When Europeans first encountered Native Americans, European medicine was primitive at best. The Indian herbal cures worked better, and certainly caused less harm, than the treatments of European doctors. It was not until the nineteenth century that the science of medicine could start to rival traditional herbalism.

Following tradition, when native herbalists pick herbs they give thanks to the Creator and to the plant itself. They are always careful to leave some of the plant behind for others and so the plant can continue to grow.

Each healer had his or her own source of herbs and a unique system for using them. Families living in one area might each use the same herb differently. Despite these variations, some common applications for easily available herbs emerged.

	Chewing the flower stems can help prevent tooth decay. Dandelion roots mixed with other herb can make a tea to help kidney trouble. An oil made from the flowers is good for arthritis.
	The roots steeped in water make a mouthwash for children's sore mouths and adult trenchmouth and sore throats.
	Smoking the dried leaves helps colds and asthma. The leaves steeped in water can be given in small doses to babies to help regulate their bowels. A leaf applied to an abscess will dry it up.
	Infusions made from the dried plant help colds and fevers. Teas can also help stomach aches.
	A leaf tied on a burn or a sore will heal it. Tea made from the root lowers fevers. A poultice made from the smashed plant eases cuts and bruises.
	A tea made from the leaves helps kidneys. It also relieves menstrual difficulties and other women's health problems.
	A tea made from the roots helps irregular menses, acts as a laxative, and helps soothe rashes in children's throats.
	The leaves boiled in water make a wash for cuts, bruises, sprains, sores, and rheumatism. Cedar tea can ease women in labor.

Even though you can find many of these herbs in your backyard, be careful. Used unwisely they can cause harm. Just as students undergo medical training today, traditional herbalists spend years learning their skills.

Special thanks to Sheri Beglen for her help gathering herbs and for sharing her knowledge about them.

Click on a topic to share in the history of the Oneida People!

return to the main page