MEDICINAL PLANTS THE NATIVE AMERICANS USED ON A DAILY BASIS

Thirty medicinal plants the Native Americans used on a daily basis. Native Americans are renowned for their knowledge of medicinal plants. It is rumored that they first started using plants and herbs for healing after observing animals eat certain plants when they were sick, in order to protect these plants from over-harvesting. The medicine men used to pick every third plant they found. Here are the most versatile plants the Native Americans used in their everyday lives:

Rosehip: This is the red to orange berry, that is the fruit of wild roses. It is already known to be a massive source of vitamin C when eaten whole, crushed into a tea, or added to food. It is used to treat colds and coughs, intestinal distress, as an antiseptic, and to treat inflammation.

Rosemary: Native American tribes considered this plant sacred. They used it mostly as an analgesic for alleviating sore joints. This herb improves memory, relieves muscle pain and spasm, and helps the circulatory and the nervous systems. It also improves the immune system and treats indigestion.

Yarrow: Also known as 'killer Emily,' this fragrant flowering plant has been used since ancient Greece to stop excess bleeding. It is said the Greek hero Achilles used it on his wounds, hence the name. Pioneers and Aboriginal people applied this on open wounds and cuts as a poultice made from the leaves to help clot the blood. They also combined fresh yarrow juice with water to help an upset stomach and for intestinal disorders. A tea made from the leaves and stems will act as an astringent.

Red Clover: This plant has been used by healers for treating inflammation and respiratory conditions. Recent studies have shown that red clover helps to prevent heart disease by improving circulation and lowering cholesterol.

Valerian: The root, as an infusion in a tea, relieves muscle aches, pain, and is said to have a calming effect. Hops, as a tea, is used to treat digestive problems and is often mixed with other herbs and plants such as aloe to soothe muscles. It also is used to soothe toothaches and a sore throat.

Sumac: This plant can be used for multiple medicinal remedies, but it is one of the only plants that the healers used in treating eye problems. A decoction from sumac was used as a gargle to relieve sore throats or taken as a remedy for diarrhea. The leaves and berries are combined in tea to reduce fever or made into a poultice to soothe poison ivy.

Aloe: A cactus-like plant, the thick leaves can be squeezed to extrude a thick sap that can be used to treat burns, insect bites, and wounds.

Blackberry: The Cherokee used this plant for treating an upset stomach. They used blackberry tea for curing diarrhea and soothing swollen tissues and joints. An all-natural cough syrup to heal sore throats can be made from blackberry root mixed with honey or maple syrup to soothe bleeding gums. They used to chew the leaves. This plant is also good for strengthening the whole immune system.

Lavender: Healers used this plant as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety, depression, headache, and fatigue. The essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Infusions can be used to soothe insect bites as well as burns.

Mint: The Cherokee used to make mint tea to soothe digestion problems and help an upset stomach. They also made a salve from the leaves to relieve itching skin and rashes.

Hummingbird Blossom: The Native Americans use this plant for treating mouth and throat conditions, as well as cysts, fibroid tumors, and inflammation. It can be made into a poultice to help treat burns, sores, and wounds. A diuretic that stimulates kidney function can be made using the roots of this plant. The early pioneers utilized this particular plant as a substitute for black tea. Recent studies have shown that hummingbird blossom is effective in treating high blood pressure and lymphatic blockages.

Black Gum Bark: The Cherokee used to make a mild tea from the twigs and black gum bark to relieve chest pains.

Goldenrod: Commonly thought of today as a source of allergies and sneezing, it was actually considered another all-in-one medicine by the Native Americans. As a tea and addition to food, and a topical salve, it is used to treat conditions from bronchitis and chest congestion to colds, flu, inflammation, sore throats, and as an antiseptic for cuts and abrasions.

Cattail: This is one of the most famous survival plants the indigenous population used for food but also as a preventive medicine because it's easily digestible. It's helpful for recovering from illness. It is called the supermarket of the swamp as it can be used in multiple dishes.

Pull Out a Sticker Greenbrier: This rooty plant was used as a blood purifier for relieving joint pain. Some healers made a salve from leaves and bark mixed with hog lard, which was applied to sores, scolds, and burns.

Wild Rose: The Native Americans used this plant as a preventative and a cure for a mild common cold. The tea stimulates the bladder and kidneys and is a mild diuretic. A pedal infusion was used for a sore throat.

Passionflower: Since ancient times, Native American herbal remedies would use this as an analgesic and a sedative. It is great to use for depression or mental clouding, since it is full of flavonoids and produces a sedative effect on the nervous system. The lack of toxicity allows this product to be administered to children.

Saw Palmetto: The native tribes of Florida, such as the Seminoles, use the plant for food, but medicine men used it as a natural remedy for abdominal pain. It also helps digestion, reduces inflammation, and stimulates appetite.

Slippery Elm: The Native Americans use the inner bark to fashion bowstrings, rope, thread, and clothing. Tea was made from the bark and leaves to soothe respiratory irritations, skin conditions, stomachache, sore throats, and even spider bites.

Sage: Sage is commonly used as a spice, but it was a sacred plant for indigenous tribes as it was thought to have effective purifying energies and to cleanse the body of negative energies. As a remedy, it was used for treating medical conditions like abdominal cramps, spasms, cuts, bruises, colds, and flu.

Honeysuckle: This plant has been used as a natural remedy by the Native Americans for treating asthma, but it has multiple healing purposes, including rheumatoid arthritis, mumps, and hepatitis. It also helps with upper respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.

Wild Ginger: Healers used this plant for treating earaches and ear infections. They also made a mild tea from the rootstock for stimulating the digestive system and relieving bloating. It also helps with bronchial infections and nausea.

Mullein: A tobacco-like plant, it was mainly used to treat respiratory disorders. The Native Americans made concoctions from the roots to reduce swelling in the joints, feet, or hands.

Licorice Root: This root is famously used for flavoring candies, foods, and beverages, but it has also been used by healers to treat stomach problems, bronchitis, food poisoning, and chronic fatigue.

Devil's Claw: Although the name would suggest a poisonous plant, the Native Americans used it to heal various conditions from treating fever to soothing skin conditions, improving digestion, and treating arthritis. The tea can reduce the effects of diabetes, while a concoction made from the plant's roots reduces swelling and helps with joint diseases like arthritis, gout, back pain, headache, and sores.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa relieves sluggish digestion and is used to aid blood clotting. Contemporary uses include treatments for arthritis, bladder and kidney conditions, and bone strength. It also enhances the immune system.

Prickly Pear Cactus: This is another plant that has been used as both food and medicine. Native Americans made a poultice from mature pads as an antiseptic and for treating wounds, burns, and boils. Tea was made to treat urinary tract infections and to help the immune system. Research now shows that the prickly pear cactus helps to lower cholesterol and prevent diabetes and diet-related cardiovascular disease.

Ashwagandha: This plant was an important plant for healers because of its many unusual medicinal uses. It treats bone weakness, muscle weakness and tension, loose teeth, memory loss, and rheumatism. It can also be used as a sedative and has an overall rejuvenating effect on the body, as it improves vitality. The leaves and the root bark can also be used as an antibiotic if made into a poultice. However, caution is advised in the use of this plant, as it is toxic.

Bearberry: Because of the bear's affection towards the plant's fruits, it's also known as bearberry and bear grape. The Native Americans use this plant mainly for treating bladder and urinary tract infections.

Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only. If you have questions about food, diet, nutrition, natural remedies, or holistic health, please do your own research and consult with your healthcare practitioner.

Thanks for watching, and let us know in the comments below which of the 30 medicinal plants surprised you the most that the Native Americans used on a daily basis. Don't forget to like and subscribe to watch more videos like this one.