"All you need are wild plants and a Medicine Man"
Who were the Cherokees?
The Cherokees were a Native American tribe that was the most socially and culturally advanced when it came to communicating with the European explorers in the 16thcentury. They were able to create their own government and society that relates to much of current civilizations. Cherokees were also involved in the Indian removal, due to the discovery of gold on their homelands.
What types of plants did they use for medicine/health purposes?
Cherokee tribes used Hummingbird Blossoms, cattails, mint, mullein, wild ginger, wild rose, and many others for their medicinal purposes.
What is a Medicine Man?
A Medicine Man is a priestly healer and spiritual leader of the Native American tribes who believed that physical nature might be brought under the control of man, in the presence of a Medicine Man.
In other words, a Medicine Man is a doctor for a Native American tribe that performs rituals to heal a sick or injured person as opposed to what a traditional doctor does today.
What are the specific benefits of the medicinal plants used?
Hummingbird Blossom (aka Buck Brush):
The Cherokee healer would make a weak decoction of the roots, for diuretic (an increase in the passing of urine) purposes, to stimulate kidney function. Along with kidney aid, the Hummingbird Blossom also helped with inflamed tonsils or lymph nodes.
Cattail:
Cattails are mostly used as a preventative medicine. Although the mature leaves and seed head of the cattail are not edible, the rest of it is and is used for the recovery of illnesses. The roots are high in starch content and can be prepared similarly to potatoes, while the pollen from the male plants is a good source of protein. When boiled or mashed, one can apply to the skin to treat burns or sores, and the seed blooms can also be used to prevent skin irritations on infants.
Mint:
When in water and ingested, the mint can help with digestion; when in bath water, it can help relieve itchy skin. Also, Cherokee healers used an infusion of leaves and stems to lower high blood pressure.
Mullein (kind of like a Tobacco plant):
In order to soothe asthma attacks and chest congestion, Cherokee healers would recommend that the individual inhale the smoke from smoldering mullein roots and leaves. When the roots were turned into a warm decoction, they could be used to help swollen feet or reduce the swelling in joints. Today, some people take mullein through oral use for breathing conditions, such as for coughs, asthma, colds, etc. Also, it has been known to be used for the flavoring of some alcoholic beverages.
Wild Ginger:
In teas, wild ginger is known to help stimulate digestion. The Cherokees also believed that it could help treat stomach and intestinal problems. Another tribe, the Meskwaki, would pulverize the wild ginger stems to treat ear infections.
Wild Rose:
Wild roses are a rich source of Vitamin C and are also used as a reliable preventative and cure for the common cold, and to help relieve sore throats. It is also used to stimulate the bladder and kidneys.
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