Friday, April 24, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Wild Ginger

wild ginger

Native American healers used this plant for treating earache and ear infections. Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, the indigenous peoples also made a mild tea from the root-stock for stimulating the digestive system and relieving bloating. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Slippery Elm

slippery elm

The Native Americans used the inner bark to fashion bow strings, rope, thread, and clothing. Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, tea was made from the bark and leaves to soothe toothaches, respiratory irritations, skin conditions, stomach ache, sore throats, and even spider bites.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly-Pear-Cactus

This plant has been used as both a food and medicine. Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, Native American healers made a poultice from mature pads as an antiseptic and for treating wounds, burns, and boils. Tea was made to treat urinary tract infections and to help the immune system.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Honeysuckle

honeysuckle

Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, this plant had been used as a natural remedy by Native American healers for treating asthma, but it has multiple healing purposes, including rheumatoid arthritis, mumps, and hepatitis. It also helps with upper respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Ashwagandha

ashwagandha-herb

This plant was an important plant for Native American healers because of its many unusual medicinal uses. It reportedly treats bone weakness, muscle weakness and tension, loose teeth, memory loss, and rheumatism. Apparently, before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America,  natives knew that it could also be used as a sedative. It has an overall rejuvenating effect on the body as it improves vitality. 

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Mullein

mullein

A tobacco-like plant, it was mainly used to treat respiratory disorders. Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, Native American healers made concoctions from the roots to reduce swelling in the joints, feet, or hands. 

Friday, April 10, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Licorice Root

licorice root

Today this root is famously used for flavoring candies, foods, and beverages. But before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, it had also been used by Native American healers to treat stomach problems, bronchitis, food poisoning, and chronic fatigue.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Uva Ursi

uva ursi

Because of the bear’s affection toward this plant’s fruits, it is also known as Bearberry and Beargrape. Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America,  Native Americans used this plant mainly for treating bladder and urinary tract infections.

Monday, April 6, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Devil's Claw

devil's claw

Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, Native American healers used it to heal various conditions, from treating fever to soothing skin conditions, improving digestion, and treating arthritis. 

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Hummingbird Blossom or Buck Brush

Buck-Brush

Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, Native American healers used this plant for treating mouth and throat conditions as well as cysts, fibroid tumors, and inflammation. 

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Native American Medicinal Plant - Pull Out A Sticker or Greenbriar

5. greenbriar

This root tea was used as a blood purifier or for relieving joint pain. Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, some Native American healers made a salve from leaves and bark mixed with hog lard, which was applied to minor sores, scalds, and burns.