Indigenous Medicines
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have used plants, trees and other natural materials and substances to promote healthy living, to cure illnesses and during cultural ceremonies.
Examples of Indigenous Medicines
|
Plant |
Use |
Preparation |
Indigenous Group |
Medicinal Principle |
|
|
colds | inhale vapours | many | monoterpenes - nasal stimulant |
|
|
constipation | tea from bark | western groups | anthracenes - cathartics |
|
|
mouth sores | tea from roots | Haudenosaunee & others | alkaloid - antibacterial |
|
|
kidney ailments | tea from branches | Syilx (Okanagan) | glycoside - diuretic |
|
|
diarrhea | tea from bark |
Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) |
tannins - astringents |
|
|
back pain | tea from roots |
Ojibwa |
salicin - analgesic |
For more information see the article Health of Indigenous People.
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