The Cherokee Indians believed that the Creator has provided all the needed herbs for all kinds of natural healing of various health issues.
Their extensive knowledge of the healing properties of regional herbs and plants was handed down from one generation to another via specially chosen healers and shamans.
They have used the following ones for hundreds of years:
Mint
Today, mint is frequently consumed in beverages, including both tea and iced tea. But what most people don’t know is that it is a powerful antioxidant that also contains vitamins A and C, as well as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
The Cherokee drank mint tea to stimulate the digestive system and lower blood pressure. They crushed mint leaves to create salves and ointment and used mint in baths to relieve rashes and itching.
Yellow dock
This herb has been used for cooking, as its long roots are high in vitamins and minerals. Yet, its leaves are high in iron and have laxative effects, and the crushed roots mixed with warm water serve as a potent antiseptic.
Blackberry
Many people don’t know how much healing properties this herb has. The Cherokee used them to soothe stomach problems. Today, research has shown that blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and other healing compounds.
Cherokee healers ground up the roots of blackberry plant, sweetening them with honey. This concoction was used to soothe sore throats, coughs, bleeding gums, and mouth sores. The root also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and improve joint mobility.
Cattail
It is also known for other names like Punks, Corn Dog Grass, Reedmace, Bulrush. Cattail is not a medicinal treatment, but a type of preventative medicine. According to the Cherokee tradition, it can also prove helpful in the recovery process. The entire plant may be eaten, save for the leaves and the heads of the seeds. A hearty plant, cattail is a reliable traditional food source because of its high starch content.
Yarrow
Yarrow is known for other names too, such as Old Man’s Repper, Squirrel Tail, Nosebleed Plant, Devil’s Nettle, etc.
Yarrow has blood-clotting properties, which can help a minor wound to form a scab and heal. When ingested with water, it can help to reduce tissue inflammation, especially in the intestines and digestive tract.
Cherokee healers used yarrow for all these ailments and more. Prepared as a tea, yarrow was believed to help improve the function of the kidneys and gallbladder. A concoction of leaves and stems was also applied topically to treat skin conditions such as dry skin and acne.
Sumac
Sumac is high in antioxidants which promote healing. The tea of the leaves reduces fever, and their ointment relieves skin rashes. The berries are high in Vitamin C and can be made into a drink.
Greenbriar
The Cherokees used it to purify blood and as a diuretic to treat mild urinary infections. Its roots are rich in starch and minerals, while the leaves are full of vitamins and supplemental minerals.
Wild ginger
Wild Ginger has been used by a wide variety of Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. The Cherokee Nation drank a mild infusion of wild ginger in order to stimulate digestion.
Wild Ginger, which does not come from the same plant as the spice used in cooking, was known to help with ailments such as colic, intestinal bloating and gas, and stomach aches and cramps. It was also used to rid the lungs of excess mucus.
Wild Rose
The fruit of a wild rose is known as a rose hip. It is loaded with vitamin C, and the tea has been used to boost the immune system, treat colds and flu, and stimulate the bladder and kidney function.
Blackbrush
Buckbrush root was used by traditional Cherokee healers as a medicinal substance with diuretic properties. It was traditionally used to stimulate proper kidney function.
Members of the same plant family also have been used to treat mouth and throat ailments, inflammation, and cysts and tumors, along with specific health issues such as inflamed tonsils, childbirth aftercare, hemorrhoids, swollen spleens, and swollen lymph nodes.
It is easiest to consume in a tea form. Bring water to a boil, then steep the roots and bark in water for approximately five minutes. Drink immediately.
Source: davidwolfe.com