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6 Plants that Native Americans Used to Cure Different Diseases

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In the distant past, people have trusted natural medicine when dealing with diseases. It is believed that the Cherokee tribe is endowed with the ability to understand and use traditional healing herbs and plants. Find out about six of the valuable plants that can treat many of the most common ailments today.

The Cherokee tribe inhabits the southeast of the United States and believes that the Creator has given them the knowledge that allows them to understand and apply the benefits of herbal medicines.

The tribe relies entirely on the healing and preventative properties of the natural pharmacy.

As the number of many plants has declined significantly over the years, the Cherokee have the appropriate collection techniques.

Old ones teach the younger generation that when plants are harvested, only every third that is found must be cut. This ensures that there will be enough plants and they will not be lost.

Herbs are used in the treatment of many diseases, but because their properties are powerful, they should not be misapplied or in abundance, as they may become dangerous.

Here are six of the healing plants that Cherokee Indians have used:

#1. Blackberries

The Cherokee used the blackberries for upset stomachs, but the health benefits do not end with that. Taking strong tea from the root of the blackberry helps to reduce swollen joints.

A decoction of roots, sweetened with honey or maple syrup, is an effective natural remedy against cough. Chewing the bush leaves can soothe bleeding gums.

Other health benefits of this bush are:

These delicious fruits are also incredibly nutritious. The beneficial nutrients contained within the blackberries are vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid. They are also a great source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, fiber, and essential amino acids.

#2. Cattail

The Cherokee sees this plant as a way of prevention rather than as a healing tool. The cattail is an easily digestible food, which is also useful.

Almost any part of the plant, except mature leaves and seed heads, can be used for medicinal purposes. The root of the cattail has high starch content, and the male plants are rich in pollen.

The root of the cattail can be prepared like potatoes – boiled and crushed into a puree. The resulting paste is an excellent cure for burns and wounds. Its pollen is a source of protein and could be used as a baking additive.

Fluff from the plant is suitable for preventing skin irritation in babies. Cattails can also be useful in treating diarrhea.

#3. Mint

Mint is very popular today and is often used to make tea. The aromatic plant has different antioxidant properties and is a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. The Cherokee Indians used this herb to help their digestion.

Mint leaves can be crushed and used as a cold compress, for making ointments, or even during a bath to soothe itchy skin. Cherokee healers also lower high blood pressure with a mixture of stems and leaves. If you are breastfeeding and your nipples are raw, you can wash them with mint water.

#4. Mullein

This herb has the potential to relieve asthma. According to Cherokee Indians, inhaling smoke from the burning roots and leaves of the plant calms the lungs and makes breathing easier. It is also suitable for soothing mucous membranes.

You can make a mild mullein tonic and soak your feet in it to reduce swelling and joint pain. This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the painful and irritated tissue. The flowers of the mullein can be used for tea, which has a slight calming effect.

#5. Sumac

Each part of this herb can be used for medical purposes. The bark of the tree can be used for a mild tonic that soothes diarrhea. A gargle of the same helps with sore throats. From the ripe berries of the sumac, a pleasant drink can be made, rich in vitamin C. The tea from the leaves of the plant could also act as a fever reducer.

#6. Yarrow

The freshly crushed leaves of this plant can be placed on open wounds to reduce bleeding. Yarrow juice in combination with spring water can help with bowel disease.

The leaves of the yarrow are used to make a tea that stimulates abdominal functions and promotes proper digestion. The decoction prepared from these leaves and stems relieve acne cracked hands, and it helps with other skin irritations.