Native American Herbal Medicine
Offers Us Unique Wisdom
Native American herbal medicine already had a long and venerable history when the Europeans first made landfall in America, but it is only now that we are realizing how effective and how valuable it can be. This is a form of treatment and medication that was designed for people who lived on the land in the wilds of North America and we are now realizing what the Native Americans realized hundreds of years ago and that this makes a difference! Native American herbal medicine had a holistic aspect to it. Not only did it treat the bodies that were ailing, it addressed the spirit and the mind of the people who needed it as well. Part of the Native American ideals about health went far beyond the physical body. These indigenous people believed in living in harmony with nature and that we are all inteconnected. Their native medicine was a mixture of herbalism, magic and spirituality. Their healers were known as ‘medicine men’ or ‘medicine women’. they were regarded as intermediaries between our earthly existence and the spirit world. When we are discussing Native American herbal medicine, we are discussing a practice that has been preserved over generations of experience and wisdom. Modern scientists and doctors are just beginning to scratch the surface of this knowledge and the results are very promising. As an example, the use of echinacea, willow bark and goldenseal are used in medications today, and even the practices of purification through purging are seeing some amazingly effective results upon examination. One aspect of Native American herbal medicine is that it utilizes the observance of rituals and ceremonies as part of the healing process. The Native Americans were aware that the mind was a powerful tool, and that it could be used to great effect to heal the body. While the herbs in question were quite effective, the additional reinforcement through engaging the power of the mind is one that people are very much taking to heart today.
Some Remedies From The Native American
Herbal Medicine Tradition
Wild black cherry and cotton were used to help relieve the pain of child birth.
Wild carrot and devil's club were used to treat diabetes.
Pokeweed and bloodroot were used to treat rheumatism.
Dandelion root was used to as an excellent curative for digestive disorders of all types.
Geranium and persimmon were used for children affected with thrush.The important thing to remember is that North America is a large place, and that the Native American tribes were very different. What one tribe would consider a cure would be dismissed as completely ineffectual by another. Native American herbal medicine can provide you with a great deal of wisdom in its use of herbs. Take some time to research it thoroughly and see what you can find out! There is a whole treasure trove of knowledge here that people are realizing is both incredibly effective and very wholesome. It is always wise to take advice from your health professional before taking any herbs to assess their suitability and contra-indications.
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