Essay On Native American Medicine

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

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 18th-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