1) You never know when a natural or other disaster might leave you stranded without access to medication, and
2) Chemical medicines are toxic and bad for you, anyway, so switching to more natural options is a good idea no matter what situation you might find yourself in.
While ancient Indian and Chinese medicines are well known and have been trusted for thousands of years, there is another ancient type of natural medication that has its roots far closer to home and which is just as effective: Native American herbal remedies. (Related: These incredible plants were used by Native Americans to cure illness.)
The seven most commonly used medicinal plants in Native American medicine
Of course, there are many thousands of plants with amazing healing properties, but according to Survivopedia, just seven of these can provide a firm foundation for your natural medicine cabinet. A word of caution is necessary, however, because plants can be healing or deadly, and it is important to study the properties of each plant carefully before using them medicinally.
1. Blackberries
These berries are commonly found across the United States, and their roots, leaves and fruit all provide different healing properties.
A tincture prepared from the roots is especially helpful for issues affecting the digestive tract, including diarrhea and hemorrhoids. It is also an effective treatment for edema (water retention and swelling).
Combined with the leaves and brewed as a tea, the roots can also be used as a treatment for both anemia and cholera.
Chewing the leaves can relieve mouth ulcers and bleeding gums, and made as a tea, the leaves can regulate the menstrual cycle and serve as a powerful natural tonic.
2. Slippery elm
This tree, native to the central and eastern parts of the United States, can be used to treat a variety of ailments. Survivopedia reported that in Native American medicine the slippery elm was used to treat the following conditions:
- Diarrhea
- Sore throats
- Heartburn
- Skin inflammation
- Minor wounds and burns
3. Mullein (Cowboy’s toilet paper)
The soft leaves of this plant make it easy to identify. Its flowers, leaves and roots were all used by the Native Americans. The fresh flowers can be used to treat bronchitis and asthma, while a tincture made from the flowers can treat inflammation and ear infections. Made into a tea, the flowers can treat a sore throat, the common cold or the flu.
A poultice made from a combination of the leaves and flowers can relieve sprains and bruises.
The leaves can help fight infection, reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
A tincture made from the roots can be used to balance the urinary system and treat bedwetting. It also relieves swollen feet.
4. Red clover
Survivopedia reported regarding red clover:
The red clover plant has many medicinal uses. You can harvest the leaves and flowers to dry. Once they’re ready, you can steep them to create red clover tea.
Red clover thins your blood, so it can be useful in keeping clots away. However, if you are taking blood-thinning medications or are going to have surgery, you shouldn’t use this plant.
Red clover has other healing properties, too, and can be used to ease a persistent cough, reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, lower cholesterol and improve circulation.
5. Yarrow
The leaves of this plant were used by Native Americans to stop bleeding, and can be used to relieve skin conditions like rashes and acne.
A tea made from yarrow can be used to stop internal bleeding and prevent blood clots. It can also induce sweating, thereby reducing fever.
6. Wild sumac
The roots, bark, leaves, berries and milk of this deciduous bush were used extensively in Native American medicine. The roots can be used to treat rectal bleeding, a sore throat, colds, fever, and inflammation of the bladder. Dried and turned into a powder, the bark can be used as an antiseptic salve. And the berries can be used to treat period pain, constipation and bedwetting.
7. Feverfew
The leaves of the feverfew plant are used fresh or dried and consumed with honey to reduce fever, relieve migraines, relieve pain and toothache, and enhance mood.
Truly, Mother Nature has provided everything we need to treat most conditions naturally and safely. It is well worth taking the time to learn about these gifts and use them in our lives.
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