Native Americans developed many natural means of treating illnesses with herbal remedies. These remedies were taken from flowers, barks of various trees, and weeds. This adaptation played a significant role in the Native Americans' survival. It allowed them to get a renewable source of medicine based on a co-existence with nature. Some of these herbal techniques were so advanced that they still find use throughout modern medicine.
Mullein
This plant was originally introduced by the Europeans. It was used by various tribes of Native Americans as a treatment for respiratory problems, or asthma. This remedy was administered through smoking dried parts of the plant's root that had been pulverized. It was also boiled, and syrup was extracted to be drank to limit coughing.
Horsemint
Horsemint was used to treat an aching back. The fresh leaves of the horsemint plant were crushed and ground before being dropped in cold water. This mixture was then drunk to relieve pain associated with body chills, fever and inflammation.
Wormwood
The leaves of this plant were boiled and the mixture was drunk as a sort of tea. It could reduce the severity of symptoms, and in some cases cure bronchitis.
Yellow-Spined Thistle
The blossoms of the Yellow-Spined Thistle were boiled, and the syrupy-like liquid was applied to relieve and more adequately heal burns and sores on the skin's surface.
Blue Cohosh
In order to expedite the painful child-birthing process, this plant was soaked in warm water and drunk as a tea in the several weeks before childbirth.
Boneset
This plant is boiled in warm water to make a tea and then drunk. This tea is still being used and has long been considered one of the best ways to provide relief for fever, colds and body pains.
Willow
In the southern United States, tribes would boil the inner root of the willow tree, drinking highly concentrated strains of this liquid to induce sweating to treat chills. The bark was also used to treat fevers, using the same preparation methods.
Witch Hazel
Native Americans boiled this plant and took the extract to topically rub on the muscles of athletes or hunters. They were also placed among hot rocks to release that extract with steam so it could better infiltrate into the skin.
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