Preparation of Teas and Decoctions: Brew teas from medicinal plants to treat various ailments. For example, chamomile tea to soothe the stomach or sage tea to cleanse the body.
Salves and Balms: Create salves from herbs and fats to treat skin conditions such as wounds, rashes, and burns. For example, a calendula (Calendula) salve to promote wound healing.
Tinctures: Prepare tinctures by steeping herbs in alcohol to extract their medicinal properties. Tinctures can be used to treat a variety of illness, from infections to digestive problems.
Physical Healing Methods
Massage and Manipulation: Use massage to relieve muscle tension and pain. Manipulate joints and muscles to correct misalignments and promote healing.
Bone Setting and Immobilization: Set broken bones and use splints and binding to immobilize and support healing.
Leeches: Use leeches to cleanse the blood and treat infections or inflammation.
Spiritual Healing Methods
Incense and Purification Rituals: Use sage, cedar, or sweetgrass to purify people and places from negative energies and evil spirits. Perform smoke ceremonies to create a sacred and protected atmosphere.
Dream Interpretation and Visions: Help tribe members interpret dreams and visions. Use ceremonies to induce visions that can provide guidance and insight.
Meditation and Prayers: Lead meditations and prayers to strengthen spiritual health. Use songs and drums to help focus the mind and connect to the spirit world.
Ceremonial Healing Methods
Sweat Lodge Ceremonies: Conduct sweat lodge ceremonies to purify the body and soul. Sweat lodges can be used to treat both physical and spiritual ailments by promoting sweating and purification.
Sun Dance Ceremonies: Perform sun dance ceremonies to ask for healing powers from the sun and the forces of nature. Use dance, song, and offerings as part of the ceremony.
Healing Circles: Create healing circles where tribe members gather to pray and sing together, sharing their energy and strength to promote healing.
Practical Treatments
Wound Care: Clean and dress wounds with natural antiseptics like honey or goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Use plant fibers or animal sinews to stitch larger wounds.
Fever Treatment: Use herbs such as elderflower (Sambucas nigra) and willow bark (Salix spp.) to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Treatment of Digestive Problems: Provide herbal remedies such as peppermint (Mentha piperita) for digestive issues and ginger (Zingiber officinale) to reduce nausea.
