Although the majority of herbal remedies from around the world are available to Americans and used across the United States, certain herbs are indigenous to the United States. Native Americans contributed at least 42 new substances to The United States Pharacopeia, or U.S.P. and the National Formulary, or NF, after 1890, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Although most consumers use herbal remedies in place of drugs to treat health conditions, the FDA classifies many herbs as dietary supplements rather than medicinal agents. Although herbs generally cause fewer side effects than prescription drugs, they can produce serious problems when not used according to directions. Consult a health practitioner before using unfamiliar herbs.
Licorice
Although licorice is mostly imported today, it was discovered in North America by the Blackfoot Indians. It was used as an infusion or tea for the treatment of earaches, fever and urinary tract disorders. Licorice root is still used as an expectorant to relieve coughs and loosen tightness in the chest. It is also used to sooth irritated mucous membranes in the throat and digestive tract. Licorice root is most commonly used today as an herbal tea. Licorice root can raise the blood pressure. If you have hypertension and take medicine for high blood pressure, use it only under the supervision of your health practitioner.
Willow
Willow is native to North America and provides the active ingredient in aspirin. Traditionally, willow bark was used by Native American Indians as an antiseptic and to reduce fevers. They boiled the bark to release the active ingredient, salicylic acid. The German chemist, Frederic Bayer and Company, created acetylsalicylic acid from willow bark and marketed it at the turn of the 20th century as Bayer aspirin, according to University of Illinois at Chicago. Willow is still used among herbalists as an anti-inflammatory to kill pain and lower fevers. People allergic to aspirin should not use willow. Consult a health practitioner before using this herb.
American Hellebore
Hellebore was used by the Indians as an analgesic to relieve toothaches. It is also effective in lowering the blood pressure for some people. Herbalists prescribe this plant for reducing hypertension and toxemia during pregnancy and for relieving pulmonary edema, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition, it is used as a cardiac depressant to slow heart rate. Hellebore is a highly toxic, poisonous plant. The leaves are often mistaken for pokeweed or other edible vegetation. Do not use this herb except under the strictest supervision by a qualified herbalist familiar with its properties.
Wintergreen
The active ingredient in wintergreen is methyl salicylate, a soothing agent found in both the berries and leaves of the plant. The Indians made a tea from the leaves of the wintergreen plant to use for numerous ailments such as stimulating the stomach, heart and respiration. It was applied topically as a poultice to relieve aching joints and muscles. The active ingredient in wintergreen is in its oil, which can be obtained by steaming the leaves. Other uses for this plant are to relieve inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, headache and urinary tract ailments. It can be used as a gargle for sore throats or as a douche to prevent yeast infections. The oil of wintergreen can cause skin inflammation due to its strength, and should be diluted. The essential oil, available in aromatherapy, is toxic and can cause liver and kidney failure. Only use wintergreen under the supervision of a trained herbal practitioner.
References
- Medicinal Herb Info: American Hellebore
- University of Illinois at Chicago: Herbs and Herbal Remedies
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide"; Jim Meuninck; 2008
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