Native Americans have relied on various medicinal plants and herbs
as natural remedies for their good health for many many years now.
The Cherokee is a Native
American tribe that is indigenous to the Southeastern United States. They
believe that the Creator has given them a gift of understanding and preserving
medicinal herbs. The Cherokee trust the healing and preventative properties of
nature’s pharmacy.
Because many plants
become scarce throughout history, the Cherokee promotes proper gathering
techniques. The old ones have taught them that if you are gathering, you should
only pick every third plant you find. This ensures that enough specimens still
remain and will continue to propagate. Here are some of the medicinal plants
that were commonly used and foraged for by the Cherokee tribe.
However, the following
12 plants were used by this tribe in the treatment of almost every single
illness and health condition. However, before we explain their properties, we
must warn you that they can be quite strong and dangerous if not used properly.
Keep in mind that the Cherokee healers were experienced as they had centuries of practice. Furthermore, it is of high importance to understand their value as powerful natural medications, so you should be gentle when scavenging them.
1. Blackberry
To the Cherokee, the blackberry is the longest known
remedy to an upset stomach, however, this herb can be used for just about
anything. Using a strong tea from the root of blackberry helps to reduce
swelling of tissue and joints.
A decoction from the roots, sweetened with
honey or maple syrup, makes a great cough syrup. Even chewing on the leaves of
blackberry can soothe bleeding gums.
Some other health benefits of blackberry fruit
include:
·
Better digestion
·
Strengthened immune system
·
Healthy functioning of the heart
·
Prevention of cancer
·
Relief from endothelial dysfunction
These tasty berries are also incredibly
nutritious. Vitamins provided by blackberries include vitamin A, vitamin B6,
vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate.
Blackberries also have an incredible mineral wealth of calcium, iron,
magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc. They are also a good source of
dietary fiber and essential amino acids.
2.
Hummingbird Blossom (Buck Brush)
Medicinal plants Hummingbird Blossom (Buck Brush)
Hummingbird blossom has been used by the
Cherokee for treatment of cysts, fibroid tumors, inflammation, and mouth/throat
problems. Present-day research has concluded that this herb is also great for
treating high blood pressure and lymphatic blockages.
The Cherokee mainly use hummingbird blossom as
a diuretic to stimulate kidney function, however, it was was also used to treat
conditions such as:
·
Inflamed tonsils
·
Enlarged lymph nodes
·
Enlarged spleens
·
Hemorrhoids
·
Menstrual bleeding.
To get all of the benefits from hummingbird blossom, the
Cherokee would steep the leave and flowers in boiling water for about five minutes
then drink the tea while it is still warm.
3.
Cattail
Medicinal Plants Cattail
The Cherokee consider this herb to not exactly be a
healing medicine, but rather a preventative medicine. It is an easily
digestible food that can help with recovery from illnesses. Almost every part
of this herb, except for the mature leaves and seed heads, can be used for
medicinal purposes. The root of the cattail is high in starch and the male
plants are high in pollen content.
Cattail root can be prepared much like potatoes, boiled,
and mashed. The resulting paste is a great remedy for burns and sores. The
pollen from the cattail is a great source of protein and can be used as a
supplement in baking. The fuzz from flowers, called the seed down, can also be
used to prevent skin irritation in babies, such as diaper rash. The flowers of
the cattail can even be eaten to help with diarrhea.
4. Pull
Out a Sticker (Greenbriar)
Medicinal plants Pull Out a Sticker (Greenbriar)
The roots of this herb are high in starch while the leaves
and stems are rich in various vitamins and minerals. Due to the rubbery texture
of Greenbriar, its roots can be used like potatoes. The starch in the root of
Greenbriar has a harsh, strange taste but is rich in calories.
The Cherokee used Greenbriar as a blood purifier and a
mild diuretic that treats urinary infections. Many Cherokee healers make an
ointment from the leaves and bark and apply it to minor sores and burns. The
leaves from this herb can even be used in your tea to treat arthritis! The
berries of greenbrier can be eaten raw or made into jams. They make great vegan
jello shots too.
5. Mint
Medicinal plants Mint
Mint is a very popular herb in present-day culture and is
commonly used in tea. However, many people don’t know that mint contains a
variety of antioxidant properties. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus
potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber!
The Cherokee use this herb to aid with
digestion. The leaves can be crushed and used as cold compresses, made into
ointments, and even added to your bath to soothe itchy skin. The Cherokee
healers use a blend of stems and leaves to lower high blood pressure. If you
are breastfeeding and find your nipples cracking, try applying some mint water.
It worked miracles for me!
6.
Mullein
Medicinal plants Mullein
This herb has the power to soothe asthma and chest
congestion. According to the Cherokee, inhaling the smoke from burning mullein
roots and leaves works miracles to calm your lungs and open up pathways.
Mullein is exceptionally helpful to soothe the mucous membranes.
You can make a warm decoction and soak your feet in it to
reduce swelling and joint pain. Due to mullein’s anti-inflammatory properties,
it soothes painful and irritated tissue. Mullein flowers can be used to make
tea which has mild sedative effects.
7. Qua lo ga (Sumac)
Medicinal plants Qua lo ga (Sumac)
Every single part of this herb can be used for medicinal
purposes! Sumac bark can be made into a mild decoction that can be taken to
soothe diarrhea. The decoction from the bark can also be gargled to help with a
sore throat. Ripe berries can make a pleasant beverage that is rich in vitamin
C.
The tea from the leaves of the sumac can reduce fevers.
You can even crush the leaves into an ointment to help relieve a poison ivy
rash. A study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
reported that sumac if added to the daily diet, can help lower cholesterol
levels.
8. Big
Stretch (Wild Ginger)
Medicinal plants Big Stretch (Wild Ginger)
The Cherokee recommended a mild tea, made from the root of
wild ginger, to stimulate better digestion. This herb can also help with
intestinal gas, upset stomach, and colic. A strong tea from the root of wild
ginger can be used to remove secretion from the lungs.
The Meskwaki, another Native American tribe, use crushed,
steeped stems of wild ginger as a relief from earaches. You can use rootstocks
from this herb as a substitute for regular ginger and flowers as flavoring for
your favorite recipe!
9. Jisdu Unigisdi (Wild Rose)
Medicinal plants Jisdu Unigisdi (Wild Rose)
The fruit of a wild rose is a rich source of vitamin C and
is a great remedy for the common cold and the flu. The Cherokee would make a
mild tea out of wild rose hips to stimulate bladder and kidney function.
You can even make your own petal infusion to soothe a sore
throat! Or try making a decoction from the root to help with diarrhea. My
grandmother uses to make jams out of the petals and it was delicious.
10. Squirrel Tail (Yarrow)
Medicinal plants Squirrel Tail (Yarrow)
This herb is known best for its blood clotting properties.
Fresh, crushed leaves can be applied to open wounds to stop excess bleeding.
Yarrow’s juice, mixed with spring water, can stop internal bleeding from the
stomach and intestinal illnesses. You can also use the leaves to make tea which
will stimulate abdominal functions and assist in proper digestion.
It can also help with kidney and gallbladder related
issues. Oh, and did I mention that you can use a decoction made from leaves and
stems to help clear up your acne? It works wonders for chapped hands and other
skin irritations.
11. Kawi
Iyusdi (Yellow Dock)
Medicinal plants Kawi Iyusdi (Yellow Dock)
Another one of the many medicinal plants that the Cherokee
often use in their kitchen. It is very similar to spinach but contains a lot
more vitamins and minerals due to its long roots that gather nutrients from
deep underground.
The leaves of yellow dock are a great source of iron and
can also be used as a laxative. You can even prepare a juice decoction out of
yellow dock stems to treat minor sores, diaper rash, and itching. The Cherokee
healers use a decoction, made from the crushed roots of yellow dock, as a warm
wash for its antiseptic properties.
You should always remember that all of the above-mentioned
herbs are very potent and might be dangerous if used in the wrong way. The
Cherokee healers have many centuries of practice and experience. Another thing
to keep in mind is the fact that these herbs are all very valuable! They are
nature’s pharmacy, so please be kind and caring when scavenging any of these.
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