It is a real mystery how Native Americans were able to find out which plants are good for our health, but we guess that one of the methods was trial and error. In addition, they have probably watched sick animals that consumed plants. Today, numerous scientific studies have confirmed the health benefits of many plants.
These natural medicines were used in different forms including pastes and teas. Some of them were added to water or food or consumed directly in their raw form.
People today are showing great interest in these remedies because they seem to be beneficial for the entire system and they usually come with no side effects.
We have created a list of Native American medical cures that can help you in different situations.
In case you are pregnant consult your doctor before using any of these cures.
1. Aloe. The leaves of this cactus-like plant can be squeezed and the dense fluid from it can be used on wounds, insect bites, and burns.
2. Alfalfa. It helps with blood clotting and stabilizes digestion. It has the ability to improve the immune system too. Some people use it in cases of arthritis, kidney and bladder problems.
3. Bee pollen. If it is used in food it can increase energy levels, support digestion, and improve immunity. Avoid it in case you are allergic to bee stings.
4. Aspen. The xylem (inner bark) can do wonders in cases of coughs, fever, and pain. Use it in tea.
5. Beeswax. Beeswax is frequently used as an ointment for insect bites and burns. It is used only topically.
6. Black raspberry. Black raspberry roots are finely crushed and chewed or boiled as tea in cases of diarrhea and coughs.
7. Blackberry. Crushed root, leaves, and bark from raspberries used in tea are excellent for people suffering from inflammation, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and sore throat.
8. Cayenne pods are used to soothe arthritis and digestive pain. It can be used in teas and food too.
9. Buckwheat. Buckwheat seeds are frequently used as porridge and in addition to soups in order to stabilize blood pressure, eliminate blood clotting and help with diarrhea.
10. Chokecherry. This wild fruit was used by many Native American tribes for treating various diseases and soothing pain. They usually pitted, dried, and crushed the berries into teas. Some of the conditions that were treated with chokecherry include diarrhea, inflammation, nausea, colds, coughs, and flu.
11. Chamomile. The flowers and leaves of this plant are used for the preparation of tea that can help with nausea and intestinal issues.
12. Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil produced from the leaves and roots of this plant is used in teas in order to soothe sore throat, coughs, and fever. Many commercial cough drops include eucalyptus.
13. Echinacea. This is one of the most popular natural remedies among Native Americans. It has the ability to boost the immune system and eliminate fever and infections. It has very strong antiseptic properties.
14. Feverfew was used for centuries in cases of headaches and fevers. In addition, it has proven to be helpful with asthma, joint and muscle pains, and digestive problems.
15. Fennel. This plant tastes very similar to licorice and it is chewed raw or used in teas when people experience sore throat, coughs, digestive problems, and colds.
16. Ginger root is part of many home remedies and it was very popular among Native Americans in the past. The crushed root of this plant is taken in the form of tea, salve, poultice, or together with other food. Besides supporting digestive health, ginger root can also improve blood flow and soothe flu, coughs, and colds.
17. Feverwort. As the name suggests this plant is excellent for fever sufferers. It is usually used in the form of tea.
18. Goldenrod. There are many people who are allergic to goldenrod, but if you don’t have such problems you can use it to treat health problems like inflammation, colds, flu, bronchitis, and sore throat.
19. Ginseng. This is another very popular plant today, but it was quite popular centuries ago too. Native Americans usually used it as an additive to their food, poultice, and tea in order to heal fatigue, increase energy, improve their immunity and promote the health of the lungs and liver.
20. Hops. A tea made from hops can be very helpful in cases of digestive problems. It is even more effective when mixed with other plants like aloe for example.
21. Honeysuckle. The stems, berries, leaves, and flowers from honeysuckle are used externally to heal skin infections and insect bites. In the form of tea, it is very helpful for treating sore throat and colds.
22. Mullein. If added in tea or salad (or similar foods), mullein can provide positive results in cases of coughs, inflammation, and lung afflictions. This is a very common plant that grows everywhere.
23. Licorice. The leaves and roots are used for sore throats, colds, and coughs. The root is good for toothaches too.
24. Red clover. This is another plant that can be found literally everywhere. The roots, leaves, and flowers are used for topping food or in teas. It is beneficial for people suffering from inflammation and respiratory conditions.
25. Passionflower. Passionflower roots and leaves are used to prepare tea to soothe muscle pain and anxiety. In addition, a poultice can help with insect bites, burns, and boils.
26. Rosemary. Rosemary belongs to the pine family and it is frequently used in teas and food to soothe muscle pain, boost blood flow, and support detoxification.
27. Rosehip. This reddish/orange berry is actually the fruit of wild roses. It is packed with vitamin C and it can help you heal coughs and colds and intestinal problems if you use it in teas or add it to your food.
28. Valerian. The valerian root used in tea can be used for treating pain and muscles aches.
29. Sage. This shrub grows all over North America and besides being a good insect repellent it can also be used for problems like sore throat, colds, and digestive problems.
30. Spearmint. Native Americans have used this plant constantly for centuries. They’ve used it for treating respiratory problems, diarrhea, colds, and coughs.
Via Bare Food Design