Maca – Officially known as Lepidium Meyenii, this plant is native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It has been harvested and used by humans for centuries, consumed as a food and for medicinal purposes.
Mayapple – Officially known as Podophyllum Peltatum, this plant native to wooded areas of eastern North America, it went by a number of other names including American Mandrake, Ducks Foot, Ground Lemon, Hog Apple, Indian Apple, Love Apple, Racoon Berry, Umbrella Plant, and others. The ripened fruit is edible in moderate amounts, though when consumed in large amounts the fruit is poisonous. The edible fruit was used extensively by Native Americans, eaten raw, cooked or made into jams, jellies, marmalades, and pies. Though other parts of the plant are toxic, Indian Healers used the roots of the plants as a laxative, to treat worms, and for liver function. Externally, they used it to treat snakebite, warts, and some skin conditions. They also used it as an insecticide on their crops.
Milkweed – Formally known as Asclepias Syriaca, this herb, named for its milky juice is also known as Common Milkweed, Common Silkweed, Cottonweed, Silkweed, Wild Cotton, Virginia-Silk, and Silky Swallowwort. Though it can be toxic if not prepared properly, Milkweed was used as a food and medicine, as well as in making cords, ropes, and a coarse cloth. The young shoots, stems, flower buds, immature fruits, and roots of butterfly milkweed were boiled and eaten as a vegetable by various indigenous groups of eastern and mid-western America. The Meskwaki tribe steamed the flower buds as a food source, which was nutritious but not considered very flavorful. The Cherokee drank an infusion of common milkweed root and Virgin’s Bower (Clematis species) for backache. They also used the plant as a laxative, an antidote for dropsy, and an infusion of the root for venereal diseases. The Meskwaki and Mohaw used a decoction as a contraceptive; the Iroquois and Navajo to prevent problems after childbirth; and the Chippewa, to produce postpartum milk flow.
Mint – Known officially as Mentha, it originated in Asia and the Mediterranean region, but, today there are several varieties which are grown all over the world. Fresh or dried leaves have long been used in teas, beverages. It has also been long used to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, heartburn, colds, flu, allergies, headache, and as a mild sedative. Externally, it has been used to treat minor burns, itching, acne, and skin irritations. The Cherokee were known to have used the leaves and stems to lower high blood pressure.
Mullein – Officially known as genus Verbascum, and also known as velvet plants, this species of flowering plants are native to Europe and Asia, and were first introduced to America by the Europeans. A tobacco-like plant and one of the oldest herbs, it has a long history of use as a medicine, used to treat asthma and respiratory disorders. Native Americans, including the Menominee, Forest Potawatomi, Mohegan, and Penobscot often inhaled the smoke from smoldering mullein roots and leaves to soothe asthma attacks, chest congestion, and other respiratory disorders. The Catawba Indians used a sweetened syrup from the boiled root, which they gave to their children for cough.
Mahonia aquifolium, used by some Plateau tribes to treat dyspepsia.
Mahonia nervosa, an infusion of the root of which was used some Plateau tribes to treat rheumatism.
Mahonia repens, used by the Tolowa & Karok of Northwest California used the roots for a blood & cough tonic.
Malosma, the root bark of which was used by the Chumash to make an herbal tea for treating dysentery.
Menispermum canadense, Cherokee used as a laxative, & as a gynecological & venereal aid. The root was used for skin diseases. The Lenape used it in a salve for sores on the skin.
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.
