NATIVE AMERICAN HEALING

Native American Herbs

Our friends the Native American people held a knowledge of plants used for medicine that has held true to this day. The Native Americans used more than 500 healing herbs thought to be healing secrets that are used in many modern day drugs. Native American healers regarded plants as relatives with the same energy, elements, minerals, and living compounds that are found in the natural world. Researchers in laboratories estimate that 25 percent of the drugs in use have actual ingredients either derived from or chemically similar to those in plants. Some of the drugs that have their roots in nature are the cancer drug tamoxifen, the heart drug digitalis, and painkillers morphine and aspirin. The powers of observation and the passing on of this knowledge to future generations is a great discovery. One of the most popular herbs is the Aloe Vera plant first used in Florida and southwestern United States. The Aloe is used for skin conditions, the healing of burns and wounds. Other uses are as a treatment for insect bites, fungal infections, frost bite, eczema, dry skin, and poison Ivy. Researches have shown that Aloe helps skin cells to regenerate, also effective for treating gum disease, acne, colitis, and ulcers. Many people use it as a liniment to help the inflammation of arthritis, or take it internally to ease constipation. The Aloe plant resembles a cactus and prefers a warm climate.

The peace pipe was often smoked with more than tobacco present. A pinch of Bearberry was added for a mild sedative effect during tribal council meetings. Bearberry was also used as a potent diuretic and antiseptic, to treat kidney stones as well as urinary tract infections. Teas made from bearberry are used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland. Women used the herb during heavy menstrual periods or vaginal infections. Some forms of diabetes are treated with this herb because it increases the body's output of insulin. Bearberry can also be used as a douche, mouthwash, and antiseptic. The herb Black Cohosh is so effective in relieving women's menopausal problems that some doctors find it as an acceptable alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy. Black Cohosh has been shown to reduce hot flashes, sweating, headaches, vertigo, heart palpitations, and tinnitus. The Native Americans used it in difficult childbirth to relax the muscles of the uterine walls. Other uses for this herb were to relieve arthritis pain, scarlet fever, smallpox, and whooping cough. One of the best features of Black Cohosh is to repel insects. A plant called Black Haw was uses to relieve menstrual cramps and has been proven to work as a uterine antispasmodic or relaxant. Dr. John Brickwell, an 18-century medical authority used the plant to heal wounds. Dr. James A Duke, PH.D found that the plant contains four substances that help to relax the uterus. Native Americans chewed the plant and used the leaves as a paste to reduce the swelling of sprains. Black Haw grows as a bushy shrub 10 to 25 feet tall. The plant produces dark blue berries that are very sweet to eat. One of the greatest contributions Native Americans made to the modern world was the introduction of corn. Corn has also been used for its healing powers. Native Americans would drink a beverage made from corn to treat problems with the Kidneys and Bladder. A corn beverage was also used to treat dysentery and indigestion and to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Corn was used to make poultices for skin ulcers, burns, swelling and corn oil to ease eczema and dry skin. Corn cobs were burned to help relieve itching caused by insect bites and poison ivy. The silk of corn has diuretic properties also used to treat high blood pressure. Cornstarch that is used as a powder today helps to relieve eczema.

The Native Americans had so many uses for the plant Dandelion that it is hard to list them all. Dandelion was used for infections. Dandelion is very rich in calcium helping to prevent osteoporosis. Boron and silicon are trace minerals found in this important plant that may also be helpful in preventing bone diseases. Studies have shown dandelion contains lecithin and choline which might prevent Alzheimer's disease. Dandelion roots can be used as a topical antiseptic for wounds, sores, and inflammation of the mouth. A tea brewed from the leaves can be used as a mild laxative and digestive aid. In today's world the tea would be used as a tea can help to relieve pneumonia, bronchitis, and act as a diuretic to reduce swelling caused by sprains internal cleanse to the kidneys, bladder, liver, and spleen. The dandelion plant can be eaten raw, juiced, or boiled supplying the body with iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B, C, and D. The dandelion flower is eatable for the lecithin to help treat problems of the liver. The milky sap is often used to remove corns and warts. The Pennsylvania Dutch used the dandelion leaves for salad greens with cider vinegar and sugar as a dressing. Native Americans knew to use Echinacea to kill a cold virus or upper respiratory infection. The founder of Platonic Academy of Herbal Studies Paul Lee, lists Echinacea as a leading immune-stimulant. This means that Echinacea can strengthen the immune system so the body can resist sickness and disease. This herb supports the body when a person has laryngitis, tonsillitis, and inflammation of the nose and sinuses. As a mouthwash Echinacea is helpful in treating diseases of the gums. Fennel is an herb that was used for bad breath and relieving intestinal gas. It can also be of use to calm coughs or indigestion. It has also been used as a compress to relieve conjunctivitis of the eyelid, or as a poultice to treat muscle pain. Fennel tea is used to increase breast milk in nursing mothers. The seeds are used to season fish, soups, stews, salads, and breads. The fennel bulb can be used as a vegetable. Native Americans used Garlic to treat snakebites and wounds. The medical community discovered that garlic could cure scurvy. Garlic is rich in vitamin C, when crushed it releases a substance called (allicin), which has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has been shown to help combat infections caused by fungi and yeast. The Native Americans also used it to fight intestinal parasites.

Life for the Native Americans was not easy, the people learned to observe their world closely and discover how to put it to use. Native American healers guided people to use the body's inborn ability to heal itself. Good health is a never ending cycle of discovery, faith, and gratitude. The power for achieving good health was through the strength of Mother Nature. Each tribe had healers that had their own methods of preparing herbs, as some were smoked through special ceremonial pipes, or burned so that the fumes could be inhaled. Mixtures with alcohol as tinctures, or combined with animal fats to make salves were methods often used. Chewing on herbs to release the oils, then applying it to the body was a primitive method. There were also healing ceremonies that called for the patient to be burned with smoldering branches. The Shamans of yesterday still prepare herbs as many herbalists do today, such as teas. Herbal poultices were used externally for problems such as wounds, sores, skin irritations, or swelling. Native Americans were different from Europeans in that they took baths more often using herbs and fragrances, ate healthful diets and had good dental hygiene from the land. When chewed fennel or cardamom freshens ones breathe by killing bacteria. Native Americans were deeply attracted to nature's mysteries as shamans also discovered the health giving benefits of massage. They observed that birds, deer, and other animals ate certain plants when they were sick. This knowledge was passed on to succeeding generations. Scientists today would call these case studies as they gained the knowledge to keep people healthy. Herbal remedies have lasted because nature's cures have been shown to be safe and effective with fewer side effects than modern drugs.

Hanna Kroeger a natural herbalist is called the "Grandmother of Health" due to her contributions and awards of the understanding of healing herbs. She was a mother and a nurse who moved to the United States in the 1950's from Germany. She opened the first Herb shop in Boulder, Colorado. Hanna studied nursing at the University of Freiburg and Natural Healing at a hospital in Dresden. The Kroeger's migrated to the U.S after surviving World War II to start a new life. Hanna took over the Imperial Tea and Coffee Company on Broadway Blvd. She renamed it the Imperial Tea and Health Food Store introducing whole grains, nuts, and herbal teas. The store moved to 1115 Pearl Street, where she baked whole wheat and German breads and started carrying vitamin supplements in the back of the store. Hanna started teaching nutrition classes to help people restore their health. Hanna and her husband built a house and incorporated a European style spa and retreat. The property had a lake and a garden where visitors could relax and find a moment of peace in their lives. She established a natural foods restaurant in her store to give back to the community. For years Hanna filled capsules and mixed teas by hand until she and her husband founded a company called Kroeger Herb Products Company. The response for her herbal formulas had become over-whelming. Hanna was summoned to court and had to defend her rights to heal ourselves naturally standing up for the cause of all people. Hanna Kroeger passed away May 7th, after publishing more than 22 books, on healing, herbs, and nourishment. She was later named by "New Life magazine" as one of the top 6 healers for the 20th century, and is considered a master healer.

Many of Hanna's discoveries were from intuition as well as studying and experimenting. In her early years Hanna made here own herbal combinations at the kitchen table and soon became known for her formulas of using two or more herbs to improve the whole system of the body. In today's world Hanna would be called a medical intuitive with a sensitivity to energies of people even before physical symptoms manifested. She was one of the foremost dowsers or pendulum users in the country. She did not claim to have any special gifts only a higher source. She studied healing techniques from around the world, including massage, energy work, homeopathy and nutrition, also working with Native American healers. She used diet, herbs, homeopathies, vitamins, minerals, physical alignment, massage, acupressure, and aura balancing. Hanna taught classes on natural and vibrational healing at her home in Boulder, Colorado. She explored ideas such as the seven physical and spiritual causes of ill health and interpreting auric energy for healing, clearing, and rebuilding programs.

Hanna new that Americans are the do-it-yourself type building farms, chapels, greenhouses, raising chickens and vegetables. They will attempt to fix a leaky roof or faucet, bake and cook. The knowledge had to be presented to take care of their own health. Herbs work on your spiritual body to harmonize and balance. Herbs heal the aura and heal subtle, vital energies of the physical body. They go beyond what the physician prescribes by healing the spirit of man and strengthening the bio-life power. Our spiritual bodies reflect the physical needs of the body. All herbs have iron but some have more and give off the vibration of iron more readily. When one works with herbs you are working with the vibrations of mother earth. The plant gives up the vibration to heal us and herbs that are in your vicinity are more powerful to you such as Malva leaves and dandelion in your backyard. The vibration is closer to you than an herb from India and China. The Chaparrel bush is unique to the desert shiny and green all year long and is the most beneficial for healing to the Native Americans. When a person comes to America from a foreign place they must first get use to our soil, sun and food before using our herbs. Chaparrel is a cleanser and detoxifier that takes a fever away in a short time used as a tea to drink.

Calcium herbs may be helpful in bone and teeth conditions, poor blood, and asthma, overweight and nervous conditions. These herbs include Caraway seeds, Chamomile, Chives, Cleavers, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Dill, Horsetail, Pimpernel, and Tormentil Root. Chlorine herbs may be helpful in sinus trouble, Bright's disease, magnetism, pyorrhea, bloated abdomen, blood purifier, cleaning arteries, and the lymphatic system. Copper herbs may be helpful in overcoming chronic gastric indigestion, gallbladder, insufficient bile secretion, insufficient thymus secretion, low blood sugar, spleen problems and water retention. Fluorine herbs may help to overcome poor eyesight, old age problems, skin disorders, repair broken bones and curvature of spine, prevent pyorrhea and help resist disease. Iodine herbs are often helpful in goiter problems, retaining natural color in hair, obesity, nerves and protecting body and brain from body toxins. Iron herbs are helpful with anemia, weakness in old age, shortness of breath, fever of all kinds, helping the body to be resistant to all contagious diseases, increasing physical power, mental power and strengthening the liver. Magnesium herbs are helpful in tooth decay, irritability, poor circulation, tired blood, nervous prostration, backward children, dull adults, excessive acidity, insomnia, and to remove toxins from the body. They include Broom Tops, Carrot leaves, Devils Bits, Meadowsweet, Mullein Leaves, Nettle, Primrose, and Walnut Leaves. Manganese herbs may be helpful in neurites, mental instability, mental alertness, sorrow, emotional shock, poor joints. These herbs include Burdock, Kelp, Sheep sorrel, Strawberry leaves, Wintergreen, and Yellow Dock. Nickel herbs may be helpful in disorders of the pancreas, weak lining of the intestines and assimilating nutrients. Algae, Kelp, Bladder wrack and Liverwort are the Nickel herbs. Potassium herbs are often helpful in diseases of the lung and chest, liver, spleen, constipation, Brain, nerves, stomach acid, heart muscles, skin eruptions, and the problem of sores healing. Phosphorus herbs are helpful in the development of the sixth sense, body poise, and electromagnetic efficiency, nervous disorders of the heart and stomach, neuritis, nourishing the brain, and preventing fatigue. People who work indoors are in need of these herbs. Silicon herbs may help in preventing infections, retard cancerous growth, sort teeth and bones, nervous exhaustion, ridged nails and bad complexion. These herbs are Chickweed, Corn silk, Flax Seed, Horsetail, Lamb's-quarters, Oat Straw, Red Raspberry Leaves, and Sunflower Seeds. Sodium herbs may help in hardening of the arteries, diabetes, gallstones, arthritis, bladder stones, and the retarding of old age. Sulfur herbs may be helpful in dissolving the acids in the body system, warming the body and feet, give energy, strengthen the tissues, help with impure blood, leukemia, hemorrhoids, and septicemia. These herbs are Coltsfoot, Eyebright, Fennel, Meadowsweet, Mullein, Pimpernel, Plantain leaves, Scouring Rush, Shepherd's Purse, Stinging Nettle, and Watercress. Zinc herbs may be helpful when a person has weak pancreas as in Diabetics, failing eyesight due to insulin, flatulence due to weak pancreas, prostrate troubles and tumors. The Zinc herbs are Horsetail, Paprika, and Shepherd's Purse.

Dian Dincin Buchman has a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and an interest in holistic and botanical medicine to help people get well and stay well. Self-defense medicine can be practiced with the use of foods, herbs and traditional cooking spices. Plants have continued to be the mainstay of country medicine passed down from family to family and within communities. Tribes, clans, villages, towns, sometimes entire countries have similar styles in healing. The information on discoveries of how to use plants is just passed along such as Chamomile is used as a digestive aid throughout the world. Pharmaceutical firms comb the most primitive places on earth to bring back and explore nature folk medicine to duplicate specimens of plants. Some plants cannot be duplicated and only fresh fruit or bark can be used for the healing effects. Willow bark which has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans for an anti-inflammatory. Consistent use of the bark affected the digestive tract and a German scientist used the Spirea plant family resulting in what we now call aspirin. European people were saved from dysentery by what is called Ipecac. Quinine was used to control malaria. Digitalis was discovered from the plant Foxglove and is still used today as a heart-saving medicine. Plants can help to rebalance the body so it can rebalance itself. A combination of water, plants and good nutrition is often effective. Not all herbal applications work for every person as each person is different in needs. Whole dried blackberries can be crushed into a powder and then used as a resource against diarrhea. The bark, leaves, and root can also be used. When a dash of blackberry powder is added to chamomile or peppermint tea you have an organic cleanse to rid the body of impurities. Blackberries also help with a sore throat as apple cider vinegar will also work. Red Raspberry can be used in many of the same ways as the blackberry for a sore throat, body cold or flu and red raspberry vinegar will bring down a fever. Vinegar can be added to blackberry or raspberry jelly to dissolve the tarter on your teeth. The mouth must be rinsed quickly as the mixture has high amounts of sugar content. Mid-wives use raspberry leaf tea to reduce bleeding during childbirth. Where there is too-profuse menstrual flow. Red raspberry leaf tea may slowly decrease the flow.