I
Indian Hemp – Formally known as Apocynum Cannabinum, and also called American Hemp, Dogbane, Amy Root, Hemp Dogbane, Rheumatism Root, and Wild Cotton, this is a type of marijuana. Native throughout much of North America, it grows in Gravelly or sandy soil, mainly near stream, and is known as a common weed of cultivated land. Primarily used by Native Americans for its fiber numerous tribes used it for making clothes, twine, bags, linen, and paper. Though it is a poisonous plant that can cause cardiac arrest if ingested, it was also common in Native American herbal remedies. Its boiled roots were made into teas to treat syphilis, rheumatism, intestinal worms,fever, asthma, and dysentery. The Prairie Potawatomi also utilized it as a heart medicine, problems and dropsy.
Indian Paintbrush – Officially known as Castilleja, and also called Prairie-fire, this is a genus of about 200 species of Broomrape family, that are native to the west of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes. The flowers of Indian Paintbrush are edible and sweet, and were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. The Chippewa Indians are known to use Indian Paintbrush as a medicine to treat rheumatism and as a bath rinse to make their hair glossy. Nevada Indian tribes used the plant to treat sexually-transmitted diseases and to enhance the immune system, and Hopi women drank a tea of the whole Indian paintbrush to “Dry up the menstrual flow.”
Ilex verticillata, used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, the origin of the name "fever bush."
Iris missouriensis, the roots of which were used by some Plateau tribes to treat toothache.
Disclaimer: These herbs have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Plants listed here must not be used to diagnose, treat, or heal medical conditions. Many are poisonous.
