American Indians have studied native plants within their environment for centuries and collected together many healing remedies from medicinal plants. Native American healing remedies center on healing and balancing the mind, body and spirit; any areas of weakness within the body's systems are addressed to restore complete harmony. Healing remedies are spiritual, symbolic and medicinal. The Navajo Indians are credited with using the most wild plants medicinally.
Native American Medicine Bags
American Indian medicine bags are both sacred and powerful objects; they are considered important throughout a Native American Indian's life. Medicine bags may be concealed by the wearer, worn around the waist or worn around the neck; they are of greatest importance during illness and major life changes.
Native American medicine bags are made from animal skins, muslin, calico or red cloth; they can be made for oneself, by friends or family. As the medicine bag is made, prayers are said for the recipient of the medicine bag; Native American medicine bags may be plain, beaded or painted with medicine plants, totems or dream symbols.
Items are chosen to go into the medicine bag and then blessed; Sweet Grass, Sage, Red Cedar, Pollen or Tobacco may be placed inside the medicine bag. Native American medicine bags are said to hold healing energies and are continually blessed with prayers throughout their life to maintain their powers.
Healing Herbs and Plants for the Immune System
Good health is maintained firstly by a healthy immune system; Native American healing herbs used to strengthen the immune system include Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea. Many Indian tribes use Echinacea to heal; Sioux Indians chewed the roots of Echinacea for stomach problems, toothaches and sore throats, as did the Comanche Indians.
Many medicine men macerated the roots of Echinacea and rubbed it into their hands for anesthetic purposes before picking up hot coals and meat in Native American ceremonies. Headaches, respiratory problems, congestion and depression were also treated by inhaling the essence of dried burning or smudged Echinacea plant parts.
Other Healing Herbs and Plants Used by Native Americans
Native Americans used New Jersey Tea or Red Root, Ceanothus americanus, in the treatment of colds, stomach problems and fevers. For headaches and stress, teas of the flowers of American Basswood, Tilia americana, and European Linden, Tilia cordata, were made; these Native American remedies were also effective for fevers, colds, flu and to lower blood pressure.
The Cherokee Indians used Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora, to help in childbirth, pain and menstruation; it was used in teas and by chewing the fresh leaves. In addition, the bark of Wild Cherry, Prunus serotina, was used by Native Americans to relieve colds, fevers and sore throats; tinctures of Highbush Cranberry, Viburnum opulus, or Black Haw, Viburnum prunifolium, were used to help breathing difficulties.
Basic Herbs for American Indian Healing Remedies
The following herbs are an example of the herbs used by Native Americans in daily medicinal needs:
- Sage Leaves - for antiseptic use, smudging and purification
- Yucca Root – for hair care and washing
- Witch Hazel – for skin complaints and rashes
- Cedar Lotion – for facial and skin care
- Calendula Cream – for sunburn, inflammation and skin disorders
- Arnica Oil – for sore feet, bruising and muscle pain.
References and Further Reading:
Kavasch, E. Barrie, Baar, Karen 1999 American Indian Healing Arts USA: Bantam
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
