The balsam fir is a tree used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans.
Before the rise of modern medicine, many cultures relied upon naturally occurring herbs and other plants to cure various ailments. Indians used plants for many medicinal purposes throughout their cultures. Many plants were found to have healing effects on various conditions, and often these plants became so useful in primitive cultures that they remained a common healing agent until modern times. While effective, it is always recommended that you check with a licensed physician before using medicinal plants as an alternative to modern medicine.
Balsam Fir
The balsam fir, Abies lasiocarpa, is a member of the pine tree family. It grows in Canada, New England, the Midwest and other areas. The Shoshone and Blackfoot tribes used the balsam fir as a fragrant hair oil, but also found medicinal purposes for the tree, according to the Medical Herb Info website.
By burning the needles of the balsam fir, the Blackfoot found that inhaling the smoke would relieve headaches. It was also used as ceremonial incense. A poultice made form the leaves was rubbed on the chest to relieve chest colds and coughing. The tree's sap-like secretions were often used as a wound dressing and to relieve chest congestion because of the plant's antiseptic properties. It was also commonly used as a veterinary medicine to treat horses with diarrhea and other ailments, according to the University of Michigan at Dearborn American Ethnobotany website.
American Spikenard
Also known as American sarsaparilla, several Native American tribes used the root of the spikenard, Aralia racemosa, for medicinal purposes. The Cherokees and other tribes used sarsaparilla roots as flavoring for teas and root beer, but they also discovered it had other medicinal effects, according to the Herbs 2000 website.
The sarsaparilla tea was found to relieve backaches, and it was also effective in treating coughing and skin irritation. Women consumed a decoction of the plant's roots and bark for menstrual problems. Poultices or American spikenard were also commonly used as topical treatment for wounds and burns.
Jimsonweed
Jimsonweed, Datura wrightii Regel, is also known as sacred thorn-apple, angel trumpet and sacred datura. This flowering plant from the potato family produces large, white trumpet-shaped flowers and wide, green leaves. An extract from the plant has narcotic properties and can be lethal if not prepared correctly, according to the University of Texas Wildflower Center website.
Still, the Keres and Aztec tribes among others found medicinal uses for jimsonweed. The crushed leaves or roots of the plant can be applied topically to treat boils on the skin. Ground flowers or juiced leaves produce an ointment that will treat infections at the surface. However, the string-smelling plant's ability to produce narcotic effects made it common in religious ceremonies for some tribes despite the fact that it has been known to kill men and animals if eaten. Medicinal use of this plant is not recommended and should be discussed with a doctor.
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