Herbs, Plants, and Healing Properties
(Image: Zuni Healer grinding medicine, Edward S. Curtis, 1925)
The practice of using herbs and plants for medicinal purposes is as old as humanity itself. Across continents and throughout history, people have relied on the natural world to alleviate suffering and promote well-being. This ancient tradition, deeply interwoven with observation, intuition, and cultural knowledge, continues to resonate in modern times. The journey of understanding the intricate relationship between herbs, plants, and healing properties is a captivating exploration of human ingenuity and the power of the natural world.
Evidence suggests that the use of plants for healing predates written history by millennia. Archeological discoveries, such as a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal burial site containing significant amounts of pollen from plants known for their medicinal qualities, hint at the profound understanding our ancestors possessed regarding the therapeutic potential of herbs, plants, and healing properties. These findings underscore the long and intimate connection between humans and the plant kingdom.
The earliest written records of herbal medicine come from the Sumerians, dating back over 5,000 years. They documented the established medicinal uses of plants like laurel, caraway, and thyme, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their properties. Ancient Egyptian medicine, around 1000 B.C., further expanded this knowledge, utilizing garlic, opium, castor oil, coriander, mint, indigo, and other herbs for various ailments. Even the Old Testament mentions the cultivation and use of plants such as mandrake, vetch, caraway, wheat, barley, and rye, highlighting the integral role of herbs, plants, and healing properties in ancient societies.
The practice of using plants for medicinal purposes encompasses a variety of terms, including herbalism, folk medicine, botanical medicine, herbal medicine, and herbology. These disciplines utilize plants, plant extracts, fungal products, animal products, minerals, and shells to address a wide range of health concerns. Throughout history, the knowledge of herbs, plants, and healing properties has been passed down through generations, often within families or specialized communities.
Today, herbs are available in numerous forms, reflecting both traditional practices and modern pharmaceutical advancements. These include tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. While many herbal remedies can offer significant health benefits, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using these potent supplements. Certain herbs can cause adverse reactions, particularly when combined with other medications. Consulting a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements is highly recommended, especially for pregnant or nursing women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Always adhere to label directions and prioritize safety when exploring the world of herbs, plants, and healing properties.
The following list provides an overview of herbs and plants used historically and currently in various healing traditions, particularly within Native American cultures. It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and further research is encouraged before using any herbal supplement.
(Arapaho Proverb: "All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us; if we listen, we can hear them.")
(Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and we make no medical claims nor intend to diagnose, treat, or heal medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing or persons with known medical conditions should consult their physician before taking any herbal products.)
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Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa): A flowering plant in the pea family cultivated worldwide, alfalfa has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Rich in protein, calcium, and various other minerals and vitamins, alfalfa is traditionally used to alleviate digestive disturbances. Native Americans employed it to promote blood clotting and treat jaundice. Today, it is used for a wide array of conditions, including arthritis, muscle problems, reducing blood sugar levels, eliminating toxins, increasing energy and bone strength, addressing bladder and kidney issues, and easing menopausal symptoms. Individuals with autoimmune disorders should avoid alfalfa, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius): Native to the hardwood forests of eastern North America, American Ginseng, belonging to the ivy family, was utilized by Native Americans long before European arrival for both medicinal and spiritual purposes. Considered one of the five most valuable plant medicines by the Seneca, it was traditionally used to treat flu, colds, fever, and sinus problems, as well as to reduce swelling and as a laxative. The Iroquois smoked the herb like tobacco, while the Seminole used it in sweat baths. Various tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, Houma, Mimac, Mohegan, and Potawatomi, dried the herb for teas and tonics for medicinal purposes. The Meskwaki women used it to attract a husband, and Pawnee men used ginseng as a love charm.
Allspice (Pimenta Dioica): This fragrant spice, also known as Jamaica Pepper, Kurundu, Myrtle Pepper, Pimenta, Clove Pepper, and Newspice, is used in cooking, seasoning, and as an herbal remedy. Its healing properties are attributed to eugenol, a chemical component in its oil that aids digestion and acts as a pain reliever. The dried unripe berries have long been used in teas to treat colds, menstrual cramps, upset stomach, indigestion, flatulence, diabetes, and toothaches, as well as to relieve muscle aches and pains. Crushed berries are also made into poultices and salves and applied directly to bruises, sore joints, and aching muscles.
American Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Lepidota): Native to most of North America, from central Canada south through the United States to California, Texas, and Virginia (excluding the southeastern states), American Licorice, also known as wild licorice, has a rich history of use among various Native American tribes. Its roots are used in teas for treating cough, diarrhea, chest pain, fever, and stomach aches, as well as to speed the delivery of the placenta after childbirth. It is also used as a wash or poultice on swelling. Chewed root is used to treat toothache and sore throats. Mashed leaves are used as a poultice on sores.
American Mistletoe (Phoradendron Leucarpum): This species of mistletoe, native to the United States and Mexico, has a history of medicinal use dating back to the Druids in Europe, who used a different species for convulsions, delirium, hysteria, neuralgia, and heart conditions. Native Americans used Phoradendron in similar ways for blood pressure, lung problems, epilepsy, headaches, abortions, and as a contraceptive. The Cherokee made tea to bathe their heads for headaches, and the Creek made a concoction for lung troubles, such as tuberculosis. The Mendocino Indians used the root to induce abortions and prevent conception. Other uses included chewing on the root for toothaches and rubbing the body with a decoction of leaves for painful limbs and joints. The plant is considered poisonous and should be used with caution.
Antelope Sage (Eriogonum Jamesii): This species of wild buckwheat, also known as James’ Buckwheat, is native to southwestern North America. Native Americans, such as the Navajo, used it as a contraceptive. Women would drink one cup of a decoction of the root during menstruation. A decoction of the whole plant has also been used to ease the pain of childbirth, and the root was chewed or used in teas as a cardiac medicine for stomach aches and depression. Some made a wash that was used for sore eyes.
Arnica: A member of the sunflower family, particularly Arnica Montana, has been used for centuries by Europeans and Native Americans as a topical cream or ointment to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, treat sprains and bruises, and heal wounds. Arnica should not be taken internally as it has caused severe and even fatal poisoning.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Also known as Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Amukkara, and Samm, this herb is native to India and has a long list of medicinal uses. Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquilizers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejuvenating effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness. It is used to treat post-partum difficulties, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, dehydration, bone weakness, muscle weakness and tension, loose teeth, constipation, senility, memory loss, and rheumatism. Externally, it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swelling, and other painful areas. Caution is advised when using this plant since it is toxic.
Aspen: Aspen trees are native to cold regions with cool summers, including the far north portions of North America and extending south at high mountain altitudes. The Quaking Aspen was used by both Native Americans and early pioneers to treat fever, scurvy, cough, pain, and as an anti-inflammatory. The inner bark of this tree contains salicin, a substance similar to the active ingredient in aspirin.
Astragalus: A large genus of about 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, Astragalus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Used in both traditional Chinese and Native American remedies, the dried roots were often combined with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease. Traditional medicinal uses included treating colds, flu, infections, allergies, asthma, fatigue, anemia, wounds, heart and kidney disease, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, and digestive disorders. It is also thought to help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It is also used to protect and support the immune system for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver.
Atractylodes: Long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this herb is used for indigestion, stomachache, bloating, fluid retention, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, allergies, and rheumatism. It is also used with other herbs to treat lung cancer and kidney problems.
(Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and we make no medical claims nor intend to diagnose, treat, or heal medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing or persons with known medical conditions should consult their physician before taking any herbal products.)
The world of herbs, plants, and healing properties is a vast and complex one. This exploration offers just a glimpse into the rich history and diverse applications of herbal medicine. Further investigation and responsible use are encouraged for those seeking to harness the power of nature for health and well-being. The importance of consulting with qualified healthcare professionals cannot be overstated, ensuring the safe and effective integration of herbal remedies into one’s healthcare regimen.