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Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies

by Anthony J. Cichoke, DC, PhD

Avery - a member of Penguin Putnam, Inc.

375 Hudson St.

New York, New York 10014

USA

www.penguinputnam.com

Large softcover, 2001, $17.95 US/$26.99 CAN, 274 pp.

As settlers traveled across the plains and began homesteading in the West, Native Americans taught them how to treat illnesses with plants - Nature's medicine. Their rich heritage of herbal remedies has not been well-published although at least 200 of our modern prescription drugs were derived from herbs used by Native Americans. Now, Dr. Cichoke has remedied this lack with a very good overview of the more than 100 American herbs used by the early Americans.

Native American medicine shares many of the same principles as other herbal systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda. As is the case in most of the older traditions, the spiritural element is a primary component of healing. There are special procedures and ceremonies that are followed when gathering the plants, including prayer offerings. Herbs were used in many other ways besides treating illness - to ward off evil spirits, purifying herbs were used in smudging and in sweat lodges, to clear the mind and detoxify the body.

I particularly liked the layout of this book. Before getting to the individual herbs, Cichoke lists more than 25 phytochemicals found in the herbs used by the Native Americans, specific constituents that have since been proven to have medical benefits.

The herbs themselves are described fully in the next chapter; their many uses, and how to prepare a tea from plant constituents. Many of the herbs are familiar names: chamomile, echinacea, goldenseal, and St. John's wort, to name just a few. Parsley, which most folks don't recognize as an herb, is a good example:

"Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb that grows almost everywhere. Most of us know parsley only as a garnish, but it is an effective diuretic. In fact, the Cherokee have used parsley to treat kidney and bladder problems. Parsley contains high levels of chlorophyll, so it works as an effective breath freshener when chewed. Parsley also contains very high levels of potassium and vitamin A and high levels of calcium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, and vitamin C.

"Parsley appears to be effective when used topically. Native Americans have used parsley leaves in compresses to treat insect bites and stings, as well as swollen glands.... To make a tea, pour one cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of parsley; steep for 15 to 20 minutes and strain. Drink up to two cups a day."

In Part II of Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies, formulas for individual conditions are given, with the usual caveats of using caution and common sense, although none of the herbal formulas contain dangerous herbs. Beginning with "A Topical Wash for Skin and Gum Abscesses," directions are given for amounts of barberries, white oak bark, echinacea root, and Oregon grape root, to be steeped in boiling water for 3 to 4 hours, then strained. Use 3 times a day as a wash. There are herbal formulas for Aging Tea (Ginkgo biloba and ginseng), Allergy Tea (nettle leaves, Oregon grape root, and barberry root), to Headache Tea (feverfew leaves and peppermint), and General Illness Tonic (wild cherry bark, red willow bark, wild cherry root, and red willow root). Some of the listings, such as Stress, seemed unlikely to have been used by the Native Americans, but the herbal formula given was for Nerve Tea, probably useful then as now.

It is gratifying to see the many excellent authoratative books coming out on herbal medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging all countries to promote and adopt the use of traditional medicines, such as herbs, to ensure the survival and increased use of traditional methods, as well as providing affordable health care. Our pharmaceutical medicine is the costliest in the world yet we are 37th in quality of care. Could we be missing an essential component of quality care?

Native Americans' spiritual beliefs made them respect all forms of life, particularly those plants used in healing, and there was an accompanying ceremony in the use of herbs, which was much more than certain words or phrases - it was a way of getting oneself in touch with the spirit world, where the true power of healing lies.

Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies is a fine addition to any herbalist's library, and a good basic resource for those many individuals now interested in natural medicine.