Herbal Medicine

The Native American Indian Medicine Walk

When a native American fell ill a common approach to healing would be to set out on a medicine walk. This basically involved setting off on a walk in the local grasslands or forests, sometimes accompanied by the tribal shaman (Witch doctor), in order to intuitively find the herbs necessary to restore good health. Of course Amer-Indians had a long unbroken tradition of herbal healing to draw on and all members of a tribe would have a thorough knowledge of which plants are useful [and for what] and which should be avoided.

In the animal kingdom there are also many examples of the intuitive use of herbs to restore health. Gorillas have been observed transplanting wild garlic, which they eat for it's healing properties, when they move territory in order to ensure a plentiful supply when needed. In the same way it is common knowledge that domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, will eat grasses [as an emetic] when they have digestive problems. In other words; with a good basic knowledge of plants and herbs and a degree of empathy with the environment it is possible to intuitively select helpful remedies when under the weather. [I am not suggesting for one moment that anyone goes off into the countryside and picks whatever comes to hand when they feel ill.] Indeed, some plants: Foxglove, Water dropwort, and Ragwort for instance are all highly poisonous and, in this day and age, you never know what an unknown plant has been sprayed with or what other pollutants it may have come into contact with. [Never pick plants from the side of a busy road.] It is, however, quite possible to grow a selection of beneficial herbs [in growing them from scratch you can be absolutely sure of what they are] and by, perhaps, attending an evening class or a basic course in herbs and their therapeutic uses or even by reading some good books such as: The Holistic Herbal; by David Hoffman, Medicinal Herbal; by Penelope Ody, or The illustrated Herbal handbook; by Juliette De-Bairicli Levy to name but a few, to build up a basic knowledge of the therapeutic value of your own herb garden. By growing them yourself, you may develop an empathy with the plants in your environment. In this way it is quite possible that when you are a little off colour particular herbs may appeal to you as being good to eat and with a little knowledge of their preparation and the quantities to be taken you could speed your recovery. If your condition is anything other than an obvious and minor ailment, however, you should always consult a qualified medical practitioner, either conventional or alternative or both.

Some easily cultivated, attractive, and useful plants that you might like to grow are: thyme, mullein (Verbascum thapsus), elecampane, coltsfoot {best grow in a pot, it spreads like wildfire}, white horehound, and hyssop - for coughs and colds; sage - for sore throats; pot marigold (Calendula) - for cuts and skin conditions; comfrey - for bruises and, as a poultice for bad backs and rheumatism.