Most of us are familiar with basic herbal remedies. We know that we need to use aloe as a conditioner for the skin, purple coneflower is used as a potent antibiotic and the bark of willow as an effective painkiller. But these basic remedies are dwarfed by Native American medicinal practices.
The treatments that Native Americans used were founded on principles of herbal preparations and other alternate medicinal practices.
Here is a list of plants, flowers, fruits, and trees that Native Americans used to treat different kinds of ailments:
1. Alfalfa
This plant can aid digestion and help the blood to clot. It also finds its use in the remedying of kidney and bladder issues, in addition to aiding bone strength and arthritis. Our immunity is also boosted by this plant.
2. Aloe
The thick sap that can be extracted by squeezing out the leaves of the plant is useful in the treatment of insect bites, burns, and wounds.
3. Aspen
This plant containssalicin, the principal element in aspirin. The inner bark of the tree finds its use in treating pain, fever, and coughs.
4. Bee Pollen
Mixing bee pollen with food aids in boosting immunity, boosting energy, and aiding digestion. One thing to keep in mind is you could possibly have an allergy against it, in casebee stings cause allergic reactions in you.
5. Beeswax
Beeswax can be used for treating burns and insect bites. However, this must only be applied externally.
6. Blackberry
When the root, leaves, and bark are pounded and infused in tea, it can stimulate metabolism, treat diarrhea, and lessen inflammation. It can also be used to gargle for treating inflammation of gums, sore throat, and mouth ulcers.
7. Black Raspberry
The roots of this fruit can be smashed and infused in tea to treat general intestinal issues, coughs, and relieve diarrhea.
8. Buckwheat
The seeds of buckwheat can be used in soups or porridge to help blood clotting, reduce blood pressure, and relieve diarrhea.
9. Cayenne
This can be consumed with food or drank as tea. The pods find use in the relieving of pain. It also finds use in treating arthritis and digestive issues. It can even be applied on wounds in powdered form to numb the pain, acting as an anesthetic.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile tea can relieve intestinal problems and reduce nausea.
11. Chokecherry
Native Americans consider this an all-purpose medication. The berries are first dried, then pitted, and then crushed into a tea. This is used to treat inflammation, diarrhea, nausea, coughs, flu, and cold. It can also treat burns and wounds as a dressing.
12. Echinacea
This also called purple coneflower. Echinacea finds its use in fighting infections, fever, and strengthen the immune system. It also has antiseptic properties and can treat generic cough, flu, and cold.
13. Eucalyptus
It is used in cough drop medicines in current times. The oil which is extracted from the leaves and roots can be utilized to ordinarily treat flu, coughs, fever, and a sore throat.
14. Fennel
This plant has a licorice-like taste to itself. It can be used in tea or even chewed to treat colds, help digestion, coughs, treat sore throats and relieve diarrhea. It can be used in a medical dressing to relieve eye pain and headaches.
15. Feverfew
This finds its use in relieving headaches to this very day – including problems like migraines, asthma, fever, joint and muscle pain and digestive problems.
16. Feverwort
This can help with joint stiffness, overall pain, and itching in addition to treating fever.
17. Ginger Root
Ginger root aids circulation, helps digestion and contains anti-inflammatory qualities. It can also relieve flu, colds, and coughs. The roots can be used to be consumed as tea, with food, and as a poultice by Native Americans.
18. Ginseng
The most active constituent is the ginseng root, other than the leaves and stems. The roots aid liver and lung function, boost energy, boost immunity, and reduce fatigue. It can be consumed in a tea, as a part of a poultice, or even an additive to food.
19. Goldenrod
This can treat issues such as flu, inflammation, sore throats, cold, and even issues relating to bronchitis and chest congestion. It also has antiseptic properties so it is useful in treating cuts and abrasions. These multiple properties led it to be used as an all-purpose medicine by the Native Americans.
20. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle berries, flowers, leaves, and stems find use in topically treating bee stings and skin infections. It can also help with sore throats, colds, and relieve headaches. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities.
21. Hops
Hops can be used in tea preparations to sort out digestive issues. This also finds use in soothing muscles when mixed in with different herbs or plants, such as aloe. It can even soothe toothaches and a sore throat.
22. Licorice
The roots and the leaves find use in treating sore throats, coughs, and colds. The root can also relieve toothaches, if chewed.
23. Mullein
This is a very common plant which grows everywhere without us noticing. It can be infused in tea or added to food.It can be used in the treatment of general lung issues, inflammation, and coughs.
24. Passionflower
Passionflower leaves and roots find use in preparing a tea which can help with anxiety and reduce muscle pain. It is also possible to treat skin injuries such as boils, burns, and insect bites using it in a medical dressing.
25. TrifoliumPratense or Red Clover
The flowers, roots, and leaves can be used to garnish or top off food or infused in tea. The red clover grows practically everywhere. It can treat respiratory problems, address inflammation, and aid circulation.
26. Rosehip
This is a renownedsource of vitamin-C.It can be smashed and added to tea, put into food, or even be eaten whole. It has antiseptic properties and can address inflammation, intestinal issues, colds, and cough.
27. Rosemary
Rosemary is generally used to flavor food, but can also act as a generic metabolism cleanser, relieve muscle discomfort, and aid circulation. It can be used in food or as tea.
28. Sage
This is also a natural repellent for insects. It can be used in treating generic digestive issues, colds, and sore throat.
29. Spearmint
Native Americans consistently used this plant to treat coughs, respiratory distress, colds, diarrhea, and stimulate the circulation of blood.
30. Valerian
Valerian root can be infused in tea to relieve pain and muscle ache. It has a very calming effect too.
31.Pinus Strobus or White Pine
This finds its use in the generic treatment for respiratory problems and chest congestion. The needles and inner bark can be smashed and infused in a tea.
These treatments are great and effective, but always consult a doctor before going for it.
Is there something which you already use to treat anything?
