Native American Remedies For The Flu

Over 2800 plants have been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Native American peoples have a rich tradition of healing with herbs. Herbs are traditionally used not only for the treatment of disease, but for diagnosis and ritual purification. Historically, many of the same plants and plant parts were used for the same therapeutic purposes by different tribes, providing evidence that their selection was not random. Thus far, there have been few clinical trials on Native American herbs, so their safety and usefulness has not been guaranteed by modern science. Consult with your physician before trying them.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant found in the prairies and open wooded areas of midwestern North America. It was well known to Native Americans as a remedy for a number of ailments, including infections, stomach troubles, pain, wounds and migraine. The Kiowa, Choctaw and Cheyenne peoples chewed echinacea roots for cold and flu symptoms such as sore throat and cough. European settlers learned about echinacea from native Americans and brought it back to their homelands. It remains one of the most popular herbal remedies in Europe today. In the U.S., it was a standard treatment for infectious diseases until the 1920s, when it was supplanted by sulfa drugs. According to a review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, clinical trials with echinacea have demonstrated a reduction in symptoms of upper respiratory infection and a reduced risk of upper respiratory infections when given as a preventative. Ask your physician if echinacea is appropriate for your symptoms.

Yarrow

According to the University of Michigan's Native American Ethnobotany database, yarrow was used by many different Native American tribes for the treatment of flu. This small, flowering plant is found throughout North America. Not only used for flu, it has been used in the treatment of digestive problems, liver and gall-bladder conditions, menstrual irregularities and cramps. Yarrow contains salicylic acid, a substance that is chemically similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. While several pharmacological studies confirm yarrow's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it has only rarely been studied in humans. More studies are needed to confirm that it is effective and safe.

Slippery Elm

Derived from a medium-sized tree common in North America, slippery elm is a botanical ingredient that is frequently found in over-the-counter throat lozenges and cough drops. Native Americans made concoctions from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree for the sore throat and bronchitis that frequently accompany the flu. Rich in antioxidants, slippery elm also contains mucilage, a slippery gel that serves as a cough suppressant. The University of Mayland Medical Center advises that slippery elm may inhibit the absorption of drugs or other supplements. Use it under the supervision of a qualified health professional.