The
Cherokee are a Native American tribe, indigenous to the South-Eastern United
States. They believed that the 'Creator' gave them a gift of understanding and
preserving medicinal herbs. The Cherokee trust the healing and preventative
properties of nature’s pharmacy.
The
Cherokee promote proper gathering techniques of medicinal plants. The elders
have taught them that if you are gathering, you should only pick every third
plant you find. This ensures that enough still remain and will continue to
propagate.
We
have compiled a list of the medicinal plants that were commonly used and
foraged for by the Cherokee tribe. Before we explain their properties however,
we must warn you that they can be quite strong and dangerous if not used
properly.
Keep
in mind that the Cherokee healers were experienced as they had centuries of
practice. Furthermore, it is of high importance to understand their value as
powerful natural medications, so you should be gentle when scavenging them.
These are the plants used by the natives that provide
astonishing medical benefits:
Big Stretch (Wild Ginger)
The
Cherokee tribe believed that the mild tea from the foundation of wild ginger
animates digestion of food, and treats stomach problems, colic, and intestinal
gas. Likewise, the solid tea from the foundation of wild ginger can wipe out
emission from the lungs.
Another
Native American tribe, The Meskwaki, cured ear infections by utilizing
pulverized, soaks stems of wild ginger. The rootstocks can supplant standard
ginger and blossoms as enhancing for various formulas you prepare.
Hummingbird Blossom (Buck Brush)
Hummingbird
blossom has been used by the Cherokee for treatment of cysts, fibroid tumors,
inflammation, and mouth/throat problems. Present day research has concluded
that this herb is also great for treating high blood pressure and lymphatic
blockages.
The
Cherokee mainly use hummingbird blossom as a diuretic to stimulate kidney
function, however it was was also used to treat conditions such as:
v
inflamed tonsils
v
enlarged lymph nodes
v
enlarged spleens
v
hemorrhoids
v
menstrual bleeding.
To
get all of the benefits from hummingbird blossom, the Cherokee would steep the
leave and flowers in a boiling water for about five minutes then drink the tea
while it is still warm.
Pull Out a Sticker (Greenbriar)
This
plant’s roots are rich in starch, which is full of calories, but has a strange
flavor. The stems and leaves are high in numerous minerals and vitamins. As it
has a rubbery texture, you can use its roots like potatoes.
This
plant has been used as a mild diuretic in the case of urinary infections and to
purify the blood. Its bark and leaves have also been used for the preparation
of an ointment which heals burns and minor sores.
Its
leaves can be added to tea in order to treat arthritis, and the berries can be
either consumed raw, or made into jam.
Wild Mint
Mint
is a very popular herb in present day culture and is commonly used in tea.
However, many people don’t know that mint contains a variety of antioxidant
properties. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus potassium, calcium, vitamin
C, vitamin A, and fiber!
The
Cherokee use this herb to aid with digestion. The leaves can be crushed and
used as cold compresses, made into ointments, and even added to your bath to
sooth itchy skin.
The
Cherokee healers use a blend of stems and leaves to lower high blood pressure.
If you are breast feeding and find your nipples cracking, try applying some
mint water.
Blackberry
This
has been the most well known prescription on account of an agitated stomach,
yet it additionally has various different healthy purposes. It can be utilized
to soothe bleeding gums on the off chance that you chew the leaves.
You
can make hack syrup by setting up a decoction from the roots, sweetened with
maple syrup or honey. The solid tea from its root decreases the swelling of the
joints and tissues.
These
delightful berries are rich in vital supplements, for example, vitamin A,
vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin K, riboflavin, thiamine, folate, and
niacin, and potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorous.
Moreover, they are plenteous in vital amino acids and dietary fiber.
More advantages of blackberry include:
v
Reinforces the immune system
v
Alleviation from endothelial brokenness
v
Malignancy anticipation
v
Healthy functioning of the heart
v
Enhanced digestion
Cattail
This
plant has been regarded as a potent preventative medicine, which is easily digested
and promotes recovery from various health conditions. Despite the seed heads
and the mature leaves, all other parts of this herb have medicinal properties.
Its root is rich in starch and the male plants are rich in pollen.
It
can be prepared similarly to potatoes, mashed and boiled. The resulting paste
treats sores and burns. Also, its pollen is rich in protein and can be used as
a supplement in baking.
Its
blooms can help on account of diarrhea. You can likewise utilize the fluff from
blooms, known as the seed down, with a specific end goal to avert skin
irritation in infants, similar to diaper rash.
Qua lo ga (Sumac)
Every
single part of this herb can be used for medicinal purposes! Sumac bark can be
made into a mild decoction that can be taken to soothe diarrhea. The decoction
from the bark can also be gargled to help with a sore throat. Ripe berries can
make a pleasant beverage that is rich in vitamin C. The tea from the leaves of
sumac can reduce fevers.
You
can even crush the leaves into an ointment to help relieve a poison ivy rash. A
study published in Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research reported that
sumac, if added to daily diet, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Jisdu Unigisdi (Wild Rose)
This
plant’s fruit is high in vitamin C and effectively treats the flu and common
cold. The Cherokee prepared a mild tea out of wild rose hips to stimulate the
function of the kidneys and the bladder.
The
wild rose petal infusion can be used to soothe your sore throat, and a
decoction of the root will treat diarrhea. Its petals can also be used in the
preparation of a tasty jam.
Mullein
This
herb has the power to soothe asthma and chest congestion. According to the
Cherokee, inhaling the smoke from burning mullein roots and leaves works
miracles to calm your lungs and open up pathways.
Mullein
is exceptionally helpful to soothe the mucous membranes. You can make a warm
decoction and soak your feet in it to reduce swelling and joint pain. Due to
mullein’s anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes painful and irritated
tissue. Mullein flowers can be used to make tea which has mild sedative
effects.
Kawi Iyusdi (Yellow Dock)
This
herb has been a typical ingredient in the kitchen, as it is like spinach, yet
incorporates a great deal of minerals and vitamins. Its roots accumulate
supplements from deep underground.
Its
leaves are high in iron and go about as a purgative. Set up a juice decoction
out of the stems to alleviate the tingling, minor bruises, or diaper rash.
Also, the decoction from its smashed roots has effective cleaning properties
and can be utilized as a warm wash.
Squirrel Tail (Yarrow)
This
herb is known best for its blood clotting properties. Fresh, crushed leaves can
be applied to open wounds to stop excess bleeding.
Yarrow’s
juice, mixed with spring water, can stop internal bleeding from stomach and
intestinal illnesses. You can also use the leaves to make tea which will
stimulate abdominal functions and assist in proper digestion.
It
can also help with kidney and gallbladder related issues. It also works wonders
for chapped hands and other skin irritations.
Source
: organicandhealthy.org