Walkthroughs & Resources
Herbal Medicine Guide
Herbal medicine has been a central part of indigenous peoples’ health and healing practices for thousands of years. These communities developed a profound knowledge of the medicinal properties of various plants, using this knowledge to treat a range of diseases and ailments. Below is an overview of some common herbs and their uses.
Common Herbs and Their Uses
YARROW
(Achillea millefolium)
Used to stop bleeding, treat wounds, and reduce fever.
Crushed leaves are applied directly to wounds or brewed into a tea for internal use.
Echinacea
(Echinacea spp.)
Stimulates the immune system and issued to treat colds, flu, and infections.
The root or flowers are brewed into tea or used in tinctures.
White Willow Bark
(Salix alba)
Used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, similar to aspirin.
The bark is dried and brewed into tea.
Sage
(Salvia spp.)
Used to purify the air, treat sore throats, and improve digestion.
The leaves can be dried and used in incense or brewed into tea.
Peppermint
(Mentha piperita)
Treats digestive issues, headaches, and colds.
The leaves are brewed into tea or used as oil in aromatherapy.
Aloe Vera
(Aloe vera)
Used to treat burns, wounds, and skin irritations.
The gel from the leaves is applied directly to the skin.
Belladonna Extract
Used for tightness and congestion of the chest region.
Heat a pot of the liquid over a fire until boiled. Seal the pot with a lid, and open it to allow the patient to inhale until lightheaded.
Mint
(Mentha spp.)
Used for milder breathing and coughing symptoms.
Brew the leaves into tea.
Peppermint
(Mentha piperita)
Assists in pain relief with coughing.
Can be mixed with tea or rubbed around the nasal passage and chest.
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)
Eases dry coughing fits.
Optimal to mix with honey. Can be brewed into tea or added to food.
Bay Leaf
(Laurus nobilis)
Eases inflammation in the chest.
Mixed with foods.
Garlic
(Allium sativum)
Strengthens the respiratory system.
To be mixed with food.
Honey
Assists with coughing and sore throats.
Take a teaspoon before bed and upon waking up. Can be mixed with coffee or teas.
Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus spp.)
Helps with respiratory issues.
Add two drops of pressed oil into boiling water and inhale.
Papaya
(Carica papaya)
Treats stomach maladies.
Consume the fruit or use in conjunction with other treatments.
Charcoal
Treats stomach ailments.
Use activated charcoal as directed for specific conditions.
Marijuana
(Cannabis spp.)
Treats arthritis, depression, amenorrhea, inflammation, pain, lack of appetite, asthma, and withdrawal from stronger medicines.
Can be smoked, vaporized, or used in tinctures and edibles.
Feverfew
(Tanacetum parthenium)
Treats fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth.
Can be consumed as tea, in capsules, or fresh leaves.
Slippery Elm
(Ulmus rubra)
Relieves coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
The inner bark can be powdered and mixed with water to crate a soothing drink.
Anise
(Pimpinella anisum)
Used for upset stomach, intestinal gas, runny nose, and as an expectorant to increase productive cough, a diuretic to increase urine flow, and an appetite stimulant.
Seeds can be brewed into tea or used as a spice in cooking.
Flax Seed
(Linum usitatissimum)
Reduces cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune and neurological disorders.
Seeds can be ground and added to foods, smoothies, or taken as an oil.
Preparation and Administration
Herbs could be prepared and administered in various ways depending on the ailment and the specific herb:
- Teas and Infusions: Herbs were brewed in water to extract their medicinal properties. Teas were often used for internal treatment, while stronger infusions could be used for both internal and external use.
- Tinctures: Herbs were extracted in alcohol or vinegar to create concentrated solutions that could be taken in small doses.
- Salves and Creams: Herbs were mixed with fat or oil to create topical treatments for skin problems.
- Inhalations: Steam from boiling water with added herbs was inhaled to treat respiratory issues.
- Incense: Certain herbs were burned to purify the air or used in ceremonial contexts.
Spiritual and Ceremonial Aspects
For many indigenous peoples, the use of herbs was not just a physical treatment but also a spiritual practice. Herbs could be used in ceremonies to purify the body and soul, and healers or shamans might perform sacred rituals to enhance the healing powers of the herbs. Examples include the use of sage in smudging ceremonies for purification and the use of tobacco in prayers and offerings.