Native American and Other Ancient Remedies

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D

 

Arikara Medicine Men, 1908

Arikara Medicine Men, 1908. Edward S. Curtis.

Dandruff:

  • Juniper – Used internally and externally for medicinal purposes. Pregnant women should not use this herb as it has been known to cause miscarriage.
  • Sage – Used for thousands of years in cooking, and like other culinary herbs, it has long been thought to be a digestive aid and appetite stimulant.

 

Dehydration:

  • Ashwagandha – The whole plant is used in numerous remedies. Caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic.

 

Dementia:

  • Ginko Biloba – One of the most ancient trees in existence, it has been used for food and medicine.

 

Laughing Coyote Tea from Nuwati Herbals

Laughing Coyote Tea – For a Happier You. From Nuwati Herbals, available at Legends’ General Store

Depression:

  • Boswellia – Fragrant resin utilized in various ailments. It should not be used by pregnant, breastfeeding women and children.
  • Damiana – Used internally for various medical issues.
  • Ginko Biloba – One of the most ancient trees in existence, it has been used for food and medicine.
  • Guarana – Containing caffeine, it has many of the same effects as coffee.
  • Kola Nut – Long used in medicinal remedies, spiritual practices, and ceremonies. Pregnant or nursing women should not use it, or those with intestinal or stomach ulcers, blood pressure, insomnia, or heart disorders.
  • Lavender – Dating back to Roman times, Lavender has been used in teas, balms, food, and medicinal remedies.
  • Passion Flower – Has a long history of use among Native Americans and was adopted by early European colonists. Do not take passionflower if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Peppermint – in addition to flavoring, has long been used in traditional medicine for its calming and numbing effects. It should not be used or given to infants or small children.
  • Rhodiola – Best known for improving physical and mental performance.
  • Rose Hip – The fruit of the rose plant has long been used in teas to soothe various problems.
  • St John’s Wort – Most commonly known as an anti-depressant, it also has other medical uses.
  • Yerba Mate – A species of Holly that has a long history as a medicinal herb.

Detox – See Toxins

 

Diabetes:

  • Allspice – Dried unripe berries have long been used in teas.
  • American Ginseng – Used in teas and tonics and sometimes smoked by Native Americans.
  • Cat’s Claw – Used in teas and tonics for over 2,000 years.
  • Dandelion – Used in both foods and internal and external medical remedies.
  • Devil’s Claw – Used in teas and tonics internally and in poultices externally. It should not be used by women who are or may be pregnant.
  • Fenugreek – Used internally and externally for various medicinal purposes.
  • Ginsing – Numerous specifies throughout the world have been used for thousands of years in medical remedies.
  • Goldenrod – Long used for various ailments.
  • Glucomannan – A dietary fiber that has long been used in Asia.  It is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Green Tea – Made solely with the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, it is known for its many helpful properties.
  • Gymnema Sylvestre – Has been used as a natural treatment for diabetes for nearly 2,000 years.
  • Oat Straw – food source and medical remedy since prehistoric times.
  • Prickly Pear Cactus – Native Americans used the younger pads for food and teas, while mature pads were used in poultices.
  • Stevia – An herb long used as a sweetener with medicinal remedy properties.
  • Sumac – Viewed by some tribes as a sacred plant, Sumac was used for food and medicine.
  • Wild Carrot – Used as both food and for health conditions.
  • Yellow Spined Thistle – Long been used by Native Americans in medicinal remedies.

 

Diaphoretic (sweat-promoter):

  • Burdock – Roots, and leaves utilized internally and externally. Avoid if pregnant or nursing.
  • Elder – Ripe elderberries are used as both food and medicinal remedies.
  • Pinon – Used so extensively by Native Americans, it was referred to by some tribes as the “tree of life.”
  • Pleurisy Root – Long has been found to be effective for many respiratory disorders.

 

Diarrhea:

  • American Licorice – Chewed or used in teas for internal issues, in a poultice externally.
  • Blackberry – Tea made from the root bark is used to soothe these ailments.
  • Black Raspberry – Roots and leaves are boiled into tea or chewed, and washes used externally.
  • Boneset – Dried leaves are used in tea. Caution is advised as it is toxic and has side effects.
  • Broom Snakeweed – Roots and leaves used in steam therapies, teas, and poultices.
  • Buckwheat – The fruit seed was used as both food and in herbal remedies.
  • Cattail – Utilized as food, as well as in external and internal medical remedies.
  • Cat’s Claw – Used in teas and tonics for over 2,000 years.
  • Chokecherry – Used as a source of food and medicine, it was considered one of the most important herbs in Native American medicine.
  • Cotton – Roots, leaves, and seeds have been used to treat many conditions.
  • Dandelion – Used in both foods and internal and external medical remedies.
  • Devil’s Claw – Used in teas and tonics internally and in poultices externally. It should not be used by women who are or may be pregnant.
  • Dogwood – Bark, berries, and twigs used in decoctions internally and externally.
  • Feverwort – Used internally and externally in herbal medicine.
  • Galangal – Similar to other ginger-related herbs, it is primarily used for digestive disorders.
  • Garcinia Cambogia – Fruit rind used in various remedies. Not recommended for those with diabetes, people suffering any dementia syndrome, or pregnant and lactating women.
  • Geranium – Scented geranium used in teas for various conditions.
  • Goldenseal – Used internally and external for medicinal issues. It should not be taken by pregnant women.
  • Guarana – Containing caffeine, it has many of the same effects as coffee.
  • Juniper – Used internally and externally for medicinal purposes. Pregnant women should not use this herb as it has been known to cause miscarriage.
  • Marshmallow Root – Dating back thousands of years, this root has been used as food and medicine.
  • Native Hemlock – Used by Native Americans as a dye, for tanning hides, making baskets and wooden items, as well as medical remedies.
  • Oak – Acorns and bark used for various medical ailments.
  • Peppermint – in addition to flavoring, long used in traditional medicine for its calming and numbing effects. It should not be used or given to infants or small children.
  • Psyllium Seed Husk – A rich fiber supplement, long used primarily to improve digestion.
  • Rabbit Tobacco – Was thought to have had spiritual or mystic powers by many Indians.
  • Raspberry – Leaves and fruits used in various medical issues.
  • Rose Hip – The fruit of the rose plant has long been used in teas to soothe various problems.
  • Sage – Used for thousands of years in cooking and like other culinary herbs, it has long been thought to be a digestive aid aid and appetite stimulant.
  • Savory – An aromatic herb used as a spice and in folk medicine.
  • Saw Palmetto – Long prized as a food product, it was also used by Native Americans to make baskets and fans, as well as in medical remedies.
  • Sumac – Viewed by some tribes as a sacred plant, Sumac was used for food and medicine.
  • Uva Ursi – Used medicinally since the second century. Pregnant women should not use it.
  • Wild Black Cherry – The dried inner bark was traditionally used in tea or syrups for several health problems.
  • Wild Rose – There are hundreds of species that have been used medicinally for thousands of years.
  • Wild Garlic – Used throughout its history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
  • Willow – The leaves and bark of the willow tree have been used since times of ancient Egypt and Greece.

 

Native Plants - Native Healing

Native Plants – Native Healing. From our Book Shelf at Legends’ General Store

Digestive Disorders, Conditions and General Health:

  • Alfalfa – Utilized in teas or added to food for various medical remedies. Avoid if you have an auto-immune problem.
  • Allspice – Dried unripe berries have long been used teas.
  • Bee Pollen – One of the oldest health foods used by man, it is mixed with food or drinks, or as a pill supplement today.
  • Blackberry – Tea made from the root-bark is utilized to soothe these types of ailments.
  • Bloodroot – Primarily used as a medicine for respiratory and digestive problems, it also used externally. Today, we know it is toxic and the FDA has classified it as unsafe.
  • Boswellia – Fragrant resin utilized in various ailments. It should not be used by pregnant, breastfeeding women and children.
  • Burdock – Roots and leaves utilized internally and externally. Avoid if pregnant or nursing.
  • Catnip – Stems and leaves make an aromatic tea which is useful for many conditions.
  • Cardinal Flower – Roots, leaf tea and poultices were used internally and externally.
  • Cat’s Claw – Used in teas and tonics for over 2,000 years.
  • Chokecherry – Used as a source of food and medicine, it was considered one of the most important herbs in Native American medicine.
  • Damiana – Used internally for various medical issues.
  • Dandelion – Used in both foods and internal and external medical remedies.
  • Devil’s Claw – Used in teas and tonics internally and in poultices externally. It should not be used by woman who are or may be pregnant.
  • Dogwood – Bark, berries, and twigs used in decoctions internally and externally.
  • Evening Primrose – Used for both food and in medical remedies, decoctions were used for internal and external ailments.
  • Fennel – Seeds, leaves, and roots used in cooking and medicinal remedies.
  • Fenugreek – Used internally and externally for various medicinal purposes.
  • Feverfew – Used for various internal medical problems. S hould not be used by women who are pregnant.
  • Galangal – Similar to other ginger-related herbs, it is primarily used for digestive disorders.
  • Garcinia Cambogia – Fruit rind used in various remedies. Not recommended for those with diabetes, people suffering any dementia syndrome, or pregnant and lactating women.
  • Gentiana – Extremely bitter herb used for both internal and external problems. May cause irritation in persons who have ulcers, and may also cause headache, nausea or vomiting.
  • Ginger Root – Utilized as both a spice and medicine throughout the world.
  • Goldenseal – Used internally and external for medicinal issues. It should not be taken by pregnant women.
  • Green Tea – Made solely with the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, it is known for its many helpful properties.
  • Gymnema Sylvestre – Has been used as natural treatment for diabetes for nearly 2,000 years.
  • Hibiscus – Various species used in  traditional herbal medicines dating back to Roman times.
  • Hops – Though most commonly known for its use in beer, it also has medicinal properties.
  • Horehound – Whole plant used internally and externally. People with gastritis or peptic ulcer disorders should use it cautiously.
  • Horsemint – Leaves and flowering stems used in teas, tonics, and salves for various medical issues. Pregnant women should not use it.
  • Juniper – Used internally and externally for medicinal purposes. Pregnant women should not use this herb as it has been known to cause miscarriage.
  • Jiaogulan – Known for its many health-giving qualities and anti-aging effects.
  • Lecithin – Found in several plants, it benefits various body systems.
  • Lemon Balm – A calming herb that has been used since the Middle Ages.
  • Marshmallow Root – Dating back thousands of years, this root has been used as food and medicine.
  • Mint – Dried leaves used in teas and food, found helpful in several remedies.
  • Oat Straw – food source and medical remedy since prehistoric times.
  • Olive Oil – A traditional tree crop long used in foods and medicines.
  • Osha – Having a wide variety of medicinal properties, Osha was highly valued by Native Americans.
  • Peppermint – in addition to flavoring, long used in traditional medicine for its calming and numbing effects. It should not be used or given to infants or small children.
  • Plantain – Considered to be one of the nine sacred herbs by the ancient Saxon people and has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times.
  • Poke – Though parts of this plant are highly toxic to livestock and humans, it has long been used as food and medicine by Native Americans.
  • Psyllium Seed Husk – A rich fiber supplement, long used primarily to improve digestion.
  • Raspberry – Leaves and fruits used in various medical issues.
  • Rooibos – Used in teas to help with various conditions.
  • Rosemary – Used for culinary purposes and in medicinal remedies.
  • Sage – Used for thousands of years in cooking and like other culinary herbs, it has long been thought to be a digestive aid aid and appetite stimulant.
  • Sarsaparilla – Used for centuries in a wide variety of medicinal remedies.
  • Savory – An aromatic herb used as a spice and in folk medicine.
  • Saw Palmetto – Long prized as a food product, it was also used by Native Americans to make baskets and fans, as well as in medicinal remedies.
  • Slippery Elm – The tree had many traditional uses by Native Americans.
  • Spearmint – Teas, poultices, and oils used internally and externally for several remedies.
  • Star Anise – The fruit of a small tree with a licorice-like flavor long used in medicinal remedies.
  • Wheat Grass – The result of centuries of the cultivation, it is used for numerous medical conditions.
  • Wild Carrot – Used as both food and for health conditions.
  • Wild Garlic – Used throughout its history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
  • Wild Rose – There are hundreds of species that have been used medicinally for thousands of years.
  • Wild Ginger – Native Americans used the roots as a seasoning and medicinal herb.
  • Wormwood – The leaves and flowering tops were gathered and dried to use in medicinal tonics.
  • Yarrow – Used for thousands of years, especially to stop bleeding.
  • Yerba Mate – A species of Holly that has a long history as a medicinal herb.

 

Diphtheria:

  • Bloodroot – Primarily used as a medicine for respiratory and digestive problems, it also used externally. Today, we know it is toxic and the FDA has classified it as unsafe.
  • Poke – Though parts of this plant are highly toxic to livestock and humans, it has long been used as food and medicine by Native Americans.

 

Diuretic:

  • Burdock – Roots and leaves utilized internally and externally. Avoid if pregnant or nursing.
  • Elder – Ripe elderberries used as both food and in medicinal remedies.
  • Greenbriar – Teas and salves used internally and externally.
  • Green Tea – Made solely with the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, it is known for its many helpful properties.
  • Saw Palmetto
  • Sumac – Viewed by some tribes as a sacred plant, Sumac was used for food and medicine.
  • Wild Rose – There are hundreds of species that have been used medicinally for thousands of years.
  • Yerba Mate – A species of Holly that has a long history as a medicinal herb.

 

Dropsy:

  • Blue Cohosh – Root is used in teas and tonics.
  • Eastern Skunk Cabbage – Dried leaves used as seasoning, in remedies, and as a magical talisman by various tribes.
  • Greenbriar – Teas and salves used internally and externally.
  • Indian Hemp – A type of marijuana it was used to make clothes, rope, and paper as well as boiling the roots into teas for medicinal problems.
  • Milkweed – Though it can be toxic if not prepared properly, Milkweed was used as food and medicine, as well as in making cords, ropes, and coarse cloth. Warning: Milkweed may be toxic when taken internally, without sufficient preparation.
  • Sweetflag – Has a long history of medicinal use in many herbal traditions.
  • Tobacco – Long been important in Native American culture for social, religious, ceremonial purposes as well as in medicinal remedies.
  • Wild Carrot – Used as both food and for health conditions.
  • Wild Lettuce – Indigenous to North American, it was used for sedative purposes, especially in nervous complaints.

 

Dysentery:

  • Black Raspberry – Roots and leaves are boiled into tea or chewed, and washes used externally.
  • Buckwheat – The fruit seed was used as both food and in herbal remedies.
  • Cotton – Roots, leaves, and seeds have been used to treat many conditions.
  • Garcinia Cambogia – Fruit rind used in various remedies. Not recommended for those with diabetes, people suffering any dementia syndrome, or pregnant and lactating women.
  • Geranium – Scented geranium used in teas for various conditions.
  • Guarana – Containing caffeine, it has many of the same effects as coffee.
  • Honeysuckle – Used in traditional herbal remedies for thousands of years.
  • Indian Hemp – A type of marijuana it was used to make clothes, rope, and paper as well as boiling the roots into teas for medicinal problems.
  • Pau d’arco – Long used for a wide range conditions.
  • Senna – A large genus of flowering plants found to be helpful in many remedies.
  • Wild Black Cherry – The dried inner bark was traditionally used in tea or syrups for several health problems.
  • Wild Ginger – Native Americans used the roots as a seasoning and medicinal herb.

 

Dyspepsia:

  • Fenugreek – Used internally and externally for various medicinal purposes.
  • Senna – A large genus of flowering plants found to be helpful in many remedies.
  • Wild Black Cherry – The dried inner bark was traditionally used in tea or syrups for several health problems.

 

 

E

 

 

Earache and Ear Infections:

  • Geranium – Scented geranium used in teas for various conditions.
  • Mullein – A tobacco-like plant and one of the oldest herbs, it has a long history of use as a medicine.
  • Passion Flower – Has a long history of use among Native Americans that and were adapted by early European colonists. Do not take passionflower if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Plantain – C onsidered to be one of the nine sacred herbs by the ancient Saxon people and has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times.
  • Wild Ginger – Native Americans used the roots as a seasoning and medicinal herb.

 

Eczema:

  • Elder – Ripe elderberries used as both food and in medicinal remedies.
  • Fenugreek – Used internally and externally for various medicinal purposes.
  • Marshmallow Root – Dating back thousands of years, this root has been used as food and medicine.
  • Plantain – Considered to be one of the nine sacred herbs by the ancient Saxon people and has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times.
  • Red Clover – Traditionally used for several conditions.
  • Wild Yam – Traditionally used as food and medicine
  • Witch Hazel – Widely used for medicinal purposes by American Indians.
  • Yarrow – Used for thousands of years, especially to stop bleeding.

 

Eliminate Toxins:

  • Alfalfa – Utilized in teas or added to food for various medicinal remedies.  Avoid if you have an auto-immune problem.

 

Enemas:

  • Dogwood – Bark, berries, and twigs used in decoctions internally and externally.
  • Eleuthero – Dried roots have been used for centuries. People with medicated high blood pressure should consult their doctor,  can cause insomnia.
  • Garcinia Cambogia – Fruit rind used in various remedies. Not recommended for those with diabetes, people suffering any dementia syndrome, or pregnant and lactating women.

 

Wind Dancer Tea

Wind Dancer Tea – For Energy and Stamina. From Nuwati Herbals, available at Legends’ General Store

Energy:

  • Alfalfa – Utilized in teas or added to food for various medicinal remedies.  Avoid if you have an auto-immune problem.
  • American Ginseng – Used in teas and tonics, and sometimes smoked by Native Americans.
  • Ashwagandha – The whole plant is used in numerous remedies. Caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic.
  • Bee Pollen – One of the oldest health foods used by man, it is mixed with food or drinks, or as a pill supplement today.
  • Damiana – Used internally for various medical issues.
  • Garcinia Cambogia – Fruit rind used in various remedies. Not recommended for those with diabetes, people suffering any dementia syndrome, or pregnant and lactating women.
  • Ginsing – Numerous specifies throughout the world have been used for thousands of years in medicinal remedies.
  • Goldenseal – Used internally and external for medicinal issues. It should not be taken by pregnant women.
  • Guarana – Containing caffeine, it has many of the same effects as coffee.
  • Kola Nut – Long used in medicinal remedies, spiritual practices, and ceremonies. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, or those with intestinal or stomach ulcers, blood pressureinsomnia, or heart disorders.
  • Maca – Used for centuries, Maca is consumed as food and used for medicinal purposes.
  • Peppermint – In addition to flavoring, long used in traditional medicine for its calming and numbing effects. It should not be used or given to infants or small children.
  • Wheat Grass – The result of centuries of the cultivation, it is used for numerous medical conditions.

Endurance:

  • Eleuthero – Dried roots have been used for centuries. People with medicated high blood pressure should consult their doctor,  can cause insomnia.
  • Garcinia Cambogia – Fruit rind used in various remedies. Not recommended for those with diabetes, people suffering any dementia syndrome, or pregnant and lactating women.
  • Schisandra – A genus of shrub that has many medicinal uses.

Epilepsy:

  • Blue Cohosh – Root is used in teas and tonics.
  • Cardinal Flower – Roots, leaf tea and poultices were used internally and externally.
  • Chasteberry – Berries and flowers used in teas. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Chasteberry
  • Passion Flower – H as a long history of use among Native Americans that and were adapted by early European colonists. Do not take passionflower if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Saltbush – Many species used for various conditions.
  • Skullcap – A powerful medicinal herb, it was cultivated Native Americans for use in several remedies. Pregnant women should not take Skullcap.
  • Wild Carrot – Used as both food and for health conditions.

Exhaustion:

  • Oat Straw – food source and medical remedy since prehistoric times.

Expectorant:

  • Black Cohosh – Roots of the plant were used in teas for various ailments.

Eye Problems, Irritation, Soreness:

  • Black Gum – Used by Native Americans in baths, washes, and tonics.
  • Dandelion – Used in both foods and internal and external medicinal remedies.
  • Fendler’s Bladderpod – Used crushed leaves for internal and external use.
  • Fennel – S eeds, leaves, and roots used in cooking and medicinal remedies.
  • Goldenseal – Used internally and external for medicinal issues. It should not be taken by pregnant women.
  • Pennyroyal – Long used to treat medical problems and to eradicate pests. Pennyroyal should not be used in any way by pregnant women. Over ingestion of this herb has caused death.
  • Plantain – Considered to be one of the nine sacred herbs by the ancient Saxon people and has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times.
  • Sumac – Viewed by some tribes as a sacred plant, Sumac was used for food and medicine.
  • Wild Black Cherry – The dried inner bark was traditionally used in tea or syrups for several health problems.
  • White Willow – The use of willow bark dates back thousands of years.

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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