4
Plant Medicines of the East
East Medicine focuses on the viability of the heart and of the energy within the body relative to the Universal Circle, the environment of our lives. It also includes plants and natural agents used in the seven traditional ceremonies of the Cherokee. (These ceremonies included the Green Corn Ceremony, Fall Festival, Summer Planting, Friend-making Ceremony, Great New Moon, First New Moon of Spring, and Seventh Year Ceremony.) Fire is the “center” of the Four Directions, with the direction of the Sun (East) being paramount in Cherokee sacred ceremonies (as it is for most American Indian tribes).
The elders were considered keepers of the universal knowledge—the teachings or sacred ways, and the secrets passed down from the ancestors. While some might say the old ways are lost, there is a body of knowledge that is alive in every tribe. As an elder said, “It [sacred teachings] is alive in every cell of our body and in every living and nonliving thing we see here on Mother Earth.”
The East Medicine teachings begin with a story of the beginning of life, which starts with the center, the sacred fire. East Medicine is our spirit connection to the otherworld. The elders would say that the East is the beginning and the spiritual basis of the family, clan, and tribe. We are here for a purpose—to be protectors of Mother Earth and helpers to all living things. This is the first and last statement of our covenant with life, according to the old wisdom.
The color associated with the East is red, or yellow for some tribes. These colors represent the power of the Sun, sent by the Great One to look over us while also providing warmth and nourishment for the plants and trees to bear food and fruit.
East is considered the direction of the beginning of life, of ceremonies, and of sacred teachings for preservation of the tribal way of life. Little is said openly about the East Medicine except by the Medicine men and women, or by the elders as keepers of the wisdom. In earlier years only certain tribal members were chosen to learn the East Medicine, the sacred ways of ceremonies.
In the old Cherokee stories there were “apportioners,” such as the Sun and the Thunder Beings, who were assigned the tasks of overseeing life here on Mother Earth. Certain members of the tribe were chosen to “learn and understand these sacred things” and to commune with the apportioners. This was similar to a minister receiving “the calling” to preach, or a person finding herself in a critical position in life where a decision was made for her to be a special leader or helper.
The East was considered the “open door,” the direction we are born into in this life to meet the Sun. Conversely, the West, the direction of death and passing from this world to the otherworld of our ancestors, was considered the “back door,” with spirit guides as the gatekeepers to the “darkening land.” The sacred teachings taught us that life and death were experiences of the spirit moving through a doorway or a portal, from which we continue our journey.
The plants, we are taught, are our allies and helpers for preservation of life in their serving as food and Medicine. Certain plants were considered sacred and had a special place beyond food and Medicine. The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) was one of those special plants that represents humility and power, its bright yellow color being “the spirit of the Sun that is always in the planting fields of native people everywhere in the world,” says an elder teacher. The sunflower is a reminder to us that everything on the planet has value for survival and energy. As an example, sunflower oil was used in cooking and the seeds were used to thicken the mush and dough for bean bread as a food. The elders would say that sunflower seeds were “good for the body and the spirit.”
As one teaching elder said, “The sunflower stands in the crossroad between us and the mighty mountains of Peru, while it is the rainbow connection between native people in the East and the sacred people of the West.” Some elders say the sunflower was the first plant to greet the newcomers to the shores of North America, while other elders said it stood as a sign to let all know they were on sacred ground. The many petals and seeds of the sunflower represented the fertility of this land and its way of life that will always survive, as long as we save four seeds during the winter months to plant again in the spring.
The East also represents the female and male energies and the gift of birth, or “beginning-again.” Female energy focuses on producing life, while male energy is directed toward serving and protecting life. Many elders say that the female energy is the strongest energy in life. To the elders, birth was a special event deserving of ceremony, a time to give thanks to the Great One for the gift of life. It was considered a beginning-again, another opportunity to follow the “way of right relationship.” In this way birth not only meant bringing a child into the world but could also refer to embarking on a new path or opportunity, or renewing commitment to a well-traveled path.
Much of the plant Medicine of the East is focused on females, birthing, and the physical challenges of being female. As a Natchez-Cherokee elder said, “All the Native peoples knew of the love Medicine of the Cherokee. It was powerful, and they knew of the formulas gifted by the Great One to resolve the problems of women. We were taught from an early age that as American Indians we were the keepers of Mother Earth. We were told that we could speak to the plants in an earlier time, so we knew what to do about these things. We know these things today!” The Medicine of the male was mostly about ceremony, strength, endurance, and protection. Together as male and female we are one.
Cherokee Medicine in earlier years consisted of formulas made of plants and other natural substances. The natural substances included water, considered sacred when used in healing; ashes from certain woody trees; minerals from shells and rocks; and nature’s gifts, such as a bee’s wing. The focus in this book will be plant-derived substances used in formulas, called remedies by the non-Indians who settled in North America. Formulas usually consisted of four plants or barks, or as many as seven for certain sacred formulas. Few plants were used alone except as a “first-response” remedy, such as holding a root on an aching tooth or using a plant to stop the bleeding at a wound. When two plants were mixed it was usually to balance each other, such as a calming agent mixed with a stimulant. Mixtures of three plants were considered a “special Medicine” for “calling on the Sky Vault spirit ones to drive away bad spirits.” Mixtures of four helpers were the usual formula remedy. Five plant helpers would be a ceremonial mixture and six would be for “spirit work.” Mixtures of seven substances were usually used for sacred Medicine and tonics.
The direction of the East is associated with family, clan, one’s support circle, and protection of the circle of family and friends. The East Medicine is about the heart; herb formulas of the East Medicine include blood-building tonics and tonics for energy, as well as plants and substances that are purifiers, “for cleansing and clearing the body and the blood for Good Medicine.” Earlier Indian people understood the heart as an organ of special strength. The blood was thought of as similar to the water that flows through Mother Earth. The heart was considered as having a separate spirit, a life of its own within the physical body. The heart was much more than just a physical muscle and a pump. While the blood supplied life to the rest of the body, the spirit energy of the heart connected the physical body of a human to Mother Earth and to the Great One. The plants associated with the heart are considered “special Medicine.”
The plants and formulas of the East Medicine offer protection energy. When the family was protected the members could come together in ceremony, to share and enjoy activities together. When you feel the protection energy of the East you can face the Sun and give thanks, recognizing the power of plants and natural substances as “helpers” protecting and preventing disease or harm, or restoring balance. Many of the formulas of the East are cleansers, intended for detoxifying the body. Often referred to as “blood purifiers,” these formulas protect us and bring us into balance.
The Sun provides heat and light energy to the Earth Mother to grow plants and trees for food, shelter, and Medicine. The formulas of the East provide this same kind of nurturance and balance. In the East Medicine there are formulas for slowing down the body and others for stimulating the body or increasing energy. In addition to the use of plants, many formulas also included minerals and animal or insect parts. In this book I will include no mention of these additional ingredients, because they were considered sacred and only to be known by the keepers of the formulas. I honor that sacredness.
In relation to the heart, in the East Medicine there were also special Medicines, potions for love or for “catching the right person,” as one elder put it. Myths and Medicine came together sometimes for influence and interference—depending on the practitioner’s focus, conjuring was either considered a form of “good Medicine” or “bad Medicine.” I suspect that the terms good and bad came into the Medicine vernacular with European and religious influences. An elder related, “There was no ‘good’ and ‘bad’ before the White man; Medicine was a matter of choice and influence.”
These formulas referred to as “good” and “bad” Medicine were only known to the tribal “keepers of the secrets.” For example, the power of the Cherokee love Medicine was well known by other tribes. It was a spirit influence meant to favor a relationship, to keep people together, or to help people find each other. The healing formulas were “power Medicines” to positively affect a person, family, or tribe, and especially to guard against negative influences.
Many of these old Cherokee formulas were kept in what one elder referred to as the “old black book.” This reference was confusing, as the Bible was also sometimes referred to as the “black book.” However, a few books of formulas written in Cherokee do exist. As an elder said, “The words were finally printed in the old Cherokee language, ’cause we didn’t have the old meeting or coming-together like we used to.” In earlier days the Medicine men and women would get together and visit with each other, and would even invite visitors from other tribes. It was a time of celebration and sharing, and a time of learning about new formulas, or doh de wah wi ski
The elders who remembered these gatherings fondly recalled the power that showed itself when everyone met in a circle with drumming, songs, and sharing. I suspect that after about 1920 the Cherokee Medicine Society and its gatherings were discontinued. With the loss of these gatherings we also lost a way of life. Fortunately, there is a new energy and interest that is recapturing this old way.
While in this book I am willing to share information on the uses of many plants employed in Cherokee Medicine, I cannot share the sacred formulas and prayer-chants. However, there is much richness in the teachings about the plants. Indian Medicine has much to offer the world in teachings about preserving health and about healing of the body, mind, and spirit using the plants and trees that are gifts to us all. Many herbal reference books provide remedies and formulas that are known in different cultures of people here on Mother Earth. My purpose in writing this book is to preserve Cherokee knowledge and to educate, not to provide any form of treatment modality or therapy. In this respect, my role is as a keeper of the Medicine. It is my hope and vision that the information shared about the plants and trees, and the stories, will encourage the reader to learn more about our helpers in the natural world.
This next part the chapter provides a listing of plants of the East Medicine, including the plants’ common and scientific names. The Cherokee name for the plant is also included when known or able to be shared. Coming from a mixed (Indian and non-Indian) heritage, I truly respect and appreciate the gifts from all those who settled here on Turtle Island. My father, Jasper Garrett, would always say, “Mountain folks know these things.”
Instead of referring to people as Indians or non-Indians, I prefer to use the term mountain folks to reference the non-Indian people of the Smoky Mountains, the Appalachia, and the ridge of mountains covered by the Blue Ridge Parkway from North Carolina to New York. I truly respect their survival knowledge passed down from their European (or other) ancestry.
It has been my intent to share Cherokee knowledge about plants as related by elders, using references only to verify certain uses. The information in this book has been collected over the course of more than four decades from conversations with elders. The elders did not want to be treated as informants but as teachers of nature and experience. Actually, I believe that those elders created this document as a summary of their real-life experiences. The information spans many generations of the ancestors.
I hope the reader can appreciate the enormous costs that would have been associated with showing pictures of all the plants discussed. Some wonderful illustrated books that can be used for reference are listed in the bibliography. Well-known herbal references include works by James A. Duke, Ph.D., and Arnold Krochmal. Also helpful is the Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, and a more recent book by Fetrow and Avila entitled The Complete Guide to Herbal Cherokee elders and others provided valuable information on plants and stories that would absolutely have been lost without their transmission. Mary Chiltoskey was able to validate much of what I learned on the traditional uses of many plants. Unfortunately many of the incantations and prayer-chants used with the plants for healing have been lost. Thankfully elders such as Geet Crow and Walter Calhoun have kept many songs, dances, and ceremonial chants alive.
While in this book I am less concerned with noting chemical constituents and active components of the plants discussed, I do make note of such substances as tannins in plants, which are astringents. I do feel it is critical for students of herbology to understand a plant’s chemical actions and reactions in the body for safe use of plants as agents of health and healing. For instance, components such as flavones or flavonoid glycosides have varying diuretic and circulatory effects in the body; while milk thistle’s flavonoid can aid the liver, the standardized content is critical. Chemicals such as saponins, which have a strong anti-inflammatory action, are also related to the synthesis of sex hormones. Such is the case with wild yam and red clover; both have some estrogenic ability. Some commonly used plants, such as goldenrod and mullein, have anti-inflammatory value.
There is mention here of such plants as foxglove and lily-of-the-valley, but caution is a must with these cardiac glycosides—it is advised that these be administered only by a physician or those trained in the safe use of herbs. The volatile oils commonly found in aromatic plants, such as lavender or passionflower, have been marketed as perfumes. The aromatic oils of garlic and thyme are also antiseptics, which enhance the immune system. I tend to think of these plants as relaxing for the nervous system. Plants that contain volatile oils must be stored in sealed containers to keep the oils from evaporating.
While I have not mentioned anything here about the principles of bitters and other chemical contributions of plants, the reader will want to consider these and all other valuable effects of a plant in creating her own Medicine bag. The point is this: Do your research and refer to the experts before using anything listed in this book for any purpose.
Now we are ready to take our journey through the Medicine of plants as helpers to us in the East. Some plants listed here are not commonly used today, but there are probably some Medicine people or “keepers of the knowledge” who still have these plants in their Medicine bag. From the chemical actions of plants and their precautions to the building of formulas, we must remember that for many generations American Indians have specially trained some tribe members to better understand plants in regard to their actions and effects. The information presented here is given as a starting point for the reader to search other resources and to begin a relationship with the plants of the East. As my grandfather Oscar Rogers said, “Learn to respect the plants, use them in the way of right relationship, give the proper thanks, and they will be healing helpers to you and me.”
The following is a listing of plants and their uses as East Medicine.
Adam and Eve root (Aplectrum Commonly known as puttyroot, or ta li, tsi ge yu i in Cherokee, Adam and Eve root was used in ceremonial Medicine for joining a man and woman. This element of the wedding ceremony is still used today. The elder who taught me this ceremony said it was used to see if the couple would stay together. The dried root would be placed in the right hand of the Medicine man or beloved elder. The Medicine man would shake that hand. As the tradition is described, the couple will stay together if the root pieces come together in the Medicine man’s hand. If the root pieces did not come together, one of the seven chosen counselors would work with the couple, or the man and woman “would be separated until they find their love.”
If the root pieces joined in the Medicine man’s hand, the larger corm would be given to the woman to keep in her Medicine bag, and the smaller corm was given to the man in the joining ceremony. The corms would be placed in a wedding bowl, a pottery vessel with two openings, with prayers for the coming together and staying together. The ceremony was intended to be a reminder that it takes both corms, or two people, “to make up Adam and Eve, just as the Eagle feather has two energies for balance,” as one elder put it. Adam and Eve root is a member of the Orchid family.
Adam’s needles (see Bear grass).
Agrimony (Agrimonia gyposepala and A. Also called tall Harry agrimony, or a la s ga lo gi in Cherokee, this plant was used in a formula as a blood purifier and tonic. Agrimony (Agrimonia) is not to be confused with tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), which is colloquially called wild agrimony. An elder called agrimony “speckled,” or u nv tsa
Agrimony was used by the ballplayers in “little wars,” or games of competition, each day for seven days before the game. Several plants for strength and clarity were used for four days prior to the competition. An elder described agrimony as “a sticky shrub burr that sticks to clothing or the fur of animals to ride anywhere.”
Also called “liverwort” by people in Appalachia and “co*cklebur” or “beggar lice,” it is a member of the Rose family. One elder remembered agrimony leaves used as an astringent to stop bleeding. My father called it “church steeple,” probably because of the plant’s towering spires of flowers. Agrimony is still popular as a mild astringent that has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Alder (Alnus serrulata and A. Known as alder, red alder, or tag alder, the bark of this small tree is called gi ga ge i in Cherokee. European settlers used alder for its shade and for ornamental purposes. The Cherokee used the inner bark of the black alder as an astringent to stop bleeding.
Common alder (A. serrulata), a member of the Birch family, is also known as hazel alder and tag alder. Common alder was used in a tea for the pains of birthing, for treating swelling and fever, and as a blood purifier and tonic when combined with Indian root. An elder mentioned its use as a helper for high blood pressure and “for those with weak hearts.”
Another elder, who called the tree “tag alder,” or tsa ta na in Cherokee, described it as “water Medicine,” because it grows near rivers. Common alder acts as a hemostatic to stanch or reduce bleeding. It was used as a tonic in a formula given to all participants at ceremony. Alder and black walnut were used to make brown dye for baskets and ceremonial masks.
Alfalfa (Medicago Alfalfa, or buffalo plant, was called so qui li in Cherokee. Alfalfa was a gift from the Europeans, who used it in a tonic to improve energy according to one elder. Tribes would put it in their formulas for ballplayers, runners, and other competitors, who took the forumula every day for seven days before an event. It was probably introduced to Indians by the Spanish, but the word alfalfa is Arabic. One elder called it ya na s
Alfalfa is a member of the Pea, or Bean, family. The leaves may have estrogenic value when taken as a tea; alfalfa sprouts have been found to contain phytoestrogens. Alfalfa sprouts can be crushed and spread on salads or used in a salad dressing. It is a mountain remedy for diabetes and postbirthing problems associated with thyroid ailments. Saponin, an active compound of alfalfa, acts on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Allspice or pimento tree (Pimenta Allspice is the fruit of the pimento tree. The pimento tree was called e tsi or eg This plant helper is used by women to control discharges when the monthly bleeding is especially profuse. It was used as an astringent and stimulant with other plants in a very old Cherokee formula. It was probably traded in early years for furs and other plants, the spice being recognized by Alabama tribes as a special flavor in cooking. An elder said that early Cherokee enjoyed using spices when cooking deer meat and fish, adding sweet berries and leaves for flavor. Today allspice is more popularly used for indigestion, similar to the way papaya was used on the Pacific Islands.
Alumroot (Heuchera Alumroot is an old remedy to “stop the bleeding for women giving birth, as well as for cuts in the skin.” A formula used alumroot, wild geranium (also called alumroot), purple coneflower, and other plants. Formulas usually contained three, four, five, or seven plant helpers based on sacred chants in the formula. A typical chant would start with “Hey ya, hey ya, hey he . . .” and then the plant would be mentioned as a helper, giving thanks to the Great One for healing. Wood or common avens (Gerum a member of the Rose family, was used in one of the old formulas with alumroot. While difficult for me to identify, common avens has three lobed leaves and a bright yellow flower of five petals with unique green spines between each petal. An elder pointed out that alumroot has a clovelike smell, an indication of its tannin properties and essential oils. Alumroot is used with flowering dogwood to stop bleeding and for reducing pain.
Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus and A. Called spring amaranth or blood plant, amaranth was used to relieve profuse menstruation. Mary Chiltoskey mentioned it being used ceremonially in Green Corn Medicine, following the harvesting of corn in September and October. An elder told me that amaranth would be given to the family of young girls during Green Corn Ceremony. The plant was held when the young woman had her first bleeding. Mountain folks called amaranth “lady bleeding.” Blood plant is not to be confused with bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis).
American hellebore (see Indian poke).
American maidenhair (see Fern, maidenhair).
Angelica (Angelica Also known as masterwort, this plant was used as a calming agent by many in the Appalachian mountains. An elder referred to the plant as green bread, or ga du, a tse The elder could not remember why it was called green bread but also remembered the plant being called prayer plant, or e me
Angelica is used for stimulating appetite, especially for women who have been through birthing, and for the elderly for enhancing energy. The earlier Cherokee believed women who were “weakly” could be stimulated to health with a tonic made of angelica and with the help of other blood builders used in traditional sweats. Another elder referred to Angelica atropurpurea as “hunting root.”
As a member of the Carrot or Parsley family, angelica contains some fifteen anti-arrhythmic compounds, according to James Duke, Ph.D. One of those compounds is the same active ingredient found in the drug Verapamil, a calcium-channel blocker used for treating irregular heartbeat. Angelica is also used for treating indigestion and stomach cramps.
Today angelica is used to relieve postmenopausal symptoms, gynecological disorders, and menstrual discomfort. A cousin plant, dong quai (A. sinensis) is a popular Chinese remedy for regulating menstrual disorders and relieving menopausal symptoms. A Chinese delegation to the Cherokee reservation in 1981 was elated to learn that earlier Cherokee also used angelica for similar complaints, as well as for easing the pains of rheumatism or arthritis and as a natural antispasmodic. Men also used it for increased testicular hormone effect.
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus) is more widely used today as a tonic for normalizing reproductive function and stimulating progesterone production (which normalizes many menopausal symptoms). Earlier Medicine men and women used red clover with angelica for a similar effect.
When considering using phytoprogesterones be sure to consult a physician or a trained herbalist before beginning treatment, for followup concerning your symptoms, and for receiving a preparation with standardized content. Do not use angelica during pregnancy.
Arrowwood shrub (Viburnum Also called southern arrowwood, the stems of this shrub were used for making arrows in earlier years. The fruit was gathered to attract birds such as the tanager for its special feathers, used for ceremonial purposes. Arrowwood is a member of the Honeysuckle family.
Ash tree (Fraxinus americana or Sorbus American mountain ash, or rowan tree (S. americana), was said to be from Roan Mountain in North Carolina. The leaves were crushed for a wash used to cleanse women after childbirth. Ash tree has astringent properties and was used in a tonic formula for “women’s needs.” It is also used by women as a diuretic, and for bladder complaints.
White ash (F. americana) was used to control bleeding due to its tannins and analgesic properties. The inner bark is used for treating fever and as a tonic. Also called Biltmore ash, the tree was used in earlier years for making canoes and oars as well as baseball bats.
Balm, melissa (Melissa Lemon balm, bee balm, and balm mint all belong to the Mint family. An elder called the plant “bee,” or wa du li Balm is used to make salves; the leaves are also used to make cold drinks or hot tea. A cold drink popular in earlier years was concocted by letting the crushed leaves sit in water for at least four hours.
An elder said balm is considered an important East Medicine as a helper for women with headaches and anxiety during menstruation. The lemonlike aroma of the plant is most apparent before flowering, which is when the leaves are picked for formulas to ease nervousness and insomnia related to menstruation. Balm is a mild sedative with antiviral and antibacterial value and calming hormonal effects. It is prepared as a tea with two teaspoons of chopped leaves and used as an antispasmodic for stomach upset.
Balm was used in several formulas to calm the spirit of a person who was upset or “acting strange.” The remedy for this condition included peppermint and a stronger sedative, such as valerian or skullcap. Lemon balm is used for insomnia related to nervous agitation and for sleep problems, especially of women. It is also used as an antiviral and antibacterial substance. The volatile oils provide antidepressant and sedative value for treating anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and heart palpitations. Balm should only be used for these treatments under the supervision of those trained in the medicinal use of plants.
Balsam apple (Echinocystis Also known as Indian or wild cucumber, an elder said that the northeastern Indians used this plant for a love potion. The earlier Cherokee used it as a love Medicine and, when combined with dogwood, as a pain reliever to break a fever and the sweats, especially for females during their menstruation.
Banesberry (Eryngium aquaticum and E. This plant is also called button snakeroot, and Oregon grape in the western part of America. Employed as a blood purifier, both E. aquaticum and E. yuccifolium were used in earlier years to induce vomiting with snakebites. It is also called rattlesnake master.
Eryngium yuccifolium was used to relieve conditions common to children, such as measles, as well as kidney complaints. The plant has thistle-like heads and is a member of the Carrot family.
Barberry shrub (Berberis Barberry, naturalized from Europe, was used in an old formula for “racing hearts, but to be used only by those who were trained.” An elder called the plant “yellow eyes,” di ga do li, da lo ni ge i in Cherokee. The berberine alkaloid in barberry is used as a plant-derived antibiotic in combination with blue cohosh, twin-leaf, and mayapple. Barberry contains several active compounds and is a good source of vitamin C. It was used in earlier years to prevent scurvy. The plant acids act as a mild diuretic while the berberine and other alkaloids reduce blood pressure. Do not use barberry for cardiac conditions without consulting a physician and a trained herbalist.
Basswood tree (Tilia The inner bark of basswood, otherwise known as linden or bee tree, was used in a formula with pine for assisting pregnant women. This use was verified by Hamel and Chiltoskey. Two pieces of basswood were rubbed together to make the “honored fire” in the ceremony honoring the new moon in October, or the Green Corn Ceremony.
The flowers of this impressive twenty-five-foot tree grow in clusters; their coloration changes from yellow to white and they have a strong, sweet fragrance. A preparation of basswood flowers contains flavonoids and tannins, effective for increasing perspiration for sweating out fevers. Carolina basswood (T. caroliniana) in South Carolina is used by mountain folks for the same purpose.
An elder who had been writing to me for many years from South Carolina shared many old formulas with me that included inner bark of basswood. When the elder died he left many mixtures of plants and formulas in a side building, which was destroyed by his family. Probably two hundred years of history went up in smoke that night. Thank goodness he had the foresight to preserve this part of our forgotten and unappreciated history of plants and weeds by corresponding with me.
Bay shrub (Gordonia The inner bark of loblolly bay, an evergreen shrub, came to the Cherokee as a trade item from other eastern tribes. An elder said, “It’d take the hide off you. That’s what it was used for.” He was referring to bay’s use in tanning leather, but he was not able to remember how the plant was used in Medicine ways. From the Tea family, bay is known for its large white fragrant flowers, which are a good source for honey found on the Carolina coast.
Bayberry shrub (Myrica Bayberry, or southern wax myrtle, another evergreen shrub, is used as an astringent in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains for uterine hemorrhage and other bleeding problems. The fruit is a source of bayberry wax, which was used in candle making. Bayberry (M. gale) is an astringent and aromatic used for digestive disorders and as a cure for itch. Bayberry contains a volatile oil that is potentially toxic. While stimulating the circulation, bayberry affects the body’s electrolyte balance and results in potassium deficiency, which can result in high blood pressure and swelling. Bayberry should not be used during pregnancy.
Bear grass (Yucca filamentosa and Y. Ga nu la hi, yo nah, or yucca, was used in Green Corn Ceremony with longleaf pine and other species), spring amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus), Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata), and tobacco (Nicotiana nah means “bear” in Cherokee.) Sage (Salvia officinalis or S. lyrata) was used in the drink for the young dancers, and then sage would be offered with the tobacco to the “sacred fire” in a ceremony. Bear grass was one of the plants used in very old formulas to give strength in competition and in the dancing that was such an important part of the Green Corn Ceremony.
Bear grass, also called Adam’s needles, is a member of the Agave family. Indian bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is used by western tribes for treating liver and gallbladder problems, probably due to the plant’s saponin content. The leaves and roots of Indian bear grass were traded in earlier years by tribes.
Bear’s foot (see Leafcup).
Bee balm (see Balm, melissa).
Bee tree (see Basswood tree).
Beth root or bethroot (see Trillium).
Birch tree (Betula Birch—sometimes known as sweet birch, black birch, or cherry birch—was called a ti sa gi in Cherokee. Birch was used in a formula to “purify the blood of women after birthing,” as an elder related to me. Birch oil was used by mountain folks to flavor food, as well as for alleviating pain due to its salicylic acid content. Birch was tapped much like maple trees are for the sap used in birch beer, and birch tea is made by using the sap and the leaves. Birch was also used with bilberry as a blood purifier by mountain folks, according to my grandmother Edna Rogers.
Bird’s foot violet (Viola This small violet was used for treating venereal disease in earlier years. The purple and bluish flowers of this small plant are found in bloom from March to June in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is usually found in dry and open areas along the park trails and roads. An elder said it was used in a special formula for women’s skin conditions, such as rash that accompanied pregnancy, and was combined with wild pansy and other plants for making the skin soft. There is a rounded-leaved violet (V. rotundifolia), smooth yellow violet (V. pennsylvanica), and halberd-leaved violet (V. hastata). Little is known about their use, but violet (V. odorata) has been found to contain volatile oils, saponins, and alkaloids. An elder called several of the violet species “crowfoot,” while reminding me that wild geranium was also called crowfoot.
Bittersweet (Celastrus Earlier Cherokee used American bittersweet in a formula to stimulate menstruation and reduce swelling. It contains tannins, which might explain its use with menstrual disorders. It was used in a remedy as an Appalachian ointment for skin cancer, tumors, burns, and swellings. Bittersweet is also a name used for nightshade shade (Solanum
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa or C. americana). Black cohosh, or black snakeroot, was called ga na ge in Cherokee. It was used in a formula for treating reproductive concerns and female problems, especially menopause. It was sometimes combined with the root and leaves of Indian root. Black cohosh was used in earlier years to treat fevers, especially in women and children. This plant, part of the Buttercup family, is officially at risk of extinction due to overharvesting from its natural environment. There is much in the herbal literature on black cohosh’s estrogenic value and its ability for assisting women with hot flashes and vagin*l dryness during menopause. While the estrogen-like effect has been suggested, compounds in the rootstock have an affinity to estrogen receptors in the body.
Black cohosh has a long-standing history of being a helper with menopausal ailments. The only side effects mentioned are gastric discomfort and headache. Do not use black cohosh when pregnant or while nursing. Black cohosh should only be used under the supervision of those trained in the medicinal use of plants.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia This beautiful plant with its bright yellow flowers and bold black center stands about three feet high and blooms in July and August. It was used as a wash for the “private parts for women,” according to Mary Chiltoskey. Another plant called wild golden-glow (R. laciniata) is a close relative that was also sometimes used in the formula. Black-eyed Susan was combined with hepatica and fairywand for treating swelling and back pains. It has been said that black-eyed Susan migrated from the West as the buffalo were disappearing in the East. This flower is good for growing in a wildflower garden, as well as to just enjoy in an open field or woods.
Blackgum tree (Nyssa A wash and tea of black haw shrub or cramp bark was used in a Cherokee formula. Other barks included blackgum, balsam, and sycamore for a “sacred drink for childbirth and cleansing.” The blackgum tree is a member of the Dogwood family.
Black haw shrub (Viburnum The bark of black haw (also called sweet haw or cramp bark) was used for “female bleeding and pains,” probably due to its astringent properties. An elder called it “black skunk” or di la, gv na ge This indigenous plant of North America and Canada was used as a sedative and antispasmodic to relax the uterus. Black haw was also used to ease pain and as a tonic in Appalachia for spasms. Some Eastern tribes used it as a relaxant for the heart and as an anti-inflammatory.
Cramp bark (V. opulus) is the “cousin plant used for menstrual cramping, as well as for the back and the bladder.” Cramp bark should not be used if there is a history of kidney disease.
Both black haw and cramp bark are members of the Honeysuckle family. The Catawba used possumhaw (V. nudum) with saltbrush (Eastern baccharis), found along the coastal areas of the Carolinas, and magnolia tree bark in a formula for several female-related symptoms. Today black haw is used to ease menstrual pain and to relax the uterus.
Black snakeroot (see Black cohosh).
Blood plant (see Amaranth).
Blue ash tree (Fraxinus The inner bark of blue ash tree was received in trade from our West Virginia Indian brothers to make a blue dye. It was also used in a drink that would represent the North direction in ceremonies. While the elders made mention of the tree and its uses, blue ash is not found in the Smoky Mountains today. Medicinally, blue ash was used as an astringent and a diuretic and was applied for gout and for bladder complaints. It is a member of the Olive family.
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum Blue cohosh, or snakeroot, was called ga le gi in Cherokee. The berries are poisonous, and the plant is an irritant to the skin. The Cherokee valued this plant, called “papoose root” or “squaw root” by the mountain folks, for treating female conditons. (Please know that the word squaw is offensive to American Indians.)
Blue cohosh was used to stimulate menstruation; it was also used as an antispasmodic. Blue cohosh can bring on contractions and act as an antispasmodic during labor. It is also good for combating dehydration during birth. This was one of those plants that “was used only by those trained on how to prepare and use it,” as one elder put it. Another elder said, “You can find ka na ste te near the river as a small bush with yellow stems inside and heart-shaped leaves. The root smells like a live snake. It is a good tonic for a sweat.” While I agreed to smell the plant, I did not want to get close enough to a live snake to compare the smells.
Blue cohosh is used today for problems related to menstrual flow, to induce labor, and for muscle spasms. This plant is officially at risk for extinction, due to overharvesting in its natural environment.
Borage (Borago Borage, or bugloss, was mentioned by an elder to be good for “weakly persons to get stronger,” especially after a long illness. As a “female” helper it was used for nervous conditions, and the leaves and seeds were used to stimulate the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Borage was an old remedy for “releasing the spirit” after loss, and as an antidote to “feeling down.” Borage’s tannin content provides an astringent effect. Precautions have been suggested due to borage’s hepatotoxic alkaloid content. Today borage is used to treat melancholy and to induce sweating.
Buckeye tree (Aesculus pavia and A. Red and yellow buckeye were used in formulas for female complaints, fainting, and birthing. The largest of the buckeye trees is the yellow buckeye, or sweet buckeye, found in the Smoky Mountains. The seeds and young shoots are poisonous to wild animals. However, earlier Indians washed and roasted the seeds to rid them of the toxic content, and then used the seeds for “fixins in foods.” The crushed seeds and small branches of red buckeye (A. pavia) were used with devil’s shoestring as a “special Medicine” for catching fish.
Buffalo plant (see Alfalfa).
Bull nettle (Solanum Also known as Carolina horse nettle, this prickly plant grows to about three feet in open fields and wooded areas. The yellow berries were used to treat nervous stress and as a mild sedative. The Cherokee valued the dried root as a necklace worn by babies who were cutting teeth. Teething pain is still relieved in this way today, with a necklace of dried bull nettle root and colorful plastic beads.
Burdock root (Arctium lappa and A. minus). Common burdock is one of the favorite East Medicine plants used in formulas for purifying the blood. It is employed in one formula as a helper for women combating fluid buildup when they are trying to lose weight. The other agents in this formula are catnip and goldenseal. In another old fomula burdock was combined with blackgum and Solomon’s seal. Burdock was also used for treating venereal disease. The effects and efficiencies of burdock are little documented in the herbal literature.
Burdock should not be confused with common co*cklebur (Xanthium atrumarium), which is said to be poisonous to livestock. Burdock and milk thistle were mentioned by an elder for “the problems of female itching and infection.” Burdock and echinacea in combination is still a good mountain remedy for treating vagin*l infections.
Burseed (Hackelia The plant roots of burseed were used in a special love charm to “endure and ensure love and commitment to that special person.” This is an old and sacred formula. An elder also reported that the plant was used for “female problems with kidney problems and itch during pregnancy.” While there is very little in the botanical and herbal literature about burseed, it was a plant considered valuable to American Indians in the Southeast. Unfortunately, much of the information about this plant has been lost through the generations.
Butterfly weed (Asclepias Also called pleurisy root or wind root, butterfly weed was used in a heart formula as a diuretic and a cardiotonic. While it is uncertain how it was used, “it was known in earlier days as wind root for its ability to carry a message to the Great One.” Butterfly weed enjoys direct sunlight and dry soil, and the orange-yellow flowers make this a good garden flower and a beautiful wildflower for roadside viewers.
Button bush (Cephalanthus The seeds of button bush, or globe flower, were gathered to attract ducks, which were hunted for their tasty meat and for their feathers, which were used in ceremony. Button bush is a member of the Madder family. The white flowers remind me of the sycamore. Button bush is used in sweats to induce perspiration.
Calamus root (Acorus Also known as sweet flag, this plant is popular in the mountains of North Carolina for “women in labor and with birthing pains”; it is applied both internally and externally. The rhizome is used internally for complaints of gas and gastritis. Calamus root was used as a tonic to stimulate the appetite and digestion following birthing and for those with long-term illness. It was also used with Joepye weed and dogwood for treating pain. As an elder said, “You have to know how to gather and prepare the calamus root. You gotta’ be trained.”
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Cardinal flower was used as a diuretic, and as part of a formula for treating sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis. Cardinal flower is a beautiful plant that stands about three feet high in the mountains; it has lance-shaped leaves and unique crimson red flowers that appear from July to September. Cardinal flower is no longer used for medicinal purposes.
Another member of the Lobelia family is the great blue lobelia, with its blue to purple flowers. This plant wasn’t valued like its cousin Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco); however, the beautiful scarlet red tubular flowers of the cardinal flower appear in early Cherokee stories as red paint. As the story goes, Wolf laid asleep on the riverbank while Racoon packed wet clay on his eyes. The clay dried and Wolf thought he was blind until a little earth bird pecked the clay away so Wolf could see again. In appreciation Wolf led the little bird to “red paint,” or cardinal flower, which he used to paint himself red, which is the color of the cardinal today.
Carolina horse nettle (see Bull nettle).
Carolina lily (Lilium This lily, also called Michaux’s lily, was mentioned by an elder as being a “special gift” from tribes in the eastern portion of the Carolinas. It is related to Turk’s cap lily; both were used in “female Medicine, but prepared by those trained.” There is reason to be cautious in using and eating the various lilies. As an example, lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) is considered poisonous and not suitable for internal use. However, it was used by earlier Cherokee in a sacred Medicine.
Carolina spring beauty (Claytonia The white spring flower of Carolina spring beauty was a reminder each year of the “special Medicine” that starts the warm season. This plant was one of several early bloomers used in the “spring tonic.”
Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron Rhododendron, or purple laurel, is found in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to twelve feet and shares its name with the Catawba River in North Carolina. The bark was used in several formulas for pain relief.
The Catawba rhododendron, a member of the Heath family, is often combined with mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) from the same family. Sometimes mountain folks will refer to rhododendron as “laurel.” There is also a dwarf rhododendron (R. minus) that grows about four feet tall with short leaves. The dwarf rhododendron was used as a pain reliever in a very old formula, in combination with willow bark and flowering dogwood.
Catawba tree (Catalpa Called Indian bean, this tree with eight-inch-long heart-shaped leaves grows to sixty feet tall. It is sometimes called common catalpa, and a friend once called it “Kentucky tree.” The pods are called catalpa. As a member of the Bignonia family, the tree was also sometimes called “cigar tree” or “bean tree” by mountain folks.
An elder said that the flowers are unusual, with two orange stripes and purple spots on each petal. The flowers were used in a formula with willow bark for female complaints. It is unclear how the leaves and bark were used, but I suspect it was for the pains of menstruation.
Catnip (Nepeta Catnip was used as a mild sedative for women and children, and for babies with colic. Sometimes called “field balm” or “catmint” by mountain folks, catnip was used as a “smoke” for colds and nervous conditions, according to my Uncle Grady and my dad. My grandmother said it was used to delay menstruation. It “drives cats crazy.” The active agents in catnip are bitters and tannin used for their value in fighting colic, colds, nervous conditions, and migraines. As a female Medicine, catnip’s value was as a sedative and a calming agent, mixed with peppermint tea, which stored easily for use in the winter months. As an elder said, “Catnip and the mint teas were the only way before the black teas could be bought.”
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or recutita). Chamomile, or wild chamomile, was a gift from the European settlers. It is used for “calming health.” It turned out to be a good tonic and essential oil from our English brothers and sisters; chamomile induces perspiration and increases elimination through the skin. It is a helper for circulation and for nervous conditions, as well as for regulating menstrual flow when combined with Indian root.
While there was much conflict between the Indians and the Whites over land, this is a reminder of the many gifts of trading between people, a gift that had much value and benefit for everybody. Chamomile flowers are valued as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. The flowers are also valued as an antibacterial.
The German variety of chamomile on the market today grows upright to three feet, while the Roman variety has creeping stems. Chamomile is used today for alleviating female conditions, in particular menstrual disorders. An old Cherokee name for this herb is yellowroot, or da lo ni ge
Cherokee bean (see Red cardinal).
Cinquefoil (Potentilla Also called creeping cinquefoil or five-fingers, this delicate field plant with runners was used as an astringent to stop bleeding, particularly in females and in children with nosebleeds. The entire plant was crushed and applied to the area. This is one of those plants that probably was introduced to American Indians by the White settlers. Erect cinquefoil (P. which grows about twenty inches high, was also used to stop bleeding. An elder said that common cinquefoil (P. canadensis) and wild strawberries were friends who “talk to each other along the side of roads and fields. They are both helpers in the ways of love.” The little yellow flower of rough-fruited cinquefoil (P. which reminds me of a tiny dogwood flower, is also common along roadsides, but its use was not mentioned among the elders.
Coltsfoot (see Wild ginger, Bird’s foot violet, Geranium, and Alumroot).
Columbine (Aquilegia Wild columbine was mentioned by Hamel and Chiltoskey as a tea for heart problems and “bloody flux.” It was used with caution, but valued for its narcotic effect. Fox grape was combined with columbine and used by mountain folks for treating varicose veins. An elder said it was used “for the internals of a woman that get out when birthing.” Culverwort (A. vulgaris) has been researched to identify glycosides and the potential for poisoning agents from the cyanogenic glycosides, but the active amount in the plant is probably too small to measure. The research literature does not include information on A. canadensis, but it is likely to be similar in effect to A. vulgaris, the glycosides being the reason for the plant’s effectiveness in treating female bleeding problems.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Common comfrey, or o se e o se, was used as a blood purifier in earlier years. It was one of the sacred plants used in a tonic formula for ceremony and for “little wars,” or ball playing.
According to an elder, comfrey was used “for women who had bad dreams.” Persimmon bark was used with comfrey in earlier years for treating venereal disease. Comfrey contains alkaloids that have been shown to cause cancer when taken internally. I suspect that comfrey has been plagued with suggestions of toxicity by the Food and Drug Administration, possibly too strongly. The carcinogenic constituents are pyrrolizidine alkaloid, an isolated extract, as well as symphytine; however, the amounts of alkaloid found in each plant are very small. Still, confer with a trained herbalist for a safe dosage and use. Do not use comfrey if you are pregnant or while you are nursing.
Corn (Zea The shucks of maize, or Indian corn, called se lu, sha’ lou, or she lu in Cherokee, were crushed in earlier years and mixed with water to make “nature’s mush,” a food for “little ones, old ones, and those who are sickly.” There is a very old formula using corn “to tender the heart of a woman.” Corn had a mythological and sacred meaning among the Cherokee and other tribes. It was used in ceremonies and for “joining a man and woman together.”
Corn would be dried slowly over a fire to preserve it to be eaten in the winter. Cut pieces of wild potato, pumpkins, and squash were preserved the same way.
Corn was also preserved in the husks, which were kept in bins called u wa da It was also made into cornstarch, which is still used as a powder for babies and to soothe dry feet. Corn silk is still used as a diuretic for women with bloating and water retention problems.
Dandelion (Taraxacum A tea of dandelion, or yellow flower tsi la ha in Cherokee), is used as a tonic “to make the woman stronger after childbirth.” The entire plant was used in a tea for treating heart problems in earlier years. Dandelion has been used by southwestern Indians for heart trouble. The Cherokee and mountain folks in Appalachia enjoyed dandelion greens in a spring salad. My Uncle Grady and my father called the plant “blowball” when they were children living in the mountains of North Carolina.
Devil’s hair (see Virgin’s bower).
Devil’s walkingstick (Aralia Devil’s walkingstick was also known as Hercules’ club and prickly ash. The formula for using the large compound leaves and bark has been lost, but use of the fruit as an aromatic in other formulas is still in practice today. Devil’s walkingstick is not to be confused with true prickly ash (Zanthoxylum
Dock (see Yellow dock).
Dogwood (Cornus The flowering dogwood’s bloom in the early spring triggered the time for “spring ceremony and the early planting season.” It is one of the most beautiful and distinctive small trees found in the mountains of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The white bracts that look like petals in the summer also carry bright red foliage in the autumn. I always look forward to the flowers in April and May and the fruits in September, and the turning color of the leaves in October.
The hard wood of the dogwood was used for ceremonial purposes, as was hickory. The fresh or dried bark of dogwood is used as a tonic, a stimulant, and an astringent due to its tannins. A bark tea was used for attending to female pain and backaches. Formulas often included dogwood for general pain relief. The flowering dogwood is a member of the Dogwood family and the official North Carolina state flower.
Dwarf sumac (Rhus copallina). The leaves of dwarf, or shining, sumac were used in a tea to increase the flow of milk in females. I was not able to verify any use of this plant today. It should not be confused with poison sumac (R. vernix), which was used in earlier years for treating venereal disease. Dwarf sumac is a member of the Bittersweet family; it makes a nice ornamental shrub.
Eastern wahoo (Euonymus Also known as Indian arrowroot or Eastern burning bush, the inner bark of Eastern wahoo was used to purge the digestive system. According to Arnold and Connie Krochmal, American Indians used a decoction of the stem’s inner bark for uterine problems. It was used as a heart Medicine to slow down irregular beats. The seeds were used as a laxative.
The Eastern wahoo is a shrub that can grow to twenty-five feet, but it’s usually about six feet in height. The inner bark would only be used in the fall and early spring for “female problems,” as well as in a formula for the “bad disease,” or sexually transmitted diseases. An elder said that caution is necessary, “because it affects the heart, and the berries and seeds are poisonous.” The Eastern wahoo is a member of the Bittersweet family. It should only be used by those trained in its Medicine.
Echinacea (see Purple coneflower).
Elder shrub (Sambucus American elder-root tonic was an American Indian original. The tonic was used to stimulate circulation. The mountain folks used the fermented berries to make a tonic wine for treating fever. A member of the Honeysuckle family, elder was considered a female Medicine and was prepared as an antiseptic and a tonic, like others in the Honeysuckle family. As an elder said, “The bark was used to purge, while the berries were used as a diuretic. The flowers are still used for the lungs [expectorant] and to stimulate the [circulatory] system.”
As a youngster I remember the elders making “popguns” and whistles from the American elder by removing the pith from the stem and using a dial-like piece in the pith to make a popping sound.
Elecampane (Inula Also called wild sunflower in tribute to its daisylike flowers, elecampane is a cure-all plant. It is used as a tonic, a stimulant, an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial. An elder called it a ga li ha, “sunshine plant.” (This plant should not be confused with Helianthus Elecampane plant grows three to six feet high, with alternate and serrate leaves with white veins and large yellow flowers in clusters. It is a member of the Aster or Composite family.
Elecampane is often overlooked for medicinal uses, but the Cherokee used it for the female problems of weak bowels and “fallen wombs.” An old formula combined it with cowslip and Indian pink for treating menstrual problems. Elecampane is sometimes called “horseheal” by mountain folks, as it was used to treat respiratory and digestive problems in horses and dogs. The plant has a fibrous rootstock that is used in Medicine. It is listed in the East Medicine because of its value for women and children. Honey or horehound was added to a formula using elecampane due to its bitter taste. An elder warned of the importance of learning how to use the plant from someone trained, “because too much will make you sick and vomit.” Although elecampane can be irritating to the mucous membranes, it is used to treat bronchitis and coughs as well as menstrual complaints.
Elm tree (Ulmus The inner bark and roots of American or white elm was called ha wa tsi la, tlu gah i. It was used for treating skin infections, colds, and chronic bowel problems. The Cherokee used it for “the tender breasts of women, and young men in their change.” Interestingly, it was used as a “chew” to spit on the baseball glove so the ball would stick to the glove, according to Mary Chiltoskey. An elder called the elm a “flyer” because the fruit has winglike seeds that “fly in the wind, carrying the tree to other places to grow.”
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). Sa no “falling sun rose,” was used in earlier years for women’s health. This is a very old formula. Uses included weight stabilization, easing premenstrual pain, and soothing tender breasts. Evening primrose was used with rose pink (Sabatia angularis) for addressing menstrual cycle pains. Evening primrose is still used today for lowering blood pressure and for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Evening primrose seeds have been found to contain gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, used for treating inflammation. This fatty acid is necessary for cellular metabolism and is a helper to women, especially during the monthly menstrual cycle. An elder showed me the four yellow petals of the evening primrose flower and said it was referred to as a sacred plant for female Medicine that someday we would know more about. Sundrops (O. a plant cousin, was used by earlier Cherokee for the same purpose, but it has not been studied for chemical content. Today GLA is used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as premenstrual syndrome.
Fennel (Foeniculum The entire fennel plant was used in a tonic for colic and for women in labor. It was mixed with bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and used for children with colds and as a tonic for females with nursing and bladder problems. Fennel is combined with partridgeberry for treating sore nipples. Fennel also helps promote milk flow in nursing mothers. Fennel was combined with American chestnut for treating heart problems.
One elder Medicine person said it was “a children’s Medicine for colic.” Fennel is also used as an expectorant and as a diuretic in several formulas. Today fennel is used for treating menstrual problems, to increase lactation, to enhance sexual drive, and for easing childbirth. An elder said that fennel should not be used without the input of “someone trained, because it can be toxic and even cause a miscarriage if pregnant,” in the quantities used for female problems.
Fern, maidenhair (Adiantum The maidenhair fern was considered a “powerful Medicine for the heart,” but few today know the sacred formula, which included hawthorn and Indian root. This Cherokee use was verified by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey. I believe it was used particularly for female irregular heartbeats, “only by those who were trained in the sacred preparation of the entire plant.”
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium). The word parthenos is derived from the Greek word for “virgin.” While used by earlier Cherokee for assisting with young women’s menstrual cycles, it is not clear how that use originated. The general use of feverfew for pain relief and to reduce fever is still popular in the culture of mountain folks today. Feverfew contains a compound called parthenolide, which helps protect blood vessels and muscle tissue; this might explain why it was used for easing menstrual pains and for childbirth in combination with four-o’clock plant. Feverfew is used today for treating migraines, arthritis, rheumatic disease, and allergies.
Feverfew is a great daisylike plant to grow indoors. It grows about two feet tall. This plant has its place in my Medicine bag as nature’s vasodilator and an anti-inflammatory, as well as for its use in treating arthritis. An elder reminded me that in earlier years feverfew was used as a “bugbane” to repel insects. The leaf would be placed in bean bread dough as a way to take it without upsetting the intestines. Feverfew affects the smooth muscles of the digestive system, which could cause contraction problems if used too frequently. This plant should not be taken during pregnancy.
Five-finger (see Cinquefoil and Ginseng).
Flax (Linum Flax seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit women with ovarian and breast problems who also are at risk of cancer. Earlier use of flax was as a laxative in “cleansing” the system. It was also used for cleansing following childbirth. Flax oil is still very popular for “keeping a strong system for working the fields.”
The simple name flax is a much longer word in Cherokee; it is u do la nv s di. As a member of the Milkwort family, flax is a good healing oil for just about everything. Today it is used for protection against cancer, heart disease, and gallstones and is used to treat inflammation with gout. It is still very popular as an East and West Medicine. The alpha-linolenic acid is also protective for the heart.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Cherokee Indians knew of this plant’s ability to be a helper in regulating heartbeat and swelling. The discovery of foxglove has been attributed to an English physician in 1775, who recognized its properties as a cardiac agent and made the first digitalis medicine.
Due to its poisonous nature foxglove is not recommended for use today, but it has been a key element in the past for treating swelling or edema associated with congestive heart failure. It can cause a rash in some people and can be poisonous due to the glycosides digitalin and digitoxin. An elder said foxglove was used for “weakly females who passed out a lot,” and “for men who had weak hearts.” The plant’s effect in the latter instance was possibly to stabilize the pulse and the blood pressure.
Take foxglove only under the supervision of a trained herbalist or Medicine man or woman with expertise in preparing the dosage. The beautiful, tall stems of white or purple flower clusters are very showy in home flower gardens.
Fox grape (Vitis Fox grape, called tsa la or soc lol, was used to treat soreness of the breasts after childbirth. It was called “frost grape” and “summer grape” by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey. They also mention its use with geranium to relieve breast soreness.
Fraser fir tree (Abies This fir tree, called big tree, or tlu ga i, e qu a in Cherokee, was sometimes known as she-balm or balsam-in-the-mountains. The inner bark was used for “weakness with women, especially with cleansing and healing after the birth of a child.” The resin was used by some Indians by rubbing it on the chest and back for pain relief. In traditional sweats the needles were used as a clearing-way when placed on the hot rocks. Fraser fir is a member of the Pine family.
Garlic (Allium The cloves of garlic were used in earlier years for purifying the blood, along with Indian root. Today garlic is used to stimulate the circulatory system and to reduce blood cholesterol level. I suspect that every culture of people on Mother Earth has valued garlic for a special medicinal purpose and for its abilities as an antibiotic.
An elder shared a story about the Great One giving garlic the assignment to taste like the wet ground that gives it life and to be a helper from the bacteria, fungi, and yeasts that come from the ground. In the story garlic is called ground bulb. The volatile oil and sulfur compounds in garlic together have an antibiotic action. Garlic is a helper with blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. American Indians recognized “this gift from another world” as an antihistamine and its ability to rid the intestines of parasites. Today it is used to fight infections, reduce high cholesterol, and for diabetes.
Ginseng (Panax American ginseng, or five-finger, was a cure-all plant; it is called “sang” by mountain folks. Earlier Cherokee considered it to be one of the sacred plants, and it was included in several formulas as a stimulant and tonic. Ginseng was used with elders to improve appetite and for “just feeling good,” and with children who were “too anxious to play.” Today ginseng is considered an adaptogen herb for its power to enhance the body’s ability to deal with stress. Ginseng was particularly used with elders and for treating female disorders. As an elder said, “The sang is for the female weakness and feeling good after childbirth and illness of any kind.” It was also used in a general spring tonic with sassafras, Indian root, and other plants.
James Mooney recorded ginseng as a tali kuli in Cherokee, meaning “it climbs the mountain.” It has been my experience that ginseng seems to like living in patches of poison ivy. My friends from China use it in a similar way as the earlier Cherokee for balancing and to bring harmony to the entire system, especially for elders.
It seems fitting that the Greek word panax means “panacea.” My friend refers to American ginseng as an herb “for cooling down the body, and for balance.” Panax ginseng seems to have a positive effect on athletic performance, increasing oxygen absorption for quick recovery, with less serum lactate and muscle fatigue. This means less effort is expended and energy is conserved. Because of these properties ginseng was used in earlier years in Indian ball competition and by “deer-riders,” or runners.
Today it is used for exercise tolerance, to stimulate the immune system, to increase stamina, to improve the circulation, and for mental conditions in the elderly. In its natural environment ginseng is officially now considered to be at risk for extinction.
Globe flower (see Button bush).
Goat dandelion (Pyrrhopappus Goat dandelion was made into a drink to purify the blood. An elder said it was used as a spring tonic, but little is known about how it was decocted. It was used with Indian root by several elders as a stimulant and “to get the blood going after a cold winter.” Goat dandelion is not a plant that is referred to by Cherokee Medicine men and women today.
Goat’s beard (Aruncus Called tsu s qua ne gi dah, goat’s beard was used with other plants to control the loss of blood in childbirth. It was also popular in earlier years as a bath for swollen feet. The unusual cream-white flowers appear in plumes that remind me of strings blowing in the wind. Goat’s beard is not to be confused with goat’s rue (Tephrosia a plant with white petals mixed with purple color found along roadsides.
Goldenclub (Orontium An elder told me that earlier Cherokee believed bathing a baby in a formula made with goldenclub during a new moon for the first seven months “would give the baby the spirit strength necessary for survival. You gotta’ remember that in those days it was difficult for babies and mothers to survive the ordeal of birthing in that rugged environment.” This ritual bathing was also seen as a way to give thanks to the Great One for the gift of life.
Goldenrod (Solidago erecta and S. As “special Medicine,” in October of each year the sacred fire was rekindled at the fall ceremony, called A tsi la, ga lun ka we tsi Dried goldenrod, or sa ni ti, was used in this ceremony, along with a prayer-chant giving thanks in the Four Directions. Sacred tobacco was offered to the fire. An elder said, “The small clusters of yellow flowers reach out to let you know they are there to help you or make you sneeze. You cannot miss them in the field. Goldenrod was always a special plant to the Cherokee.” It was used externally as an astringent after birth, and for treating fungal conditions, such as Candida albicans, common to women.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Goldenseal was also known as yellowroot or Indian paint lo ni ge i in Cherokee). A member of the Buttercup family, it should not be confused with butterfly weed (Asclepias tubersoa), pleurisy root, and other plants called yellowroot. Goldenseal has a hairy stem six to eighteen inches high; the white flowers bloom in April and May. The plant’s fruit looks like a raspberry.
To the Cherokee goldenseal was an important female medicinal herb; it was used as both an antiseptic and a hemostatic. Goldenseal douche treated vagin*l inflammations. Goldenseal was also used before sweats and ceremonies as a natural antimicrobial. Also known as Indian dye, Indian plant, and Indian turmeric, goldenseal was used as a laxative and to raise blood pressure.
Today goldenseal is used as an astringent to control bleeding after childbirth; as well, the berberine in the plant makes it useful for treating vaginitis. Goldenseal is officially at risk of extinction due to overharvesting from its natural environment.
Gourd (Lagenaria According to Mary Chiltoskey, the seeds of gourd, or ga na tse ti, were used as a poultice for treating boils. The dried gourd was used for ceremonial rattles and as dippers for water. The Gourd family includes pumpkin, squash, gourds, melons, and cucumbers. In earlier years gourds also made very nice decorated purses, carriers, and keepers for special things.
Greenbrier (Smilax A formula of greenbrier, or bullgrip, was mixed with equal amounts of sycamore and Carolina hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) or Eastern hemlock to expel afterbirth, according to Mary Chiltoskey. A formula for treating sexually transmitted diseases contained greenbrier, hearts-a-bustin’ (or strawberry bush), sweetgum, fox grape, beech, and blackgum.
Hawthorn shrub intricata and other species). The primary use of hawthorn with the Cherokee was as a relaxant, but mountain folks used it for the treatment of kidney and bladder problems. The leaves of Biltmore hawthorn were used to treat heart ailments and circulatory disorders, as well as in a tonic for the heart. Hawthorn dilates the blood vessels to lower blood pressure. An elder called it “white speckled,” or u nv tsa dv, u ne ga. There is also an English hawthorn (C. Hawthorn is not to be confused with black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) or cramp bark (Viburnum
Hawthorn should not be used without medical direction if you have a heart condition. Earlier use was to steady the heartbeat and to dilate the arteries for increased oxygen and blood. Hawthorn has a mild sedative function; a formula mixed for this purpose included lemon balm, lavender, or another mild relaxant. There is much good research and testimony in the literature about the benefits of hawthorn. A drink for the Cherokee ballplayers that would be given to them by the Medicine man or woman included hawthorn for “good circulation, and to keep the defense from being caught while running with the ball.” The Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina, is home to several of the hawthorn species that were studied in earlier years.
Today hawthorn berries are used for their flavonoids, compounds that are beneficial to the blood vessels and the heart and help to alleviate high blood pressure. Hawthorn is used for cardiac insufficiency where there is a feeling of tightness or pressure in the heart. Use hawthorn only as instructed by a physician for cardiac and arrhythmia problems. Hawthorn is a member of the Rose family.
Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris). Called self-heal or wild sage, heal-all was used as an astringent and in ceremonies. An elder called it “spoon,” or di do di in Cherokee. Heal-all was recognized as a “special Medicine” for females, and was used in ceremonies. A carminative, it was also used in treating hemorrhage. As a member of the Mint family heal-all is an aromatic; it grows up to twenty-eight inches tall, with several stems arising from the root base. Leaves grow in opposite pairs; the plant bears purple flowers that bloom from April to November as spikes at the tops of the stems. Heal-all is used in the mountains today as a gargle for sore throats more than anything else.
The name heal-all is also given to stone root (Collinsonia canadensis), a member of the Mint family, and to figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) in the Figwort family. Both were used primarily as an ointment for bruises and scratches.
Hearts-a-bustin’ (Euonymus Also called strawberry bush, this plant was used as a tonic in earlier years, as well as for treating breast complaints. It is used as an antiseptic and for urinary problems. Hearts-a-bustin’ is a beautiful plant with bright green leaves and unusual crimson red flowers with red pods that burst open in the early fall with orange seeds. Hearts-a-bustin’ is found in many home gardens and landscapes.
An elder said that the common bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), a plant with many heart-shaped flowers, grew from each heart-filled tear from the young Cherokee who hid behind the strawberry bush to watch his love at a distance. (See the story in chapter 3.) This love brought a smile from the young Cherokee girl, which became what we call the new moon in the sky today.
Hickory tree (Carya Mockernut hickory was used as an antiseptic in combination with other tree barks. It was also used in several formulas for ballplayers and for addressing “female problems.” Hickory is still used for making blowgun darts and arrow shafts and in basket weaving.
Hickory appears to be an astringent; it was considered to have “special power” by earlier Cherokee. Hickory ashes were used in tanning hides. Sometimes called white hickory, it is a member of the Walnut family “with a nut that squirrels and humans will gather as soon as they fall.”
Holly (Ilex opaca). American holly was used for “weak blood or for circulation in elders.” While stories of holly’s Medicine power tell that it was very popular in earlier years, and even though it is mentioned often in descriptions of “the old formulas,” holly is mostly used today for decoration. The leaves (not the berries) have been used to treat fever, bronchitis, gout, and rheumatism.
Hops (Humulus A drink from common hops or hops vine was used for treating “female problems,” and hops is mentioned by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey as being useful for womb problems. Hops are thought to have an estrogenic effect for females. In addition to being used for insomnia, the hops’ bitter acids are also antibacterial. Its primary use today is as a sedative.
Horse balm (Collinsonia The roots of horse balm, also called stone root or richweed, were prepared as an antispasmodic tea for treating menstruation as well as pain and nausea. Horse balm was used as an astringent and tonic for children with colic, indigestion, and bronchitis. As an elder said, “When the child didn’t want to go to school, pull out the horse balm and castor oil.” Another elder said that “before we knew how to use horse chestnut, chamomile was added with stone root for the problems and pains of varicose veins.” Today horse balm is used for treating fluid retention, swelling, headaches, menstrual discomfort, and varicose veins.
Horseweed (Erigeron Called bittersweet or fleabane, so qui li was used by the Cherokee and mountain folks to stop bleeding. The plant was probably originally from Europe. An elder said, “You see, we [Indians] did learn something from the White people that came here. We enjoyed the sharing of Medicine, music, and food. We should remember those things too.” Horseweed was used to stop the flow of blood externally. It is used as a hemostatic due to tannin in the leaves. It is also used as a natural diuretic for bladder conditions. The erect stem can grow to seven feet tall, crowned with a tuft of basal leaves similar to mullein’s. Horseweed is also another name for scabious (Scabiosa succisa), commonly used for treating scabies and other skin itches.
Indian apple (see Mayapple).
Indian balm (see Trillium).
Indian bean (see Catawba tree).
Indian cucumber (see Balsam apple).
Indian hemp (Apocynum Indian hemp should not be confused with Cannabis or what mountain folks called “loco weed” (marijuana). The roots of Indian hemp, also called bowman’s root, were used to treat uterine problems. The plant was used for treating female depression and nervousness, “but only by those who were trained.” The glycosides in Indian hemp can lower blood pressure precipitously, causing bradycardia. This plant should not be confused with Cannabis which is used for making latex and fiber but is not taken internally.
Indian hyssop (see Vervain).
Indian paintbrush (Castilleja Earlier Cherokee used this plant in a sacred and mythical way to “do combat with the enemy.” This use was mentioned by several elders, as well as by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey. The mountain folks called the plant scarlet “paint-cup” or “painted-cup.”
Indian paintbrush grows to fifteen inches in height; it bears clusters of flowers with the reddish bracts that are green where it connects to the stem. The beautiful red stands out in the mountains, along with hearts-a-bustin’, crimson bee balm (Monarda didyma), trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera Indian pink, purple wake-robin (trillium), and fire pink (Silene virginica) that add to the East Medicine color of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail. A similar plant for home gardens is blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora), which has yellowish tips on its daisylike flowers. Blanket flower is great in pond or rock gardens. Another plant with scarlet flowers reminiscent of Indian paintbrush is fire pink, or red catchfly.
Indian poke (Veratrum Indian poke, also known as American hellebore, pokeweed, or devil’s bite, was used as a mild sedative for “control of the heart and vessels.” The plant was mentioned by several elders, but they could not remember how or in what quantities it was used. This plant should not be confused with poke (Phytolacca americana), the green eaten as a salad. My father and Uncle Grady called Indian poke “earth gall”; my grandmother used it as an antispasmodic and for treating fevers. It was also used as a diuretic and sedative. White hellebore (V. is listed in the herbal literature as helpful for blood circulation, digestive problems, cold sweats, vomiting, and cramps. The dosage of white hellebore can be difficult to determine due to toxicity and other side effects from plant alkaloids, which irritate the mucous membranes. As an elder cautioned, “Only seek those trained in the use of this plant.”
Indian root (Aralia Also called American spikenard, or yo na tsu ne ste, this plant was used by the Cherokee and other southeastern tribes to treat blood poisoning. A “cure-all” plant, the rhizome was used in the Medicine of each of the Four Directions. Indian root grows to ten feet high with a single leaf stalk; the leaves are divided into three parts, each carrying five leaflets. The yellowish green flowers grow in clusters with a purple berry. Only the roots of Indian root were used medicinally.
As a boy I remember this plant being called bearberry bush. Do not use Indian root during pregnancy.
Indian tobacco (Lobelia The leaves of Indian tobacco, or pukeweed, are called tso la or sah lol in Cherokee. They were used by earlier Cherokee and other American Indians. Indian tobacco was classified as poisonous by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in recent years; however, Indian tobacco was used in earlier years as a smoke for treating asthma and other lung ailments.
Also known as Hercules’ club, Indian tobacco was thought to be a “cure-all” in the early nineteenth century. The plant contains an alkaloid called lobeline, which relaxes muscles. It is used to help smokers to quit smoking; however, too much lobelia can produce nausea and vomiting.
The Cherokee used Indian tobacco as a sacred tobacco for ceremonies. The buds were used as an ointment to treat burns and inflammation. Crushed leaves were placed on and around the head to treat headaches. The Cherokee used Indian tobacco in a smudge, and “gifted it to the fire to send a message to the Great One.” Indian tobacco was considered a sacred power plant that would carry our messages and prayers as the smoke rose into the sky. While used in several formulas, it was best known for treating “female problems.” The alkaloids in Indian tobacco are potent compounds that can be deadly poisonous; they are not to be used in teas.
Juniper bush (Juniperus The oil from the juniper or dwarf juniper berry cones were used for “the flitters and hot feeling of the head with giddiness.” Juniper was used to lower blood pressure and as a diuretic. It was also given to elderly who had been sick and experienced “lacking appetites” and those with blood sugar problems, such as diabetics. Juniper is a member of the Cypress family.
Ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes cernua, S. lucida, and S. vernalis). This plant was used to treat urinary problems associated with pregnancy, along with twayblade. In earlier years it was also used in a bath for an infant to grow healthy and strong. A member of the Orchid family, the tiny flowers grow out from the spiraling stem. The plants grow nearly a foot high with the nodding and slender ladies’ tresses “reminding us of a young Cherokee woman’s braided hair.” My grandmother called this plant “pearl twist” or “spiral flower.”
Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium U tsu wodi, or moccasin flower, was one of the oldest plants in a Cherokee formula for nerve conditions, particularly for females who are “weak from the rigors of childbirth.” An elder called the plant oo ka ou la su lo, or “nerve root.” It was used in a formula for sexually transmitted diseases but was prepared, with Indian root, only by those trained in its use.
Lady’s slipper was one of the plants that John Bartram noted in his travels; it was also mentioned by Vogel as a plant used by the Iroquois. A member of the Orchid family, the dried rhizome and roots were used to reduce bleeding during birthing. Lady’s slipper is a sedative and antispasmodic. The plant is protected by federal and state laws. Today it is used for hysteria, headaches, and nervous conditions.
Larkspur (Delphinium ajacis and D. Larkspur, or field larkspur, was used in a formula for treating heart problems. An elder remembered the formula as one for “settling the heart down with ginger and sometimes hawthorn.” An elder said, “This plant is poisonous and should be prepared only by those trained.” An active agent, delphine, has a paralyzing effect on the central nervous system.
A substitute for larkspur used for herbal medicinal purposes in recent years is ginkgo (Ginkgo a native tree of China and one of the oldest trees in the world. It is used today in the way that elder, hawthorn, juniper, lily-of-the-valley, and others were used in earlier years: to improve circulation. Ginkgo can replace those plants for treating elders with “fuzzy feelings, or those with weakly conditions due to their heart.” The use of gingko is a good example of the way in which Indian Medicine men and women are willing to learn new applications from plant uses of other cultures. Ginkgo is cultivated in the Carolinas today.
Lavender (Lavandula vera or L. While it is uncertain how or when American Indians learned about the value of this aromatic plant, it is without a doubt true that lavender was a favorite among many Indian women, according to an elder. She said that “the entire plant was crushed for the juice [oil] and used on the skin. A little could be mixed with other plants for women who had the itching and irritation [vaginitis].” The essential oil from the lavender flowers is a mild sedative, as well as a helper with internal gas. It is used today to stimulate appetite and to treat nervousness and insomnia. Lavandula angustifolia is the variety most often found in home gardens.
Leafcup (Polymnia Leafcup, or bear’s foot, was used in a formula for expelling afterbirth. Little is known about its use today, but an elder remembered that “the bear used it for pain in the paw.”
Lemon balm (see Balm, melissa).
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Licorice, also called American licorice, and u ga na s da or oo gah nah see doh in Cherokee, was used with horehound in a formula intended only for females. Its use was restricted to young women with digestive upsets during the “changing to womanhood,” which is different from its use for balancing estrogen levels in premenstrual and menopausal periods of life. Licorice was also used as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Licorice was used by southeastern Indians in many remedies or formulas in each of the Medicine directions. It was and still is a favorite for viral and yeast infections affecting males and females. Caution with using licorice root is recommended due to possible loss of potassium and retention of sodium in the body.
Lily, Easter (Zepbyranthes The Easter lily, or an older variety not identifiable today, was considered a sacred plant of the Cherokee. It was referred to as “west wind flower.” It is mentioned here rather than under West Medicine because the teaching was about using the lily “to open the West door from the East.” The formula for that use has been lost; it was a “clearing” formula, used with a prayer-chant to seek healing for the family and clan. It is unclear when this plant started being used in ceremony, but European and Christian traditions have certainly influenced Indian use of certain plants, including the Easter lily.
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria As a member of the Lily family, ka la wi yi was used in the North Carolina mountains for the heart. It contains a substance that acts like digitalis (foxglove); like foxglove, lily-of-the-valley can be poisonous. Cullowhee, a Cherokee word meaning “lily of the valley,” is the name of a place in North Carolina and the home of Western Carolina University. It is also where I did my undergraduate work in biology, botany, and Appalachian studies.
Lily-of-the-valley contains a cardioactive steroid glycoside. Earlier use of lily-of-the-valley for treating arrhythmia has been demonstrated. It was also found to elevate diastolic pressure and was used for mild cardiac insufficiency or changes of the heart due to age or chronic condition. Today lily-of-the-valley is used as a heart tonic and for heart valve problems and seizures. It is also still used in the eastern mountains for treating kidney and bladder stones. Caution: Use lily-of-the-valley only under the supervision of one who is trained in its therapeutic dosages.
Life root (see Ragwort).
Linden (see Basswood).
Lizard’s tail (see Swamp lily).
Lobelia (see Indian tobacco).
Loblolly bay (see Bay).
Locust tree (Robinia An elder told me that “a chew of the [locust tree] bark was used in ceremonies, and for women who wanted to just clear the sick feeling.” Black locust was used for making blowgun darts, fence posts, and log cabins. According to my Uncle Grady, the first settlers to Swain County, North Carolina—a group that included my forefathers—used the wood of the strong black locust tree as corner posts in building their new cabins.
Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris and L. Loosestrife and whorled loosestrife was used for addressing female problems. An elder recalled a formula with sage or rue “to settle the nerves during that time of the month.” An active agent in loosestrife is rutin, an astringent.
Another plant, called rough-leaved loosestrife (L. asperulifolia), is very rare in North Carolina. With the help of an elder I was able to locate one rough-leaved loosestrife, which the elder said was a gift from another eastern tribe, from a place where they are plentiful. Other species of loosestrife (L. vulgaris and L. salicarici) are used as astringents, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. These are natural helpers for diarrhea, intestinal complaints, varicose veins, bleeding of the gums, and hemorrhoids.
Love plant (Alertris Love plant, also known as blazing star and colic root, was used to treat female problems such as painful menstruation, the threat of miscarriage, and spasms of the uterus. An elder referred to the plant as oo wa sa ou e, a word related to the female that defined this plant as a helper for strengthening a woman for birthing and to prevent abortion.
The plant is called “devil’s bit” by mountain folks. My Uncle Grady said that folks in Appalachia used it with “homebrew” for treating rheumatism. My uncle knew a lot about the years when the White man settled in the Smoky Mountains. He and my father grew up in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They knew this plant as “true unicorn root,” used by my grandmother for “female complaints” as well as for chronic bronchitis. An elder called the plant “stargrass” or “agueroot.”
Magnolia vine (Schisandra According to an elder, the fruit of the magnolia was a gift from a southern tribe of Indians, who used it as a tonic for the liver. Little is known about how it was prepared or used, but it was combined with Indian root in one of the old formulas.
Maidenhair (Adiantum The Cherokee and the Creek Indians used southern maidenhair fern in a tea made from the roots and leaves for easing menstrual discomfort. This plant is not to be confused with the maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba), which is a plant used to relax the vessels and to stimulate circulation. The maidenhair fern has small, fanlike leaves on brown stems. An elder called this plant “five-finger fern,” and mountain folks knew it as “Venus hair.” Do not use maidenhair during pregnancy.
Maple tree (Acer rubrum and A. The barks of both red and silver maple are used with white and black oak and chestnut for female concerns. An elder said that maple was used for cramps and other menstrual problems. Today maple bark is used for treating sore eyes and as an astringent in several remedies. The bark strips are used for making baskets and the inner bark for making red dye. Striped maple or goosefoot (A. pensylvanicum) and mountain maple (A. spicatum) are used by Cherokee and mountain folks from Indian Gap in the Smoky Mountains to Indian Creek in West Virginia.
Marigold (Calendula Sometimes called “pot marigold” by mountain folks, this plant was used as an astringent for treating menstrual problems. Marigold is used to treat yeast infections due to its antifungal value. Its anti-inflammatory properties also made it good for healing wounds, particularly following birthing. Today marigold is popular for treating inflamed wounds, burns, and mouth sores and as a facial wash and eyewash.
Marigold flowers are antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral and tend to stimulate the immune system. It is no wonder that it was considered by mountain folks to be “a European heal-all.” The Cherokee preferred it as female medicine, for treating what we now know as vaginitis, and for treating young children and babies with colic, fever, and unspecified pains. Earlier Cherokee women used it as a bear salve (bear grease) for treating baby rash. Marigold was used with bloodroot canadensis) for treating venereal disease and to kill bacteria and fungus. For a home garden with moist soil, marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) provides beautiful buttery yellow flowers.
Marshpepper smartweed (Polygonum The juice from a leaf of marshpepper smartweed was put on a child’s thumb to stop her from sucking the thumb. Other purported uses were for inflammation and swelling, but I was unable to verify this with the elders. One elder did say that marshpepper smartweed “helped to catch fish.” He did not expound on how to use it for this purpose.
Mayapple (Podophyllum This plant was called Indian apple or mandrake, and it was used as a “special Medicine.” Like sunflower and evening primrose, Cherokee myths hold mayapple as sacred. Mayapple is a member of the Barberry family, along with twinleaf in the West Medicine and blue cohosh in the East. Mountain folks used it to treat cancer and as a liver tonic. Mayapple contains agents that are irritating to the skin. Do not use mayapple without the guidance of a person trained in its handling and use. This member of the Barberry family should not be used during pregnancy.
Milkweed (Asclepias Earlier southeastern Indians used u na di for treating sore breasts. Common milkweed was called “elder plant” for its use in “strengthening and purifying the blood of weak elders.” Sassafras was used with it in the formula, along with ginseng “to improve the elder’s appetite and spirit.” It was also used for “the backaches of pregnant women and for the bad disease [venereal disease].” This use was verified by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey. Swamp milkweed was also used for treating digestive disorders. Close cousins to milkweed are pleurisy root (A. tuberosa) and swamp milkweed (A. but these plants are used for different conditions.
Mistletoe (Viscum album and V. Called oo ta le, mistletoe was used to treat heart conditions, headaches, and “the nervous condition of some women.” It was used in earlier years as a stimulant or tonic. One elder said that it was the “best Medicine, if grown on an oak tree.” It was used in a special formula for those with epilepsy, as well as in a love charm to take care of love sickness. An elder said, “You were given two leaves to carry in your Medicine bag for twenty-eight days by the Medicine man for love sickness.” Today mistletoe is used to treat depression, as a helper with cancer, for high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, and for easing tension. It strengthens capillary walls and reduces inflammation while slowing the heart rate. It was also used in Green Corn Medicine, considered sacred.
Mistletoe was used in the Friends-making Ceremony as a clearing-way, along with greenbrier, heartleaf, and ginseng. It was considered a “male Medicine” for strength and love, and a “female Medicine” for imparting protection. In addition to regulating blood pressure, mistletoe was also used for treating gout and rheumatism and as a blood purifier in earlier years. Always consult with someone trained in the use of mistletoe.
Moonseed (Menispermum Udo sa no e hi, or “moon root” as it is called by some American Indians, was used as a diuretic and for “females that are weak, especially before or after childbirth.” Mary Chiltoskey reported it as being used for sickly or weak stomach.
Mother of corn (Coix Sometimes referred to by mountain folks as “Job’s tears,” mother of corn was called se lu oo sti by the Cherokee. The seeds were used for cooking and were strung in a necklace to put around the baby’s neck so he could chew on it when teething. Bull nettle was used for the same purpose by the Cherokee.
Motherwort (Leonurus The common name of this plant tells its use—to help the mother. The Latin species name, tells of its other use—a helpmate for the heart. It was used with evening primrose and bilberry for blood pressure problems and blood clotting.
In earlier years motherwort was used as a stimulant and a tonic. The plant was referred to as “mother,” or e One elder said motherwort was a gift from the Iroquois for treating “the cramp and weak hearts of women.” One had to be trained in the proper use of the plant. Motherwort should not be used when taking blood-thinning drugs, or when a woman is pregnant. It is used as a stimulant for “weakly females with nervous conditions, and works where others don’t.” My father called it “lion’s ear.” Today motherwort is used for treating menstrual cramps and for easing childbirth. A sedative, it is also used in treating heart palpitations.
Mountain dittany (Cunila This plant was included in a snakebite formula in earlier years. As a tea it was used for “female pains, and with the gift of birth.” Mary Chiltoskey mentioned this same use. Another elder said it was “used with the ‘five-finger plant’ [ginseng] to help women in labor and with the pains of childbirth.”
Mountain mint (Pycnanthemus flexuosum and P. Mountain mint was mentioned by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey as a leaf poultice for treating female headaches and for treating heart problems. The plant was used to settle the nerves, usually with rue and willow, among others. Other plants called mountain mint include calamint (Calamintha oregano (Origanum and Oswego tea or bee balm (Monarda
Mullein (Verbascum Common mullein, ga lah la di, i ga di in Cherokee, is probably best known for its furlike leaves, which were smoked to ease throat and lung problems. French traders who lived among the Cherokee probably shared mullein’s use for treating irregular heartbeat, palpitations, and other heart problems.
A handful of cut leaves would be boiled until reduced to about a pint. This infusion would be strained and mixed with a popular tea, one teaspoon twice a day, just to preserve the formula. I do not recommend using mullein without consulting with a trained herbalist who knows about dosage control. Mullein’s most common use is for treating cough and bronchitis.
Nettle, stinging (Urtica This plant was used to promote the flow of milk in new mothers. It was also used for “poor blood,” or anemic conditions with low hemoglobin levels, especially in women who experienced heavy menstruation. Today nettle is used for complaints of uterine bleeding and for treating inflammation. It is an effective diuretic and is used in a formula as a sedative for female anxiety and uterine pain, but its effectiveness in promoting milk flow is in question.
The tiny hairs, or stingers, on the nettle plant contain formic acid and histamines, which protect the plant from animals and unwanted insects. When the hair tips are touched they leave the acid and histamines on the intruder’s skin. These substances are so toxic to insects that some can actually experience genetic damage to the larvae.
Nettle has been used for male prostate complaints and for everything from respiratory ailments to arthritis. The tops of young plants are carefully removed with gloves, then crushed with the leaves of dock (Rumex crispus). An earlier formula combined nettle with plantain and milkweed “for difficulty of men urinating” (benign prostate hyperplasia). This formula is not in use today. Some tribes considered stinging nettle a sacred plant that could only be used by those specially trained in the ways of this Medicine. There are good references today for the specific uses of nettle.
Nightshade, black (Solanum The stem and leaves of black nightshade were used as a tea for “grieving persons after the death of a family member.” An elder reported that “it was mixed with the Moon Medicine to calm the spirit.” In earlier years the Moon was always associated with someone passing to the “darkening land.” A sacred formula for grieving included a sedative as well as a stimulant to ward off depression. Black nightshade should not be confused with bittersweet nightshade (S. which was used with yellow dock for sores and swelling.
Black nightshade was used for treating heart rhythm problems and a “nervous heart,” as well as for treating digestive problems in earlier years. Caution is recommended if black nightshade is used internally, because it can be slightly poisonous. This plant should also not be confused with deadly nightshade (Atropa sometimes called poison black cherry.
Oak tree alba and other species). The inner bark of ge ga a ta u (or e qua, gu le, for “acorn”) was used in a formula with other tree barks as a wash for sores and itching skin. It is also used as an astringent, due to its tannin content, and as a natural antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial. Oak was used along with locust, redbud, and plum to make the sacred fire. The inner bark on the east side of the tree was used for ceremonial purposes, along with white oak, black oak, basswood, and chestnut. The inner bark of black oak and yellowroot were used to make a dye. Black or yellow oak (Q. velutina) was used as an East Medicine for birthing, with chestnut or rock chestnut oak (Q. The latter was also used to tan leather.
As members of the Beech family, other oaks were used not for their medicinal value but for making sacred fires. These included post oak (Q. red oak (Q. Black Jack oak (Q. red or black oak (Q. and chinkapin or chestnut oak (Q. Today oak is used for treating vagin*l problems, to harden nipples for breast-feeding, and for treating bacterial and viral infections.
Partridgeberry (Mitchella Sometimes called twinberry, foxberry, or squaw vine, partridgeberry was used on breasts before breastfeeding; it was also used to ease the pain of sore breasts. Earlier Cherokee called it gu qua, or deer plant, and a wi for its use in soothing abdominal pain and menstruation. Partridgeberry was used as a uterine stimulant and an astringent for the nervous system in a formula that would include raspberry leaves. It is a member of the Madder, or Bedstraw, family.
Partridge pea (cl*toria Called “butterfly pea” by mountain folks, “it was said to be a good love Medicine to give to a woman. Just don’t tell her it’s called ‘cl*toria,’ and was used by the Old Ones in other countries to enhance fertility.”
Passionflower (Passiflora The flowers and roots of passionflower were used as a sedative for painful menstruation. It was also used in a tea for nervous conditions and “pains of the heart,” along with flaming azalea roots and twigs. The formula also mentioned the use of hawthorn and hazel alder (Alnus
Passionflower was known as “old field apricot” or “maypop” by earlier Indians and mountain folks, who used it “to draw out inflammation.” It was used for babies who had a difficult time weaning, and with chamomile for young mothers, to “calm the spirit.”
There is much to be said about this sacred plant, used earlier in “love Medicine” and in ceremonies. A beloved elder said that passionflower was “a gift from our Mexican brothers and sisters to calm the heart and spirit.” It was also used in sacred ceremonies for those who had passed on. Today passionflower is used for its calming effects. It is a member of the Passionflower family.
Pepper (Capsicum Red pepper is a systemic stimulant that was not used much by earlier Cherokee, but it was traded as a stimulant. However, pepper has become more popular in modern days and is included in several formulas as a tonic and stimulant for the digestive and circulatory systems of “sickly females” and the elderly during cold weather. Pepper has antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. Earlier Cherokee give credit to our Mexican Indian brothers and sisters for introducing capsicum through trade.
Pepper grass (Lepidium Pepper grass was a gift from the southeastern Indians, who used the native plant with ginseng, or “five-finger,” root. Knowledge of its use in earlier years seems to have been lost.
Periwinkle (Vinca Common periwinkle, sometimes called myrtle or lesser periwinkle, is identified by its runners and shiny leaves, with violet or sometimes whitish flowers that bloom in May and June.Common periwinkle was used as a hemostatic, an agent that stops the flow of blood. While that application was mentioned in earlier Cherokee Medicine teachings, it was not clear what part of the plant was used. We do know that the entire plant was used for treating circulatory complaints. Periwinkle was only used by those “trained in plant Medicine.”
Persimmon tree (Diospyros In earlier years persimmon fruit was dried for traveling food and to use as a lure when hunting animals. The bark was used in a formula for treating venereal disease. According to an elder, sweetgum was used in that formula. Persimmon is a member of the Ebony family.
Peruvian bark tree (Cinchona It was a little surprising to me when use of this bark was mentioned in Cherokee Medicine. Peruvian bark tree was valued as an astringent, a tonic, and a stimulant for the uterus. The bark was used for its quinine content in treating malarial infections in earlier years. The tree is native to Peru and Ecuador.
Phlox (see Sweet William).
Pine tree virginiana and other species). All species of pine were considered sacred among the earlier Cherokee. Pine was used in many earlier formulas. The bark was used for treating swollen testicl*s and sexually transmitted diseases. The primary use as an East Medicine was for ceremonial purposes and for treating swelling of the breasts. According to Mary Chiltoskey, a pine branch or bundle of needles was placed on the hearth and would be used to rekindle the hearth fire after a death in a Cherokee family.
The inner bark of white pine taken from the east-facing side of the tree was used in the sacred fire on the seventh day of the Green Corn Ceremony. Other woods included in the ceremonial fire were Black Jack pine and chestnut; the ashes would be used for ceremonial purposes. White pine was also used in a Friends-making Ceremony that was held each year, along with cedar and hemlock. Other tree bark and roots were used for the fire, including mountain birch, willow, dogwood, and spruce. The new fire would be carried to each clan and family home as a symbol of beginning-again. As an elder said, “The Great One gifted us with the pine that is used for everything in the physical circle, including the Universal Circle.”
Piney weed (Hypericum hypericoides and H. Earlier use of this plant included a formula for promoting menstruation. The formula included skullcap, partridgeberry, and several other plants for “fixing a female problem.” It was also used in a formula for venereal disease, in which it was referred to as St. Andrew’s cross. In earlier years other plants were used with piney weed for treating sexually transmitted diseases. Those plants include burdock, comfrey, devil’s walkingstick, lady’s slipper, pine, and prickly ash. Mountain folks added balsam, persimmon, Eastern wahoo, greenbrier, milkweed, dogbane, figwort, and cardinal flower.
Pipsissewa (Chimaphila Also called pip, this plant was used for treating menstrual difficulties and was part of an old formula for controling menstrual flow. While little was said about pip, a Cherokee elder felt that it was very effective, especially when used with goldenseal.
Pitcher plant (Sarracenia While this plant was known by several common names, such as flycatcher or trumpets, it was known by earlier Cherokee as ta lu tsi, “cup plant” or “basket plant.” Pitcher plant was considered to be special Medicine; the formula for its use was kept secret. An elder said, “Only a few knew the formula of the pitcher plant, and they have passed into the otherworld.” An elder said the plant was “a gift from the Catawbas and other eastern tribes who live in the east of North Carolina and south, down in South Carolina, where this plant is commonly found.” An elder referred to the plant as “trumpets calling to insects and little flyers to catch them on a stick death.” It is a carnivorous plant found in the damp soils of bogs and swamps.
Plantain, broadleaf (Plantago lanceolata and P. Broadleaf, or lance leaf, plantain was also called English plantain. American Indians referred to this common weed as “White man’s foot.” Common, or great, plantain (P. major) was a popular remedy for children, especially in treating insect bites and stings. Earlier Cherokee believed that an infusion of the leaves would strengthen the child for learning to crawl or walk. According to Mary Chiltoskey, plantain was used as a wash for babies and as a tea for cleansing the bowels of a baby with complaints. A combination of broadleaf and rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens or repens) was used with alder, wild cherry, wild ginger, and yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) as a tonic to “build the blood and give spirit to the body.” Rattlesnake plantain was mentioned in the formulas as useful for treating swelling. Today plantain is used to treat urinary tract infections and skin inflammation resulting from poison ivy and as a helper in treating cancer.
Poke or pokeweed (Phytolacca While primarily known for its use in “poke salad,” pokeweed was used as an East Medicine to stimulate the metabolism. It was also used to treat what we now know of as breast cancer and for swelling and related pains of the breast following childbirth. The formula has been lost, but I believe it included wild ginger, ginseng, and ga na s da tsi, or sassafras.
Today poke is used for treating inflammation and swollen lymph nodes. Poke has many side effects and can be extremely toxic. An elder reported that “only those trained would be allowed to work with this plant in earlier years.” It is also a persistent plant and can be difficult to get rid of in the yard or garden.
Prickly ash tree (Zanthoxylum Prickly ash was used in several formulas to “purify the blood” and was combined with Indian root for treating sexually transmitted diseases. Also known as toothache tree, it is an astringent and is used to stimulate the circulation. An elder said it was also used to lower blood pressure and reduce fevers and inflammation. An elder said, “Prickly ash was used to stimulate the circulatory system and for fever that comes with being sickly and having no energy.” See also Devil’s walkingstick.
Puffball (Geastrum Earlier Cherokee put some of the “dust snuff” from puffball, or earth star, on a baby’s navel after birth to help the umbilical junction to heal. Puffball is a natural antibiotic and an astringent. It has also been used for “earaches and infections with children.” It was mentioned by Mary Chiltoskey as being called “earth star.”
Puffball is a fungus not to be confused with dandelion, which is also called puffball or blowball because the dried flower is a globular cluster of achenes that can fly through the air. Puffball has a shell-like ball that is brown. When stepped upon it releases a light, airborne substance that looks like snuff.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea Purple coneflower was used for treating snakebites in earlier years. The Cherokee recognize echinacea’s value as an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory. It was used in several formulas, including formulas to support birthing. Please encourage others to leave this beautiful gift of Mother Earth unharvested in its natural environment. Like goldenseal and ginseng, echinacea is popular and it is very rapidly being stripped from the mountains. This plant is easily grown in a home garden where the soil is moist but well drained and sunshine is abundant.
Rabbit tobacco (Antennaria An old formula included rabbit tobacco, or sweet everlasting, for reducing menstruation for “women with profuse bleeding.” A story in Cherokee mythology tells about how Rabbit got caught in the briers and laurel roots, and in the process of freeing himself discovered this plant’s gift for stopping the bleeding at a cut or wound. There are many stories about how the plants got their names, and in earlier days stories were a means for remembering a plant’s use.
Mountain folks called rabbit tobacco “pearly everlasting.” Another plant called rabbit tobacco by early Cherokee is Gnaphalium obrusifolium, which is also known as cudweed or sweet everlasting.
Ragweed (Ambrosia Common ragweed and great ragweed were used in the Green Corn Ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the health of the corn crop. This was a special occasion in earlier years, for the survival of the families, clans, and the Cherokee tribe was determined in part by the corn crop. As an elder said, “Full corn bins meant a good winter, but empty bins meant slim or no survival in the harsh mountain winters.”
Ragweed pollen is recognized as a common cause of hay fever.
Ragwort (Senecio The Cherokee called ragwort da lo ni ge or “gold”; mountain folks called the plant “squaw weed” or “golden ragwort.” An elder said that ragwort was used in a formula to prevent pregnancy. It was also used in a heart formula, probably as a diuretic. It was used to suppress menstruation and was even used by some American Indians to induce abortion. The toxic alkaloids in ragwort make it a plant to use with caution.
Mountain folks considered ragwort a good heart remedy because it has heart-shaped leaves. Sometimes it was called “old man,” “squaw weed,” or “wild valerian.” (Please keep in mind that the term squaw has negative connotations for American Indians.) Today ragwort is used for treating menstrual concerns.
Ramps (Allium This species of wild onion, was di in Cherokee, is an important ingredient in the Cherokee “spring tonic” for vigor, and for “purifying the blood.” Today ramp festivals are popular events in the Southeast. An elder said, “You gotta’ cultivate a taste for cooked ramps or get out of town when they are being prepared, ’cause they smell something awful.”
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus, R. occidentalis, and R. Raspberry root was used as a uterine tonic for easing labor. It was also used to ease the pains of childbirth and for addressing menstrual problems. While useful during pregnancy, an experienced midwife recommended not using raspberry root during the first trimester because of its ability to stimulate bleeding. It is a mild astringent with tannins.
In earlier years raspberry root was thought to be a way of relieving rheumatism. The painful or inflamed area would be scratched by the prickly stem of the raspberry, and then the root wash would be applied to the scratch. Raspberry was also used to prevent miscarriage and increase milk, and for addressing cardiovascular problems. The active agents are tannins, flavonoids, and vitamin C. If harvesting the plant for personal use, be sure it is raspberry rather than blackberry.
Red cardinal (Erythrina An elder referred to this plant as “Cherokee bean.” The seeds were used in the winter as a special Medicine for fishing; it was also used as a natural poison for rats, along with horse chestnut seeds. Red cardinal was considered a sacred plant for “moon Medicine,” referring to female issues. It was usually used as part of a formula or a remedy that a grandmother would have that would be kept secret until needed for starting a period or avoiding pregnancy, or for treating a disease “that was not to be mentioned for open ears.”
Red clover (Trifolium Red clover, also called broad-leaved clover, is a plant naturalized from Europe. Earlier Cherokee and other tribes used it along with Indian root as a blood purifier and for menstrual problems, as well as for menopause. An elder called it “red horse” or o li Red clover is an excellent source of what we know today to be phytoestrogen isoflavones, which help prevent cancer. An elder said, “Clover is like ginseng and evening primrose—there are some special things the Great One put in them to make them special Medicine, and it is up to us to figure that out.” Red clover is a member of the Pea or Bean family. Today it is used as an estrogen replacement after menopause. Do not use red clover during pregnancy.
Redroot (Amaranthus Redroot is sometimes referred to as “pigweed” by mountain folks. Due to their saponin content the leaves of redroot were used by some Indian tribes for washing clothes. Redroot was used in earlier years to stop bleeding from diarrhea and in the event of profuse menstruation. An elder remembered that there used to be a story about the red bark of this plant, which grows about two feet high and has white flowers, and its strong friendship with the hickory and pine trees. While the story has been forgotten, the relationship of plants and trees were very important in learning about which ones to choose and from which direction on the Medicine Wheel to harvest the plants. Stories were also a way to remind us of our harmony and balance with all things in nature “for the Medicine to work as a helper for us.”
The roots of redroot were used to treat internal bleeding, difficult sores, and venereal disease in earlier years. Amaranth pigweed (A. hybridus) was also used as an astringent for reducing menstrual flow.
Red root (Ceanothus This plant, also known as New Jersey tea, was used in a spring tonic with sassafras, sarsaparilla, Indian root, and ginseng in earlier years. An elder said, “It would set your heart and spirit straight.” Red root was used in a formula in earlier years for treating venereal disease as well.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum and R. A tea was made for the heart in a formula using the bark of rhododendron and several other plants. Rhodendron leaf was used in a poultice for treating pain. Rhodendron-leaf fans were used in the Friends-making Ceremony as a traditional way to “call upon the spirit of the winter to be kind, to clean the air, and to call for an early spring.” This plant is sometimes called Catawba rhodendron, the name coming from the Catawba River in North Carolina. According to an elder rhodendron was also called “purple laurel” or “mountain rhododendron.”
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Rosemary is an antiseptic, diuretic, and antispasmodic used in earlier years for relieving pain, stress, and cramping. The essential oil in the rosemary plant has been identified as stimulating menstrual flow and treating circulatory problems. It is unclear how it was prepared. This small evergreen herb with aromatic leaves continues to be grown in kitchens and used in cooking. In earlier years, as one elder put it, “This little plant represented the liberation of women, long before these young girls thought of the idea.” Rosemary was also used with walking fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) for treating swollen breasts. The essential oil was considered a “gift to females” and was added to shampoo.
Rose pink (Sabatia Rose pink was one of the plants that Bartram took back to Philadelphia from his trip to the Carolinas in the 1790s. It was used as a tea for yellow fever at that time. The Cherokee also made a tea from rose pink for treating menstrual pains. This use was verified by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey. Also called meadow beauty, rose pink has beautiful pinkish to purple flowers; it grows in the open areas of the mountains and along roadsides.
Rosin weed (Silphium compositum or S. Rosin weed was mentioned by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey as being used for treating weak females. Mountain folks used it in a “sang [ginseng] tea” for stimulating the body and building strength. The plant is a cousin to Indian cup (S. which was used by several midwestern tribes to treat rheumatism and for “strength for hunting.” An elder called it the “plant pilot weed”; it was used in sweats to increase perspiration and to rid the body of toxins each spring.
Rue (Ruta Common rue was called u ne ga, u s di, “little white,” by earlier Cherokee. It was used to treat nervousness during menopause, as well as heart palpitations. It was also combined with alumroot, or wild geranium, to reduce menstrual flow and for vagin*l discharge.
There may be some confusion about this plant as recorded by Mooney, who identified meadow rue (Thalictrum anemonoides) as being used by the Cherokee for diarrhea. The purple meadow rue (Thalictrum revolutum) was used for stomach cramps, but the rue mentioned in the old formula for avoiding pregnancy and treating menstrual concerns and cramping is Ruta, or u tsa ti in Cherokee.
Rush, common (Juncus effusus or J. In earlier years this plant, which was used with babies and children, had a mythical quality. An elder said it “was given by the Medicine man for strength of the little ones, for them to grow to be good hunters and ballplayers.” It was used with plantain to prevent infant walking problems.
Sage (Salvia Sage, or purple sage, is used in ceremonies and traditional sweats as a “clearing-way” formula. It is used for nervous conditions, especially during menopause. An elder said that “a tea with honey would be given to weakly females for strength before birthing.” Sage was used to stop the flow of milk, but the elders could not remember the formula. It was combined with shepherd’s purse to raise the blood pressure. One Medicine woman combined sage with sarsaparilla and red clover “to stimulate the female,” or provide an estrogen-like action. Sage was also combined with rosemary for improving circulation, and with raspberry for treating “the pain of menstruation.”
Sage was used as an antispasmodic, an astringent, and an antiseptic, and for reducing blood sugar levels. Today it is used for treating menstrual pain, muscle spasms, and excessive flow of milk.
Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) makes an interesting variety for East ceremonies. The flowers are also white and purple, which can be used for South and North Medicine ceremonies to burn or offer to a fire for a “clearing-way” and to give thanks to the Great One for healing or going on a long trip or journey. There is also a blue or azure sage (Salvia azurea) that was gifted to the Cherokee by eastern tribes, but its use is uncertain now.
Sassafras tree (Sassafras The bark and roots of sassafras, ka na sti in Cherokee, were mentioned by an elder as being used for treating venereal disease and as a blood purifier. The inner bark was considered a cure-all by American Indians in the Southeast. The Cherokee used sassafras as a diuretic, and the oil was extracted and used as an antiseptic. It is used as a tonic with calamus root or blue flag to “settle the spirit and body.” It was also used for “people with weak hearts.”
Earlier use of sassafras by American Indians and mountain folks was as a spring tonic. An elder called it ga na s da tsi, a word relating to sassafras’s clearing actions, a testimony to its use in treating bowel and stomach problems. It was also used as a cough medicine and a blood tonic. The roots were used for making yellow dye. Today sassafras is used as a tonic for addressing ill health and malnutrition, fluid retention, and sex-related diseases, and to enhance physical performance. Sassafras was banned for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to safrole, a poisonous constituent of the plant. It is mentioned here only for educational purposes.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa The berries of ga na do “leaf saw,” were crushed for their juice and applied to sore nipples. Today saw palmetto is a popular remedy for genital and urinary problems, as well as for treating sexual dysfunction. It is a member of the Palm family.
Scurvy grass (Cochlearia Scurvy grass was used as a blood purifier and in a formula as a spring tonic, along with other plants, including sassafras. Scurvy grass is known as “spoonwort” by my herbalist friends in England, who grow it as a garden plant.
Senna, wild (Cassia Also called sensitive plant, senna was used as a root tea for “weak hearts, and those who have fainting spells.” It was favored as a mild tea for treating children with fever, and for women “during the time of cramps.” Mooney mentioned the Cherokee calling this plant u nagei or u neg, “black plant,” for use when there was darkness around the eyes. Partridge pea is combined with senna to alleviate fatigue and syncope, as verified by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey. Do not use senna during pregnancy or while nursing.
Serviceberry tree (Amelanchier Serviceberry was included in the spring tonic. It is sometimes called downy serviceberry; my father called it “shadbush,” and his grandfather called it “sarvis.” It is popular for its beautiful white flowers, which bloom in the early spring. The Cherokee called serviceberry “little apple” for the sweet and edible fruit. Serviceberry is a member of the Rose family.
Seven-bark shrub (Hydrangea Also known as wild hydrangea or seven-bark shrub, te ta na we ski was used in a tea for assisting with a woman’s menstrual cycle. It was also used for high blood pressure, and the bark and leaf were made into a diuretic for women’s Medicine. Seven-bark shrub was mentioned for women who had “bad dreams during their periods.” Other female Medicine uses included treating weak bladders, edema, and gout. Seven-bark shrub was also used to treat prostate problems in men. Seven-bark shrub has tiny clusters of light yellow to cream-colored flowers that rest among the large and broad leaves of the shrub.
Shepherd’s purse (Capsella Called de ga lo di, yv wi ya hi, “Indian bag” in Cherokee, shepherd’s purse was used along with alumroot or wild geranium to stop bleeding, or as a mild hemostatic. An elder referred to it as “a bristle plant that hooks on whatever goes by to catch a ride to higher ground.” The name shepherd’s purse is said to have come from the shape of the seedpod, which looks like a purse. Some mountain folks called it “mother’s heart.”
Shepherd’s purse is a member of the Mustard family. Shepherd’s purse acts to constrict blood vessels; it regulates the heart as well as the menstrual cycle. As an astringent it reduces blood pressure and bleeding; it is also used as a urinary antiseptic. Today it is used for treating bleeding disorders, blood in the urine, and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it brings on uterine contractions.
Skullcap (Scutellaria The Cherokee used skullcap as a sedative and to relieve breast pains, a use which was verified by Mary Chiltoskey. I could not verify its reported use for expelling afterbirth. The Cherokee called skullcap ga ni qui li
Slippery elm (Ulmus The inner bark of slippery elm was used in earlier years for addressing breast complaints, and for treating children “who complained of pain in the stomach as a way to get out of going to school.” It was combined with chamomile for a vagin*l douche. Eastern tribes called it “Indian elm.”
Snakeroot (see Blue cohosh and Wild ginger).
Snakeroot, black (Aristolochia The root of black snakeroot is used for treating “female weakness, headaches, and other pains.” Also called Virginia snakeroot, this plant was mentioned by John Lust as one that stimulates bloodflow. Mooney recorded the Cherokee name as tstiyu, or “very small root.” The plant is probably best known as black snakeroot; it is still used for treating fevers and “to strengthen weak males for endurance.” It was also used to treat syncope, vertigo, and chest pains.
Snakeroot, sampson (Psoralea This plant was used in earlier years for treating menstrual problems. It was considered an East Medicine “cure-all” for female problems. Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) has a chemical called reserpine, which dilates the blood vessels.
Snakeroot, white (Eupatorium White snakeroot was used as a diuretic, in particular for women during and following pregnancy. It was also used in a tonic formula and to help reduce fever in “weakly females.”
Sneezeweed (Helenium The common name of sneezeweed probably came as a result of the crushed dried leaves being used in earlier years to induce sneezing. It was mentioned by an elder as being used with ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) roots to prevent menstruation, according to Mary Chiltoskey. Other plants, including sorrel, were part of this formula. The formula is thought to be lost now; it was a very old remedy. This plant is a good choice for a home garden with moist soil. The daisylike yellow to orange flowers have the shape of purple coneflower.
Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum or P. While used as an astringent and to evoke “throw-up and for a clearing,” Solomon’s seal was most commonly used “for those with too much bleeding [female menstruation].” Mary Chiltoskey verified Solomon’s seal’s use for the same purposes. Solomon’s seal was collected for making a “wild salad,” along with watercress and dandelion. An elder referred to it as oo te ste ski, used as a female tonic.
Solomon’s seal is a member of the Lily family. The drooping stem has greenish white bell-shaped flowers that hang down, which is a way to differentiate it from false Solomon’s seal.
Souchan (Rudbeckia While these natural greens are gathered in the spring for cooking, they are also used as a “spring tonic and good Medicine for women and children, to give them strength.” It is called wild golden glow or green-headed coneflower in the herbal literature, but it has always been known to the Cherokee as souchan.
Southern lady fern (Athyrium Southern lady fern was a “special headache Medicine for females.” There was no mention of how this remedy was prepared, but it was included in a formula that also used white willow and other plants for calming female anxiety.
Southern wax myrtle (see Bayberry).
Spicebush (Lindera Spicebush was valued for all disorders of the blood and was particularly valued as a “female Medicine.” An old remedy using spicebush eased “the itching of a female [vaginitis].” The plant has a microbial effect and is therefore effective in treating Candida albicans and yeast infections.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia Some referred to this plant as dayflower. It was used for females experiencing kidney problems associated with pregnancy.
Spikenard, American (see Indian root).
Spleenwort (Asplenium This evergreen fern was used to improve the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Little else is known about the earlier use of spleenwort as an East Medicine.
Spotted cowbane (see Water hemlock).
Spotted spurge (Euphorbia hypericifolia and E. Both varieties of spotted spurge were used in an earlier cancer formula, especially for women. This formula is known by only a very few Medicine men and women alive today. As is common with “special Medicine,” the formula is passed down through the family to preserve the mixture and its use. Spotted spurge is thought to be a helper to the immune system. It is considered poisonous and should be handled only by those specially trained in this Medicine.
Spreading dogbane (Apocynum Some Indians believed that eating the boiled root of this plant would confer sterility. The root was used as a stimulant and tonic during pregnancy. The fruit was used for heart and kidney function, and a root tea was made for “flushing.” Spreading dogbane was also known as “colic root” and “rheumatism root” by mountain folks.
Spring crocus (Pulsatilla Spring crocus was called pasqueflower. It was gathered in the early spring or April. An elder said, “It reminds us of spring, romance, and ceremonial time a-comin’.” Spring crocus was used in an old ceremonial drink. There was also a pasqueflower (P. vulgaris) used in assisting women “in the change of life.”
St. John’s wort (Hypericum Earlier use of St. John’s wort was “to calm the nerve pain of wounds.” It was used for treating menopausal conditions, especially those associated with anxiety and irritability. Infants would be bathed in “root water” for strength. St. John’s wort is an astringent and an anti-inflammatory and was used to relieve pain. An elder said this plant was a gift from the Catawba and other eastern tribes. Mountain St. John’s wort varieties (H. graveolens and H. mitchellianum) are used for the same purposes. The five yellow petals have an extended pistil of what an elder calls “golden yellow sparklers that get your attention if you are a bee or a bird.”
Strawberry (Fragaria vesca and F. Wild strawberry and Virginia strawberry were used for women “for strength and clearing during pregnancy.” The families would look forward to spring “berry huntin’” in the mountains of North Carolina. Strawberries, like blackberries, were given to children for minor inflammations.
There is a Cherokee story about a woman and man having a conflict. She leaves and he follows, but he is not able to find her. He sees the strawberries that she leaves, and they come back together to enjoy strawberry eating and “clearing-way” discussions. Strawberry-leaf tea was made to calm the nerves. It is used in an old formula with yarrow or raspberry for relieving cramps.
Strawberry bush (see Hearts-a-bustin’).
Sunflower, common (Helianthus annuus). Common sunflower, or a ga li ha, is a sacred plant that appears in many Indian myths and stories. Sunflower has a special place in Indian Medicine. The seeds were used for treating the pain that females experience with the menstrual cycle; it was thought to help due to the Sun having a daily cycle, which keeps us warm and helps to grow food and medicinal plants. Men ate the seeds for “strength in love,” said an elder; sunflower seeds are a good source of arginine, which helps boost sperm count.
The plant contains one of the best sources of phenylalamine, helpful in the control of pain, and is a rich source of vitamin E. An earlier formula combined it with peppermint and thyme for “soothing relief of the druthers and life’s daily pain.” Sunflower oil is used in cooking and as a dietary supplement, as well as an oil for smooth skin and massage. Sunflower is a member of the Aster or Composite family.
Swamp lily (Saururus An elder said swamp lily was a gift from the Catawba people, “who used it for female pains of the heart and labor.” It is a member of the Lizard’s Tail, or Water Dragon, family. Sometimes called by those names, it is one of the remedies that seems to have been lost with time. John Bartram reported on swamp lily in 1751 in his travels that took him through the swamp areas of South Carolina and Georgia.
Sweet flag (see Calamus root).
Sweet violet (Viola The entire sweet violet plant is used in a tea for “female nerves,” as a cousin to wild pansy. This is “nature’s little beauty,” with an essential oil being made from the leaves and flowers. In earlier years sweet violet was used in several formulas for treating skin problems, “nervous conditions of females,” and sore throats.
Sweet William (Phlox maculata and P. A bath of sweet William or wild blue phlox was used ceremonially to protect and help young babies and children to grow strong and healthy. Mary Chiltoskey also mentioned mountain folks using the root infusion to make children grow. The blue flowers of the wild variety provide fragrance and a nice speckle of color to a rock garden. Creeping phlox (P. stolonifer), a pink- to mauve-flowered variety, is found in shaded areas.
Sycamore tree (Platanus In earlier years this member of the Sycamore family was used in birthing with Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana) and golden ragwort (Secenio aureus). The bark was used in several formulas for female problems. It was also used in a formula for the “bad disease” (venereal or sexually transmitted disease); that formula included sweetgum, blackgum, beech, mountain laurel, dogwood, and Virginia creeper. Traditional sweats included sycamore bark, tulip or cucumber, and wild parsnips for healing. The sacred and ceremonial fire was made from this tree, as well as Black Jack pine, post pine, and red oak.
Tansy (Tanacetum Tansy was used primarily for treating bruises and sprains; however, it was also used as a tea “for those who are slow to menstruation.” The plant has fernlike leaves with cluster flower tops bearing golden yellow flowers. It was used in a “tonic water.” An elder said that in earlier years the leaves were placed in the moccasins of pregnant women to prevent miscarriages. The plant has also been called daisy, or buttons, and the bright yellow flowers were called “nature’s eyes” by earlier Cherokee. An elder said the plant was used to “rid children of those pesky parasites.” Today tansy is used to stimulate menstruation and for treating muscle spasms and swelling. Do not use tansy internally during pregnancy.
Thyme (Thymus A member of the Mint family, this plant gift originally from Spain was included in the Cherokee Medicine bag for painful menstruation. An elder called it “snake,” or u nu It has value as an antiseptic, an astringent, and an antispasmodic. Thyme is used today for treating female menstrual problems and for headaches and tensions of males and females.
Tobacco (Nicotiana The leaves of tsa lu, or wild tobacco, were smoked and used to gift the sacred fire during ceremonies. Sacred tobacco is offered to the fire for sending a message of thanks to the Great One. The ashes were offered to each family to keep sacred for the entire year, until the next clearing and rekindling of the sacred fire.
Tobacco leaves are poisonous; nicotine, a toxin, is an alkaloid that can be absorbed through the skin. Tobacco is used today primarily as a ceremonial plant and for gifting. A variety of flowering tobacco (N. alata) with red flowers is a great plant for home gardens.
Wild tobacco is different from Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata), or pukeweed, used by American Indians in ceremonies. Another plant, called rabbit tobacco (Antennaria plantaquinfolia), sometimes called sweet everlasting, is also used as a “smoke, particularly by women in earlier years.” Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) was also called Indian tobacco in the mountains of Appalachia.
Trillium (Trillium Trillium—also known as Indian balm, Beth root, purple wake-robin, or stinking benjamin—was used as a helper for women in childbirth to stop bleeding, and as an astringent. An elder called it “three wolf” or tso i, wa ya. A formula containing trillium was used to help slow heart palpitations, but little was said about how it was prepared by earlier Medicine men and women. The use of yellow trillium (T. luteum), large-flowered trillium (T. grandiflorum), and white wake-robin (T. erectum) were different in earlier Cherokee Medicine. Only the white wake-robin is still used; the other two species are not used in Indian Medicine today, to the best of my knowledge.
Trillium’s best-known use is probably as an antispasmodic and a uterine astringent. There were tales of a piece of the root being placed in food to create a “love Medicine.” It is considered a sacred plant for “keeping the family together.” Do not use during pregnancy.
Trillium is at risk of extinction in its natural environment today. A good choice of trillium for the home garden is large-flowered trillium (T. which has large and showy white flowers.
Twinberry or twin berry (see Partridgeberry).
Venus flytrap (Dionaea Venus flytrap was one of those “special Medicines” that was “just not talked about to anyone.” It was considered as having special powers in fishing. Mary Chiltoskey and I confirmed that a small piece of the root would be chewed and spit on the worm or bait. An elder said this plant was a gift from the eastern tribes, who considered it “special Medicine.” Venus flytrap is at risk of extinction in its natural environment. Sundew (Drosera rotundiflora) is another plant used in female Medicine and is also at risk.
Venus looking glass (Specularia perfoliata). Venus looking glass was used to help control eating, especially for women “who were in waiting for birthing,” and afterward. It was considered a sacred plant in earlier years; little more is known about this plant and its use today. It is a carnivorous plant that traps insects. The entire plant is used today to stimulate the immune system.
Vervain (Verbena Vervain, or Indian hyssop, was used for treating vagin*l itching and yeast infections. It is a weed that has opposite, three-lobed leaves and small stalks of light purplish flowers. As an elder said, “Everybody has seen it, but few know its power. I guess the Great One calls this plant ‘the humble one’ as it gives thanks each day from the roadside.” It is a member of the Vervain family. Do not use vervain during pregnancy. There is also a plant called Indian carrot (V. edulis) in Appalachia that was used as food by earlier American Indians.
Virgin’s bower (Clematis Also called little vine, virgin’s bower was used to treat female problems associated with kidneys and backaches. An elder said, “A tea was used for the nerves women have at that time of the month.” It was mixed with dogwood and black haw. The plant was used in a sacred formula in earlier years for Green Corn Medicine, in ceremony for young females. Common clematis (C. recta) is also called virgin’s bower. The plant is considered poisonous and should be prepared only by a trained herbalist.
Walking fern (Asplenium Also called walking leaf, walking fern was used in a formula for treating swollen breasts and pain following birth. I could not verify the other plants or barks in that formula except for pine and willow bark. I do know that an astringent was used in the mixture.
Wallflower (Cheiranthus cheiri). As an East Medicine, this plant from the Mustard family was used to promote menstruation. It was also used to relieve pain during childbirth, as well as to cleanse the entire system after childbirth. Wallflower is a natural diuretic. Herbalists stopped recommending it after it was discovered that wallflower contained glycosides with properties similar to digitalis in foxglove. The danger was in heart failure from an overdose.
Wallflower was a plant much respected by the earlier Cherokee. This is one of the few plants that earlier Cherokee used only for the flowers and the seeds. It was administered “to hope for a new conception where the death of a newborn had been experienced.” Wallflower is still used to encourage menstruation, but it is not to be used during pregnancy. Its use for cardiac insufficiency needs to be overseen by a trained herbalist or naturopathic physician. The fragrant wallflowers are popular in home flower gardens, with their spring colors of red, pink, and cream white.
Wapato (Sagittaria In earlier years women would bathe infants with this plant after giving birth. It was also used to bathe children with fever. Timothy Coffey mentions wapato as “broad-leaved arrowhead,” which is also called arrowleaf. The arrowhead-shaped leaves are distinctive and easily recognized in the North, where the plant is called swamp potato and was eaten as a food.
Watercress (Nasturtium Watercress was used on skin rashes and inflammations. It was also popular as a “spring salad” with dandelion and other greens. Today it is used for skin rashes, inflammation, and acne. In the “old Medicine” watercress was described as being used for “women’s problems.” Do not use during pregnancy.
Water dragon (see Swamp lily).
Water hemlock (Cicuta Water hemlock, also called spotted cowbane, was used as a contraceptive. The roots are poisonous. An elder said it was chewed for four days, but the elder did not know anyone who had used it since about 1920, when he was a young boy learning the Medicine. I do not recommend using it as a contraceptive.
The European water hemlock (C. virosa), or cowbane, was used for treating painful menstruation and migraines, but the fresh root is poisonous and acts directly on the central nervous system.
As well, the entire plant is slightly poisonous. Water hemlock is not to be confused with poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which is also called cowbane or spotted hemlock.
Wax myrtle (see Bayberry).
Wild cherry tree (Prunus Te ta ya was used in many formulas as a blood purifier and a tonic. It was used for women with labor pains and menstrual concerns. The bark, an astringent and a sedative, was used for coughs, nervous conditions, and diarrhea. Wild cherry contains cyanogenic glycosides, but cyanide poisoning is not likely due to the low content of this compound.
Wild clover (see Red clover).
Wild cucumber (see Balsam apple).
Wild garlic (Allium Wild garlic was mentioned by an elder as used for “people who have blood rush to their faces, except when they are embarrassed.” The same elder said that wild garlic was “a Johnnycome-lately plant in the Medicine.” Like garlic (A. sativum), wild garlic was used to purify the blood and for treating infections.
Wild ginger (Asarum Also known as coltsfoot and snakeroot, wild ginger was used for “settling the heart and nerves.” It was used in an old formula as a mild sedative for irregular or rapid heart rate. It stimulates the circulatory system and relaxes the vessels. Wild ginger was also used with dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) for “female conditions.”
A member of the Birthwort family, wild ginger has heart-shaped leaves and a dark brown flower. It is found in moist woods or near streams. One elder said, “The roots were used in the olden days with sampson snakeroot and what you call ‘star root’ for discharges with pain, and was even used to get rid of worms.” It was used for treating swollen breasts and pain. Wild ginger was also known as Indian ginger.
Wild golden glow (see Souchan).
Wild horehound (Eupatorium The bitter leaves were used for “women with breast complaints.” To my knowledge wild horehound is no longer used as an East Medicine, but as a West Medicine for several remedies that treat internal problems.
Wild lettuce (Lactuca Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey mentioned wild lettuce as being used for the sacred Green Corn Ceremony. It was used in earlier years as a stimulant, for pain relief, and as a calming agent for the nerves. The leaves are used in “spring greens” and as a “spring tonic.” An elder said, “A good pressing of the leaves and stalks makes it a good calming and relaxation snack late at night.”
Wild sarsaparilla (Aralia A bark tea made from sarsaparilla is a very old formula used to treat coughs and colds. It is used as a blood tonic to “renew the body and spirit all year, not just as a ‘spring tonic’ or for ceremony.” This use was verified by Paul Hamel and Mary Chiltoskey. Today sarsaparilla is used to enhance athletic performance, for treating fluid retention, and to induce sweating. As a member of the Ginseng family, it should also be mentioned that sarsaparillas are of the Smilax species, used with Aralia racemosa (Indian root) in making “mountain root beer and jams.” Other names for wild sarsaparilla are sweetroot and wild licorice.
Wild sunflower (see Elecampane).
Wild yam (Dioscorea Wild yam was used in an old formula to relieve childbirth pains, as well as for morning sickness and pregnancy complaints. Sometimes it was used in sweats to promote perspiration. An elder called it nu nv, or “wild potato.” Wild yam is a natural antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and antispasmodic. A compound called diosgenin has been found to have an estrogen effect in clinical studies performed on mice. Today wild yam is used for pain in the uterus and ovaries, as well as for treating menstrual cramps. This plant is at risk of extinction in its natural environment.
Wild yam should be in every woman’s Medicine bag as a salve for comfort of the breast and for treating vagin*l dryness.
Willow tree (Salix The inner bark of the white willow was popular in earlier years and was used in several formulas for general pain relief. The Willow family is a large species of small trees and shrubs. Most common in the Southeast is the eastern cottonwood or Carolina poplar and the black or swamp willow; the swamp cottonwood or swamp poplar and the southern willow are found along the coastal regions and Florida. The weeping willow (S. babylonica) is one of the most distinguishable willows, with its large size and weeping branches.
All of the Salix species’ varieties contain salicin, a natural form of aspirin. Indians extracted the salicin by pulverizing the inner bark of the willow and then taking what would amount to about a half-teaspoon, or brewing that in a tea. This amount comes to about 100 milligrams, which is about one-third of an aspirin.
As an East Medicine, willow is used for treating gout, pain, backaches, and angina or heart pain. Caution is suggested because pain can also be a signal of something else going on that may need medical attention, especially with pains around the heart. Salicin is one of the plant-derived substances that I carry in my Medicine bag.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis Witch hazel was used as a female wash and douche for irritations and vaginitis, according to John Lust. An earlier formula included witch hazel with chamomile as an antiseptic wash. Witch hazel also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory value. The German E Commission has approved witch hazel for hemorrhoids, inflammation of the mouth, rectal bleeding, wounds, and menstrual problems. It is a member of the Witch Hazel family.
Yarrow (Achillea A formula using the leaves of yarrow, witch hazel, hawthorn, and wood betony (Stachys officinalis) relaxes vessels and improves circulation and was used for “calming the heart.” It was used in earlier years for “healing the woman with menstrual problems” and for cramps. One elder said that yarrow, an astringent, can be called “a woman’s best friend.” Used with black cohosh, an elder said, “it was an answer to a prayer for menstrual problems, or when menstruation was not coming.” Another elder called it “blood feather,” or u gi da
Yarrow is a member of the Aster, or Composite, family. My father called it “dog daisy,” an Irish name; the Irish used it to stop bleeding and for treating inflammation. The German E Commission has suggested its use for venous and circulatory problems, as well as for arterial complaints. Do not use during pregnancy.
Yellow dock (Rumex Distinguished by the yellow rootstock, yellow or curled dock is used in a formula to “purify the blood.” It was used in earlier years in a skin ointment for “tender skin” and for women during pregnancy. Also called dock or curly dock, the plant is high in vitamin C and iron. An elder said it was used to “strengthen the lymphatic system.” While I was unable to verify its use in purifying the blood, it is effective as a blood cleanser and an astringent, an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, a tonic for the stomach, and for treating jaundice and bronchitis. Its primary use today is in formulas for treating skin sores and itching.
Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza The roots of this plant were used in earlier years in a formula to aid in childbirth. The roots and stems are used by the Cherokee for making a yellow dye, adding color to wood strips that go into making a basket. The name yellowroot is also used to describe goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), which was used by Cherokee women as an antiseptic in several formulas. Goldenseal is one of the plant-derived substances in my Medicine bag.
Yellow stargrass (Hypoxis Yellow stargrass was used in a formula brewed as a tea to strengthen the heart and the vascular system. It is not to be confused with star grass (Aletris farinosa), sometimes called colic root, which is used as a bitter tonic or a narcotic. Today yellow stargrass is used for treating depression and as a mood enhancer.
Yucca (see Bear grass).
Many uses of plants for East Medicine have been lost over the years. A few of those East Medicine plants are named here, in case a reader might recognize the name and know how the plant was used in earlier times by American Indians or mountain folks. These include buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus), trout lily (Erythronium americanum), meadow parsnip species), large-flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora), small bellwort or wild oats (Uvularia sessilifolia), stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta), hawkweed (Hieracium pratense), coreopsis (Coreopsis major or C. stellata), bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia), hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa), touch-me-not (Impatiens pallida), Appalachian avens (Geum radiatum), and yellow fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris).
If anyone recognizes these plant names and how the plants were used as East Medicine, I’d appreciate knowing that.
