Dogwood and Buckwheat Used by Native Americans as Alternative Medicine
For many years, Native American cultures have used the Earth and the plants which grow from the ground as alternative medicine. Every Native American nation has its very own herbal medicine tradition based on the plant life which grows in the region specific to where each nation resides.
The spiritual reverance toward the gathering and use of herbs are common among most Native Americans. Before the plants are collected, prayers and offerings are made to planet Earth. The herbs used in healing ceremonies are respected so much that they are placed back inside the earth after being used, instead of being thrown away and wasted.
The main goal of using herbs are to bring balance to the whole body and soul of each person. Some of the medicinal and alternative herbs used by many Native American cultures include the following botanicals:
- Black cohosh
- boneset
- ginseng
- nettle
- juniper
- wild buckwheat
- goldenseal
- dogwood
- sage