Page 20 - Natural Healing Secrets of Native Americans

Natural Healing Secrets of Native Americans

GOLDENROD

Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora, S. canadensis)
and other goldenrod species pop up in the fall in
most North American states. They are often
blamed for allergies when this is not usually the
case.

This plant was used medicinally by the Cherokee for
diarrhea, coughs, fevers, tuberculosis, colds, and
measles. All aerial parts were infused in water to
drink in a tea. Other uses for goldenrod include use
as a diuretic, to treat rheumatism, headaches,
stomach issues, dysentery, and colic. Today
goldenrod is still used by herbalists due to its diuretic properties. It is thought to be beneficial to the
kidneys and urinary system by helping to flush out toxins and bacteria. It has been shown to contain seven
times more antioxidants than green tea.

PINEAPPLE WEED

Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea), is a pleasantly-scented
member of the chamomile family that is quite common in the
spring and summer in North America.
It was used by Native Americans in a tea for stomach issues,
colds, and fevers. This makes perfect sense, as it is closely
related to chamomile.

One distinguishing factor between this plant and chamomile is
that it smells like pineapple. It also does not have petals, just
bulbous yellow heads. It is still used today for many of the same
reasons one would use chamomile.

BELLWORT

Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora), a common early
spring sight in some regions of North America,
was used by the Potawatomi and Ojibwa for
rheumatism. They used the root tea for washing
rheumatic eye conditions. It was also thought to
have anti-inflammatory properties, and was used
in a poultice to treat snake bites, sore muscles,
backaches, and other painful or swollen areas of
the body.

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