Cherokee is a Native American tribe which believed that they were given a gift to understand and use herbs as medicine. They used the nature’s pharmacy and had a unique gathering way where they picked every third plant in order to leave enough plants for the future. This tribe used the following 12 plants to treat almost every illness and health condition. However, they must be properly or otherwise they can be very strong and dangerous.
The Cherokee healers has centuries of practice so it is very important to know the value and properties of these herbs and to be gentle when picking and preparing them.
These are the plants the Cherokee people used:
Big stretch (Wild ginger)
This plant was used to treat digestion and stomach issues such as colic and intestinal gas as well as eliminate mucus from the lungs.
Another Native American tribe also used this plant to cure earaches. This plant can also replace regular ginger and can be used as a spice in various dishes.
Hummingbird blossom (Buck brush)
Buck brush is believed to cure throat issues, fibroid tumors, inflammation and cysts and even hypertension and lymphatic blockages.
Kidney function can also be improved by using this herb, as well as the following issues:
- enlarged spleen
- hemorrhoids
- inflamed tonsils
- menstrual bleeding
- enlarged lymph nodes
The Cherokee prepared the remedy by steeping the leaves and flowers of the plant in boiling water for 5 minutes and then drinking the liquid while it is warm.
Pull out a sticker (Greenbriar)
The roots of this plant are rich in starch that contains many calories and can be used just like potatoes. Its leaves and stems are full of different minerals and vitamins. It is most commonly used to treat urinary infections and the leaves are used for healing minor burns and sores.
The berries of this fruit can be consumed raw or made into jam, and the leaves can be added in tea as an arthritis remedy.
Mint
Mint is a plant that is widespread and is most commonly used to prepare tea. Not many people know that this plant is a very powerful antioxidant and is rich in fiber, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus as well as vitamins C and A.
Cherokee people have used it to treat indigestion and they added the crushed leaves into baths as a treatment for itchiness. Mint stems can also be used as a treatment for hypertension. Women who are breastfeeding can make a mint water remedy for cracked nipples.
Blackberry
Blackberry is usually used to treat upset stomach; however it has many other uses such as relieving bleeding gums.
Prepare your own cough syrup using blackberry roots which can also reduce joint and tissue swelling.
Blackberries are very nutritious since they contain numerous beneficial minerals and vitamins such as zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, also vitamins A, C, E, K, B6 as well as riboflavin, thiamin, folate and niacin.
Other benefits of consuming blackberries are:
- strengthened immune system
- relief from endothelial dysfunction
- cancer prevention
- healthy functioning of the heart
- improved digestion
Cattail
Cattail is a plant that is easily digested and provides relief for numerous health issues. All parts of the plant, except its seed heads and mature leaves, have medicinal properties.
Cattail can be prepared mashed and boiled, just like potatoes. The paste that you get by mashing the plant can be used to treat burns and sores, and the pollen in cattail can be used as a baking supplement due to the high amount of protein it contains.
Cattail flowers are a very efficient diarrhea remedy, as well as flower fuzz which can be used to prevent diaper rash.
Qua lo ga (Sumac)
Every part of this plant has medicinal properties. The bark is used to soothe diarrhea or sore throat, the berries are rich in vitamin C and can be consumed as a juice and the leaves can be used to make a tea that reduces fever.
To relieve poison ivy rash you can prepare an ointment using the crushed sumac leaves. Also, the sumac flowers have been scientifically proven to lower cholesterol levels.
Jisdu Unigisdi (Wild rose)
Wild rose is very efficient remedy for the flu and common cold due to the high amount of vitamin C. The Cherokee people also used it to prepare a tea from the wild rose’s hips that stimulates the kidney and bladder function.
An infusion made from the wild rose petal can soothe a sore throat, and the foot can soothe diarrhea. Wild rose petals can also be used to make a delicious jam.
Mullein
Asthma and chest congestion can be easily treated with the help of mullein. The mullein flowers are used to prepare tea that works as a mild sedative. According to the Cherokee, if you inhale the smoke your lungs will calm and the breathing pathways will open up.
Mullein also soothes the mucous membranes, and can relieve pain and tissue irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Joint pain can be relieved by soaking your feet in a warm mullein decoction.
Kawi Iyusdi (Yellow dock)
Yellow dock is similar to spinach but it is much more nutritious, and it is a very common kitchen ingredient. The yellow dock root is able to extract nutrients from the soil deep underground.
The leaves of this plant work as a laxative, and the stems can be used to prepare a decoction that soothes itching, diaper rash or minor sores. A decoction from crushed yellow dock roots can be used as a strong antiseptic or a warm wash.
Squirrel tail (Yarrow)
This plant has strong blood clotting properties so applying fresh crushed leaves directly on a wound will stop the bleeding almost immediately.
Yarrow juice can stop internal bleeding and prevent and treat intestinal issues. The leaves are excellent for improving digestion and are also very helpful in acne treatment.
This plan can also provide relief in case of issues with the kidneys and the gallbladder as well as skin irritation and chapped hands.