Native American tribe, Cherokee is indigenous to Southeastern United States. This tribe has been gifted to use medicinal herbs. Plants were used to treat health conditions. Mild tea from wild ginger roots stimulates digestion, treats stomach pain, improves lung quality. Native American tribe, Meskwaki used crushed, steeped stems of wild ginger.
Hummingbird Blossom (Buck Brush) – treats throat issues, inflammations, regulates high blood pressure, lymphatic blockages, menstrual bleeding, pain. Steep leaves, flowers in boiling water for 5 minutes, consume it warm.
Pull Out a Sticker (Greenbriar) – plant’s roots rich in starch, calories. Stems, leaves high in minerals, vitamins. Mild diuretic to purify blood. Bark, leaves as ointments to heals burns, minor sores. Tea treats arthritis. Berries consumed raw, jam.
Mint – consumed as tea, strong anti-oxidant properties, high in vitamin C, A, fibre, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus. Improves digestion, leaves as ointments applied as cold compresses, add to baths for soft skin.
Blackberry – relieves bleeding gums, chew leaves. Makes cough syrups as decoction from roots, sweetened with maple syrup, honey. Strong tea reduces swelling of joints, tissues. Rich in nutrients like vitamin A, C, B6, E, K, riboflavin, thiamine, folate, niacin, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, amino acids, dietary fibre. Strengthens immune system, cancer control, healthy functioning of the heart.
Cattail – potent preventative medicine. Root is rich in starch, rich in pollen. Prepared as potatoes mashed, boiled. Paste treats sores, burns. Fuzz from flowers prevents skin irritations, allergies.
Qua lo ga (Sumac) – bark’s a mild decoction soothes stomach, sore throat, ripe berries high in vitamin C. Juice or tea which reduces fever, lowers cholesterol levels.
Jisdu Unigisdi (Wild Rose) – fruit high in vitamin C treats flu, common cold. A mild tea out of wild rose hips. Wild rose petal infusion soothes sore throat.
Mullein – helps asthma, chest congestion. Inhaling smoke from burning mullein roots, leaves calms the lungs. Flowers as tea, a mild sedative. Reduces joint pain, swelling. Warm decoction to soak the feet. Anti-inflammatory properties to relieve pain, irritation of tissues.
Kawi Iyusdi (Yellow Dock) – similar to spinach, minerals, vitamins. Leaves are high in iron, act as a laxative. Juice decoction from stems to soothe itching, powerful antiseptic properties, a warm wash.
Squirrel Tail (Yarrow) – powerful blood clotting properties, apply fresh, crushed leaves on wound. Juice mixed with spring water stops internal bleeding, tea improves digestion.
Will surely give it a try when needed. Believe in natural healing!