All plants are our brothers and sisters.

They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them.

-- Arapaho Proverb
Alfalfa - Known officially as Medicago Sativa, Alfalfa is a
flowering plant in the pea family. Grown all over the
world, it has been utilized in herbal medicine for
centuries. High in protein, calcium, plus other minerals,
vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin
K, it is best known to
relieve digestivedisturbances. Native Americans used it
to promoteblood clotting and treat jaundice. It is used for
numerous medical issues today,
including arthritis,muscle problems, to reduce blood
sugar levels,eliminate toxins increase energy, bone strength, bladder and kidney problems,
and easingmenopause symptoms. Avoid alfalfa is you have an auto-immune problem, as it has
been known to aggravate these types of disorders.
American Ginseng - Officially known as Panax Quinquefolius, this herb is of the ivy family and
native to the hardwood forests of eastern North America. Used by Native Americans long
before Europeans arrived, it was used not only to heal a wide variety of ailments; but, also for
spiritual and ceremonial purposes. Recognized as one of the five most valuable plant
medicines by the Seneca, traditional uses included flu, colds, fever, sinus problems, to
reduce swelling, and as a laxative. The herb was smoked like tobacco by the Iroquois, and
used in sweat baths by the Seminole. It was also dried for use in teas and tonics by
the Cherokee, Creek, Houma, Mimac, Mohegan, and Potawatomi for a variety of medicinal
purposes. Some tribes used at as a body rub. Another not so common use was using the herb
to attract a mate, such as the Meskwaki women to gain a husband, and Pawnee men who
used Ginsing as a love charm. Europeans quickly saw its benefits in the early 1700's, so much
so that French traders in Quebec, who had contracted with local Indians to purchase the
ginseng they could find, effectively eliminated out the native stands of the herb around
Montreal.
American Hemp - See Indian Hemp
Allspice - Formally known as Pimenta Dioica, this fragrant spice is not only used in cooking
and seasoning, but also as an herbal remedy. Also known as Jamaica Pepper, Kurundu, Myrtle
Pepper, Pimenta, Clove Pepper, and Newspice, it owes its healing powers to "eugenol," a
chemical component in its oil that aids digestion and is an effective pain reliever. It's dried
unripe berries have long been used in teas for treatment of colds, menstrual cramps, upset
stomach, indigestion, flatulence,diabetes, toothaches, and relief of muscle aches and pains.
The berries have also been crushed and made into poultices andsalves and applied directly
to bruises, sore joints, aching muscles.
American Licorice - Officially known as Glycyrrhiza Lepidota, and sometimes called wild
licorice, it is native to most of North America, from central Canada south through the United
States to California, Texas and Virginia, but absent from the southeastern states. Its roots have
been widely used by a number of Native American tribes in teas for the treatment
of cough,diarrhea, chest pain, fever, stomach aches, and to speed the delivery of the placenta
after childbirth. It is also used as a wash or poultice on swelling . The chewed root is retained in
the mouth as a treatment for toothache and sore throats. The mashed leaves are used as a
poultice on sores.

American Mistletoe - Specifically known as Phoradendron

Leucarpum, this is a species of mistletoe which is native to
the United States and Mexico. Its common names include
Eastern Mistletoe, Hairy Mistletoe, Oak Mistletoe, Pacific
Mistletoe, or Western Mistletoe. Druids in Europe used
another species of mistletoe some 1,500 years ago for
convulsions, delirium, hysteria, neuralgia,
and heart conditions. Native Americans used Phoradendron
in similar ways for blood pressure, lung problems,
epilepsy, headache, abortions and as a contraceptive.
The Cherokee made a tea ooze that was used to bathe the head forheadache and
the Creek made a concoction for lung troubles, such as tuberculosis. The
Mendocino Indians often used the root to induce abortions and to prevent conception. Other
uses included chewing on the root for toothaches, rubbing the body with a decoction of leave
for painful limbs and joints. It was also used by some tribes in religious ceremonies. The plant
is considered as poisoness and should be used with caution.
Antelope Sage - Formally known as Eriogonum Jamesii, this herb is a species of
wild buckwheat also known as James' Buckwheat. Native to southwestern North America, in
Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Nebraska; it was often used as a
contraceptive by Native Americans, such as the Navajo. The women would drink one cup of a
decoction of the root during menstruation. A decoction of the whole plant has also been used
to ease the pain of childbirth, and the root was chewed or used in teas as a cardiac medicine,
for stomach aches, and depression. Some made a wash that was used for sore eyes.
Arnica - A member of the sunflower family, one species, called Arnica Montana, has been
used for centuries by both Europeans and Native Americans as a topical cream or ointment to
soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, treat sprains and bruises, and heal wounds. Arnica
should not be taken internally as it has caused severe and even fatal poisoning.
Ashwagandha - Formally known as Withania Somnifera, it is also called Indian Ginseng,
Winter Cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Amukkara, and Samm, it is native to the country of
India and has a long list of medicinal problems it is used for. Ashwagandha is one of the most
widespread tranquillizers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to
ginseng in China. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejuvenate
effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness. The
whole plant, especially the leaves and the root bark, are used as an antibiotic, a phrodisiac,
diuretic, narcotic, and sedative. It is used to treat post-partum difficulties, nervous
exhaustion,insomnia, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, dehydration,
bone weakness, muscle weakness and tension, loose teeth, constipation, senility, memory
loss, and rheumatism. Externally it has been applied as a poultice toboils, swelling and other
painful areas. Caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic.
Aspen - Aspen trees are native to cold regions with cool summers. In North
America, this includes the far north portions and extending south at high
altitudes in the mountains. There are several varieties of Aspen trees, one
of which -- the Quaking Aspen, which was used by both Native
Americans and early pioneers to treat fever, scurvy, cough, pain, and as an
anti-inflammatory. The inner bark of this tree contains salicin, a substance
similar to the active ingredient in aspirin.
Astragalus - A large genus of about 3,000 species of herbs and small
shrubs, it is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Common names include milk-vetch (most species), locoweed (some species in the western
U.S.), and goat's-thorn. Used in both traditional Chinese and Native American remedies, the
dried roots was often in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the body against disease.

Traditional medicinal uses included the treatment

of colds, flu, infection, allergies, asthma, fatigue, anemia, wounds,heart and kidney disease,
hepatitus, stomach ulcers, and digestive disorders. It is also thought to help protect the body
from diseases such as cancer and diabetes and is also used to protect and support
the immune system, for preventingcolds, upper respiratory infections, lower blood pressure,
treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.
Atractylodes - Long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this herb is used for indigestion,
stomachache, bloating, fluid retention, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, allergies, and
rheumatism. It is used with other herbs for treating lung cancer, and kidney problems.