked wonders in treating burns, insect bites, and wounds. This natural remedy became a go-to solution for Native Americans.
Blackberry – A Digestive Aid and Immune Booster:
The Cherokee tribe harnessed the power of blackberries to alleviate upset stomachs, employing blackberry tea to combat diarrhea and soothe swollen tissues and joints. A homemade cough syrup, crafted from blackberry root and honey or maple syrup, offered relief for sore throats. Additionally, chewing blackberry leaves helped strengthen the immune system while soothing bleeding gums.
Conclusion:
The vast knowledge of medicinal plants nurtured by Native Americans is a testament to their deep connection with nature. These plants not only served as remedies for various ailments but also represented a spiritual connection to the earth. By exploring and embracing the healing power of these medicinal plants, we can honor the wisdom of the Native Americans and unlock the potential for holistic well-being.
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Sadly your people called us Savages for it too for several hundred years. The best part was all the filth and diseases given to my forefathers from the class populace, non savages.
most irritating voice evahr?
They had nothing else to eat, you stupid woman.
Yeah I think in the other episode they said the Indians ignored the rest of all the herbs and used the leaves for ass wiping😂😂
We have everything we need on plant earth. Humans just think they know better and are greedy.
As a student of herbalism for many years I can tell you lots of the plants listed were bought over by the Europeans, it’s sad that many traditional native remedies were lost with the persecution and decimation of this continents First Nations
as a child living in NZ we were bought up on many of these beautiful fruits growing wild, For many years as kids we had access to Blackberries everyday until some-know-it-all in the Council decided they had to spray all along the roadways & highways virtually wiped these plants out. They had No idea the value at the time of these medicinal plants, AWFUL CONSEQUENCE
I think if the American's in that time were smart (but they weren't) they would have learned from the Native Americans, instead of massacring them.
Yes
Them are pictures of 5 dollar Indians fake Indians
Bullshit Natives I know dont use any of these…spoken by a white woman who dont know anything.
Good grief, enough ads?!
you forgot weed in peyote
Not going to watch it, just NOPE. I have been a naturalist for 40 years grew up in an Indian family with Indian cures, that barely made a difference over a placebo. I was given Juniper berries for decades for headaches and i remember the first Tylenol i took as a teen and i was blown away. The reason why we don't live to be 35yr old anymore, MEDICATION, made from chemical compounds.
Be as worthless as a native…
Red clover, lavender, mullein, alfalfa, and ashwagandha are not a native plant to North America so your list is EXTREMELY incorrect. And I probably missed some others.
Wow
What? No Echinacea ? One of the main prairie herbs of First World Indians. And lavender? rosemary? sage?? .. all native to Europe! Mediterranean areas. Honeysuckle , Valerian, also not native in the America’s. Did Indians cross the ocean to discover those herbs ..? 😂 … What a non-story…
Hmmmm 😊
You lost me at Rosemary, which is native to the Mediterranean, not North America.,