#plants used in traditional Native American medicine

[headspace-hotel]

I saw this book entitled "Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do is Ask" by Mary Siisip Genuisz and i thought oh I HAVE to read that. The author is Anishinaabe and the book is all about Anishinaabe teachings of the ways of the plants.

Going from the idiotic, Eurocentric, doomerist colonialism apologia of that "Cambridge companion to the anthropocene" book, to the clarity and reasonableness of THIS book, is giving me whiplash just about.

I read like 130 pages without even realizing, I couldn't stop! What a treasure trove of knowledge of the ways of the plants!

Most of them are not my plants, since it is a different ecosystem entirely (which gives me a really strikingly lonely feeling? I didn't know I had developed such a kinship with my plants!) but the knowledge of symbiosis as permeating all things including humans—similar to what Weeds, Guardians of the Soil called "Nature's Togetherness Law"—is exactly what we need more of, exactly what we need to teach and promote to others, exactly what we need to heal our planet.

She has a lot of really interesting information on how knowledge is created and passed down in cultures that use oral tradition. The stories and teachings she includes are a mix of those directly passed down by her teacher through a very old heritage of knowledge holders, stories with a newer origin, and a couple that have an unknown origin and (I think?) may not even be "authentically" Native American at all, but that she found to be truthful or useful in some way. She likes many "introduced" plants and is fascinated by their stories and how they came here. (She even says that Kudzu would not be invasive if we understood its virtues and used it the way the Chinese always have, which is exactly what I've been saying!!!)

She seems a bit on the chaotic end of the spectrum in regards to tradition, even though she takes tradition very seriously—she says the way the knowledge of medicinal and otherwise useful plants has been built, is that a medicine person's responsibility is not simply to pass along teachings, but to test and elaborate upon the existing ones. It is a lot similar to the scientific method, I would call it a scientific method. Her way of seeing it really made me understand the aliveness of tradition and how there is opportunity, even necessity, for new traditions based upon new ecological relationships and new cultural connections to the land.

I was gut punched on page 15 when she says that we have to be careful to take care of the Earth and all its creatures, because if human civilization destroys the biosphere the rocks and winds will be left all alone to grieve for us.

What a striking contrast to the sad, cruel ideas in the Cambridge companion of the Anthropocene, where humans are some kind of disease upon the Earth that oppresses and "colonizes" everything else...!...The Earth would GRIEVE for us!

We are not separate from every other thing. We have to learn this. If I can pass along these ideas to y'all through my silly little posts, I will have lived well.

[reasonsforhope]

"Despite the Central Appalachia ecosystem being historically famous as coal country, under this diverse broadleaf canopy lies a rich, biodiverse world of native plants helping to fill North America’s medicinal herb cabinet.

And it turns out that the very communities once reliant on the coalfields are now bringing this botanical diversity to the country.

“Many different Appalachian people, stretching from pre-colonization to today, have tended, harvested, sold, and used a vast number of forest botanicals like American ginseng, ramps, black cohosh, and goldenseal,” said Shannon Bell, Virginia Tech professor in the Dept. of Sociology. “These plants have long been integral to many Appalachians’ livelihoods and traditions.”

50% of the medicinal herbs, roots, and barks in the North American herbal supply chain are native to the Appalachian Mountains, and the bulk of these species are harvested or grown in Central Appalachia, which includes southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, far-southwest Virginia, and east Tennessee.

The United Plant Savers, a nonprofit with a focus on native medicinal plants and their habitats, has identified many of the most popular forest medicinals as species of concern due to their declining populations.

Along with the herbal supply chain being largely native to Appalachia, the herb gatherers themselves are also native [to Appalachia, not Native American specifically], but because processing into medicine and seasonings takes place outside the region, the majority of the profits from the industry do too.

In a press release on Bell’s superb research and advocacy work within Appalachia’s botanical communities, she refers back to the moment that her interest in the industry and the region sprouted; when like many of us, she was out in a nearby woods waiting out the pandemic.

“My family and I spent a lot of time in the woods behind our house during quarantine,” Bell said. “We observed the emergence of all the spring ephemerals in the forest understory – hepatica, spring beauty, bloodroot, trillium, mayapple. I came to appreciate the importance of the region’s botanical biodiversity more than ever, and realized I wanted to incorporate this new part of my life into my research.”

With co-investigator, John Munsell at VA Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, Bell’s project sought to identify ways that Central Appalachian communities could retain more of the profits from the herbal industry while simultaneously ensuring that populations of at-risk forest botanicals not only survive, but thrive and expand in the region.

Bell conducted participant observation and interviews with wild harvesters and is currently working on a mail survey with local herb buyers. She also piloted a ginseng seed distribution program, and helped a wild harvester write a grant proposal to start a forest farm.

“Economic development in post-coal communities often focuses on other types of energy development, like fracking and natural gas pipelines, or on building prisons and landfills. Central Appalachia is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. I think that placing a greater value on this biodiversity is key to promoting a more sustainable future for the region,” Bell told VA Tech press.

Armed with a planning grant of nearly half a million dollars, Bell and collaborators are specifically targeting forest farming as a way to achieve that sustainable future.

Finally, enlisting support from the nonprofit organization Appalachian Sustainable Development, Virginia Tech, the City of Norton, a sculpture artist team, and various forest botanicals practitioners in her rolodex, Bell organized the creation of a ‘living monument’ along Flag Rock Recreation Area in Norton, Virginia.

An interpretive trail, the monument tells the story of the historic uses that these wild botanicals had for the various societies that have inhabited Appalachia, and the contemporary value they still hold for people today."

-via Good News Network, September 12, 2024

[redpanther23]

Nightshade is related to several similar plants, including angel's trumpets. It can also be called Datura. They're a type of drug called a deliriant. They've been traditionally used in many Native American and European cultures alike since before colonization, and in a ritual setting I (personally) would absolutely try it. There are as many ways to take it as there are tribes who use it. The main active chemical in them is scopolamine, which when ingested by my cousin led him to slap his mama and go to jail (👎)

I've pretty much only heard of negative experiences with this medicine outside a traditional context, so if you are planning to try this, I recommend only taking it with someone who has a lot of experience using it personally themselves. Don't just go eat or smoke a random flower, the incorrect method could cause brain damage and make you see hell!

The gentleman who told me this story was my grandfather from the Meskwaki tribe, Silent Thunder.

[neechees]

I was just thinking the other day, but people really have to think harder on tobacco. You're free to hate cigarettes & such & not enjoy the smell of tobacco of course, but saying things like wishing the whole tobacco plant would go extinct would be terrible. Tobacco is a sacred plant to Native Americans, we still use it for medicine and offerings for elders and deities & animals. And despite that a lot of the tobacco industry is fucked, Native Americans take up a pretty good chunk of the people who use tobacco for its original, traditional use

[uwmspeccoll]

Native Knowledge

Medicine Generations: Natural Native American Medicines Traditional to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Indian Tribe, published in 2013, is part of our Native American Literature Collection. Misty Cook (Davids), M. S., of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, wrote the book and is also credited with the photography.

The Stockbridge-Munsee Community, a band of the Mohican Indian Tribe, has a profound cultural heritage that has always placed a strong emphasis on traditional medicine. For generations, the knowledge of plant medicine has been passed down as an oral tradition that traces its roots back to the native lands of both Mohican and Munsee ancestors. Jeanette "Granny" Gardner, Cook's ancestor, is responsible for keeping much of this knowledge alive.

This knowledge comes together in her book, which contains 58 Native American herbal medicines. It serves as a guide to learning about and how to use the Medicines, and it also includes the history of the Medicines as passed down through her family's lineage of Wolf Clan Medicine people. At its core, this book is a testament to the resilience and wisdom of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. It stands as a vital document, preserving and sharing the invaluable knowledge of traditional Native American medicinal practices for future generations in the community and beyond.

View other posts from our Native American Literature Collection.

-Melissa (Stockbridge-Munsee), Special Collections Graduate Intern

[whencyclopedia]

Arapaho Creation Story

The Arapaho Creation Story is the account of how the world was made from the mud at the bottom of the endless waters by Father (also given as Pipe Person in some versions) with the help of the duck and the turtle. The story is similar to one of the versions of the Cheyenne Creation Story.

Eastern Painted Turtle

Greg Schechter (CC BY)

Both of these accounts are also similar to the Lakota Sioux Creation Story as well as those of other Native American nations, many of which begin with the world as a great expanse of water and feature a central character – usually supernatural – who brings the earth into being with the help of waterfowl or the turtle. The Arapaho tale is also similar to that of the Cheyenne and others in that there is no mention of the concept of 'evil' or corruption. The Father, inspired by the Grandfather above, creates a perfect world, completely in balance. Any aspects of life humans will later find objectionable are entirely so because of their interpretation, not because of any flaws in the creation itself.

In some versions of the story, the Grandfather is the Creator God Be He Teiht (the Great Spirit) and Father (or Pipe Person) is understood as the First Arapaho, meaning the spirit of the Arapaho people, not the first man. In other versions, Father seems to be the Creator God and Grandfather is not mentioned or the Father figure goes by the name of Flat Pipe or, as noted, Pipe Person. There are also variations in how humans, plants, and animals are made in different versions, but, in all, the world is created for the greater good and its inhabitants, all related as family, are expected to share it generously with each other.

Versions of the Story & Arapaho Religion

These different versions of the Arapaho Creation Story are all fragmented and some incomplete because they were passed down through oral transmission by the people's storytellers, and so many of these were killed by US troops and settlers in the latter part of the 19th century – in conflicts such as the Sand Creek Massacre – or died of diseases or malnutrition on reservations that the story was almost lost completely. The best-known and most complete version comes from Traditions of the Arapaho by George A. Dorsey and Alfred L. Kroeber in 1903, given below.

In this version of the tale, after the duck and turtle have brought up the primordial mud, Father creates the earth and then the sun and moon before creating humans out of clay. In another version, he accomplishes this through prayer-thought – purposeful thought generating change – and literally thinks the world into being. All things, therefore, come from the mind of the Father, and are all closely related. This is a core belief of Arapaho spirituality – the close connection of all living things that inhabit the World House together. In the World House, every living thing is a brother or sister and all children of the same Father. This belief informed Arapaho rituals, including the Sun Dance, as well as the "medicine" objects (spiritual artifacts) the people carried. Scholar Loretta Fowler comments:

the Arapaho origin story focuses on Pipe Person's creation of the earth from mud below the surface of an expanse of water. Pipe Person, through prayer-thought, created all life, including the first Arapahos. Arapahos henceforth kept a replica of the Flat Pipe as a symbol of their covenant with the life force or power on which Pipe Person drew. Rites centered on the pipe bundle helped ensure the success of Arapahos generally and of individuals specifically. Seven men's and seven women's medicine bags contained objects and implements that symbolized forms of power, and these passed from one custodian to another. Prayer-thoughts could affect events and lives, and the sincerity of a petitioner's prayer-thought was validated by sacrifices of property or of the body by flesh offerings and fasting. (1)

Although the Arapaho observed the Sun Dance, they did not engage in the self-torture aspect of that ritual as the Sioux and other Plains Indians did. The "flesh offerings" Fowler mentions would be sacrifices of an individual nature, though still performed for the greater good. The Sun Dance was known as the Offerings Lodge to the Arapaho and, instead of self-torture, they would donate personal items or space (land) to the community. The flat pipe was (and still is) central to the Offerings Lodge ceremony – as it is to other Arapaho rituals – as it symbolizes their connection to the Creator just as the Sioux ceremonial pipe does to that nation. When the Arapaho separated into Northern and Southern, and were then forcibly relocated to reservations, the Northern Arapaho kept the flat pipe with them, and the Southern Arapaho kept the sacred stones symbolizing the pipe. These are still used in rituals today.

Native American Sun Dance

Jules Tavernier and Paul Frenzeny (Public Domain)

In yet another version of the Arapaho Creation Story, this one incomplete, the flat pipe is featured prominently. In this tale, the Creator God is known as Flat Pipe and he walks about on the endless water with his pipe (a flat pipe) looking for some place where he can safely rest it. His entire purpose in creating the world is for a place to securely rest the pipe because, from this pipe, he will draw the power to begin the work of creation. He appeals to a flock of ducks flying past and they dive down into the water for him, bringing up some mud. This is not enough to create land from, however, and so he then asks various other creatures for help. One by one, they dive into the deep, six times, but none of them are able to reach the bottom. The seventh time, the turtle goes and brings back the right amount of mud for creation to begin.

Although the name of the main character and certain details differ in these versions, the central message remains the same: as all things were brought forth by the Creator, all are related to each other as family. One should therefore treat the earth, plants, animals, and others as kindly as one would one's own blood relatives because, in fact, that is what they all are.

Continue reading...

[esoteric-chaos]

Ferns - The Mundane and Magical 101

Working with my local land more has taught me to source local plants and connect with them. By properly taking care of it and working the land. That also means connecting with local plant spirits.

The Fern is one of those species of plants. This wonderful herb is abundant, protective and hold much wisdom for they are very old. With some dating back to 360 million years (or so they say). It is known some species can live up to a hundred years.

They are full of wisdom, you might just learn something from them if you actively work with them as a spirit.

Scientific Name:

Family: Pteridophyte

Parts used: For species of Fern it varies

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

CAUTIONS: ALWAYS check with your local herbalist and doctor before consuming any medicinal medicine as they will be able to direct you on proper dosages. Some medications can also interact and so can some conditions with certain herbs.

IMPORTANT: Some Ferns are harmful (like the Pteridium genus aka Bracken Fern) to the airways and can let off spores that can harm or cause death in immunocompromised people. Always be wary of Fern species around pets as well. Source and research responsibly.

Uses in Herbalism and Healing:

Certain Fern species are used to treat different ailments. Ex. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) used for arthritis while Maidenhair Speenwort (Asplenium tricomanes) is used for coughs.

Always check which fern species is used as some can counteract and aren't always used for the same ailment.

On a fun note, Fiddlehead Ferns are used from a culinary standpoint and are quite delicious when prepared correctly.

Uses in Magic:

When placed in the home, it is said to hold protective properties, and when planted at the doorstep.

Dried Fern, when burned, carries exorcism properties.

Some folklore speaks that when Fern is burned outside, it causes rainfall.

When carried or worn, Fern has the power to guide to treasure.

Some Celtic and Irish legends speak of Ferns being used in from healing to magic.

A Slavic folk tale speaks of a flower on a fern that blooms for a very short time on the eve of the summer solstice. It is said it brings fortune to the person who finds it. In some tales, it allows humans to understand animals talking. It is guarded by malevolent entities. Though the one who succeeds in gathering it can receive earthly riches, that attainment has always brought unlucky energy to the poor soul, so some leave it alone.

Recipes:

A very yummy recipe using Fiddlehead ferns. Check it out!

Sources and extra reading material:

Please remember while I provide sources, some content is my own UPG from working for years intuitively with this herbal ally. What you do not see from my sources assume it is my UPG and take what information you will. Always cross-reference and research yourself. All medical knowledge will be sourced.

Medical Links:

Cao, H., Chai, T., Wang, X., B. Morais-Braga, M. F., Yang, H., Wong, C., Wang, R., Yao, H., Cao, J., Cornara, L., Burlando, B., Wang, Y., Xiao, J., & M. Coutinho, H. D. (2017). Phytochemicals from fern species: Potential for medicine applications. Phytochemistry Reviews, 16(3), 379-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-016-9488-7

Spiritual:

Books:

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Links:

Want to check out my other posts? Here’s the Masterpost

[katiajewelbox]

Let's learn more about the impressive but potentially invasive ornamental plant introduced from North America, the Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).

Despite its invasive nature, Canadian Goldenrod is an important food source for a wide range of insects including the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Cattle and horses as well as deer can safely eat Canadian Goldenrod, and the flowers are not associated with allergies in humans since they do not produce airborne pollen. The plant is used in traditional herbal medicine by indigenous Americans for fevers and respiratory illnesses.

This gold-medallist invasive species has become an ecological menace in Europe and East Asia, where Chinese experts blame it for the extinction of over 30 species of native Chinese plants. In the UK, this admittedly attractive plant was introduced as an ornamental in the 19th century but it soon fell out of favour with gardeners because it was too aggressive.

I am unsure whether the Canadian Goldenrod in my garden is a survivor of a old garden design or if my late Dad added it to the garden, but it is confined as a specimen to a small patch in my garden. New plants are removed if found elsewhere on my property, so it won’t win any gold medals for invasiveness here.

[crazycatsiren]

I was recently gifted white sage by another witch (we are both white). I do not plan to use it, for obvious reasons. One of my friends suggest that I bury it, but I’m not entirely sure if that is the most respectful route as I can’t find many resources on what to do in this situation. If you know of a way to respectfully dispose of it, I would appreciate the knowledge.

Since you already have it, you might as well use it. Why let it go to waste? I myself still have a bundle of white sage that I don't even remember where I got it from because I've had it for many years. I use it for smoke cleansing, and once I use it up, I don't plan on acquiring white sage ever again.

The native Americans in my life have actually told me that the problem doesn't exactly lie within the act of using white sage for any reason itself. It's the fact that in recent years, white sage has been so over hyped by white spiritual communities and thus so over harvested, it's now endangered, and native Americans for whom white sage is a sacred medicinal plant are facing the possibility of not being able to acquire enough of it for their rituals and traditions. I would suggest using up your stash, and then not get any more. Spread the message to the other witches in your life. There are plenty of small businesses that sell sage bundles that aren't white sage, and they are lovely and smell delightful. I myself am a fan of blue sage and garden sage.

[sixminutestoriesblog]

marigolds

It's October! For half the hemisphere, the nights are getting longer, the wind is getting colder and the weather is taking on a distinct grey and overcast mood. What better time than now to steal a few last bursts of brilliant, warm sunshine and keep them close against the coming of winter?

Enter October's flower (one of them) - the marigold.

An interesting thing I found while researching this month's flower was that its native to the Americas - and yet some sites list the ancient Greeks and Romans having traditions surrounding the marigold. One of the sites even mentions the flower being introduced to the 'Americas' several sentences after telling me its native to Mexico. I think some of the confusion may come from the fact that there are marigolds of the Tagetes genus, which are the ones I think of when I think of marigolds, that were first mentioned by the Aztecs and are native to the Americas - and there is a flower, Calendula officinalis, called the 'pot marigold' which comes from the same daisy family but is a different genus and seems to originate in southern Europe. To add to the confusion, the Spanish imported the Tagetes marigold from the Americas and from Spain it spread to, particularly, monastery gardens across Europe where it was cultivated into various strains with names like the African or French marigold. The American marigold didn't even have an official genus name until 1753. So, sorting through marigold myths was a lot like playing 'guess which twin it is' for me especially since the majority of the sites I was wandering through either weren't aware of a difference or didn't differentiate. I found one site that marked the difference between them (shout out to growingvale.com). I can understand why. We're only talking flower folklore here, not nuclear codes. My little nitpicky soul though just wasn't happy until it figured out what was going on. I am now going to spew facts at you and try to tell you which flower is which for each of them.

We'll see how I do.

Let's start at the beginning.

Tagetes marigolds were first recorded as being cultivated by the Aztecs, who considered them both medicinal and sacred. That tradition has carried over into Mexico's el Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated either in late October or Early November depending on the region. How much of that is straight from the Aztecs and how much is later European influence via Catholicism is still up for debate but the marigold plays a special part in both. The brightness and strong scent of the marigold flowers are believed to help guide the spirits of the dead to their family and to the offerings left out for them. You watched Disney's Coco (or Fox's The Book of Life), you get it. The Day of the Dead is celebrated outside of Mexico as well, with traditions varying from place to place but right now, we're talking marigolds.

In a half step to the side of that, the Victorians also considered marigolds a funeral flower but in a solemn and grief-filled way that made their cheery color inappropriate for any other kind of bouquet.

In South Asia, the Tagetes marigold has in large part replaced Calendula officinalis marigold while still serving the same purpose. There marigolds are used to create garlands and decorations for weddings, festivals and sacred holidays. Both Buddhism and Hinduism attach spiritual significance to the flowers. In India, giving a garland of marigolds to someone is considered a sign of friendship.

Walking it back to our Calendula officinalis marigold, the common name of 'marigold' is actually a break down of 'Mary's gold'. The golden colored plant was often left on alters and shrines to the Virgin Mary in Catholic countries in the middle ages by people that couldn't afford to leave actual coins. Its bright sunshine color and availability to everyone soon became associated with her.

This is the marigold that the ancient Romans and Greeks used medicinally and that medieval Europe thought was a cure against the plague. This is also the marigold that was woven into garlands for doors and livestock in Ireland to keep away fairy attention.

Both branches of flowers are popular with love superstitions, representing never having to lose a love and as a good luck charm when it comes to love.

And let's round things off with a gardening fact. Marigold are considered excellent companion plants for most vegetable gardens because they repel pests from the big to the very tiny kind. Just check before you plant. Their roots also give off an antibacterial chemical that will wreck havoc on your legumes.

Happy birthday, October babies!

[theblackdahliaemporium]

Herbalism 101: Mullein Leaf

Fun fact: Mullein is a member of the Snap Dragon Family.

The Mullein plant has been around for years and has more than 200 species. The most popular type is common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus.) the leaves harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either dried or fresh.

Mullein flowers and leaves were used on animals and people for a variety of issues:

Cough

Congestion

Bronchitis

Asthma

Constipation

Pain

Inflammation

Migraine

Sleep

Gout

By the late 1800s, mullein became a popular treatment for people with tuberculosis in Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Keep in mind that many of the benefits of mullein are based on anecdotal experiences. More human clinical studies are needed to understand the benefits of this herb. -Healthline

Mullein leaf is sold in various forms:

Tea

Extract

Oil

Powder

Capsule

Elixir

Some can be made into creams.

Some herbalists recommend mullein for respiratory and inflammatory conditions, but there is not enough scientific evidence of its effectiveness. -Healthline

Dioscorides, a Greek physician pharmacologist and botanist, practicing in the 1st century in Rome, who authored the herbal De Materia Medica, was one of the first to recommend mulleins use in lung conditions around 2,000 years ago. It was used as a hair wash in ancient Roman times; the leaf ash to darken hair, and the yellow flowers for lightening it. The leaves were dried, rolled and used as wicks for candles and the entire dried flowering stalks were dipped in tallow and used for torches, hence the names 'candlewick plant' or 'torches'. According to Maida Silverman in her book A City Herbal, " The great respect and love formerly accorded to mullein can be inferred from the number and variety of the folk names for it." -Mountain Rose herbs.

Mullein leaf, flower, and root, with its litany of folk uses ranging from 'nature's toilet paper' to an effective apotropaic (fancy word meaning that which wards off evil spirits), have been used extensively in folk medicine. Its magical qualities were numerous, going beyond simply warding off evil but also was thought to instill courage and health, provide protection, and to attract love. In fact, it was believed that wearing mullein would ensure fertility and keep potentially dangerous animals at bay while trekking along in the wilderness. Further, allegedly a practice for men in the Ozark mountains to attract love consisted of simply pointing the mullein's flowering stalk towards the direction of his love's house and seeing if the stalk went upright again indicating her reciprocated love. Mullein, like so many herbs of European origin, was introduced by the colonists and then incorporated into the Native American healing tradition. The root was made into a necklace for teething infants by the Abnaki tribe, the Cherokee applied the leaves as a poultice for cuts and swollen glands, and other tribes rubbed the leaves on the body during ritual sweat bathes. Additionally, the flowers were used internally as teas and topically as poultices. The Navajos smoked mullein, referring to it as "big tobacco" and the Amish were known to partake as well. Presently, mullein can be found at health food stores often prepared as soothing leaf tea or an ear oil made of the infused flowers. -mountainroseherbs

According to King's American dispensatory (a book first published in 1854 that covers the uses of herbs used in American medical practice), "upon the upper portion of the respiratory tract its influence is pronounced." Mullein was prescribed by Eclectic Physicians (a branch of American medicine popular in the 1800-early 1900's which made use of botanical remedies) who considered it to be an effective demulcent and diuretic, and a mild nervine "favoring sleep." -Mountain Rose herbs.

DISCLAIMER: Precautions Small hairs on mullein leaf may cause mechanical irritation in the mouth and throat if not filtered out of extracts prior to consumption. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

[kimberly40]

🌸Facts About The Dogwood Tree:

•The dogwood is the state tree of Virginia, Missouri and North Carolina, and is also Virginia’s state flower.

•There are over 50 species of the dogwood tree.

•Native Americans planted their crops, particularly corn, when the dogwoods bloomed.

•Native Americans used the root of dogwood to attract muskrats into the traps.

•The name Dogwood comes from the word “dog-tree”, which was introduced into English in 1548. Dogwood is also thought to derive from “dagwood”, which would involve using the tree’s thin twigs for creating daggers.

•In the Victorian Era, young men used to present dogwood flowers to unmarried women to convey affection. If the woman kept the flower, it was considered a sign of mutual interest! Women who wanted to convey indifference used to return the flower!

•Dogwoods have been used medicinally for generations; the bark is rich in tannins, so ground bark or leaves are used to treat pain, fevers, backaches, dizziness, weakness, excessive sweating, uterine bleeding, and incontinence.

•Dogwood plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine where it is used in the treatment of dizziness, weakness, pain in the knees and back, uterine bleeding, and excessive sweating.

•Dogwood flowers are not "true" flowers. White petals are actually bracts, modified leaves that surround centrally positioned miniature yellowish-green flower heads. Each flower head consists of 20 to 30 individual flowers.

•Wood obtained from the tree is quite hard and strong and is hence used to make different types of tools, such as walking canes, loom shuttles, etc.

[conjuremanj]

The Souls Within Spanish Moss.

Here in the Southern U.S states, our old trees have this spiderweb-like plant called Spanish moss aka (old man's beard) some say. It's really not a moss at all. But It grows from Louisiana, all the way to Virginia even through some of South Carolina I read, basically anywhere there a lot of moister. Even Native Americans used it for medicine. This is the kind of plant that gives the south a Gothic look, that is shown is seen in a bunch of movies and Tv shows.

This Moss absorbed the humidity and helps keep the heat bearable. Some Slave families would sit under those trees to rest. Some people with Gullah heritage would celebrate their, or Congolese people in Louisiana gathered by a big tree with moss to celebrate their hopes, dream. You can probably imagine the amount of spirits of slaves that still have their hearts, souls and struggles in the moss, The men & women who built these plantations all those years ago.

Spanish Moss In Magical Practices. In Voodoo & Hoodoo practicers Some use spanish moss for positive and negativity workings. It absorbs the energy that the practicer gives to it. This moss can be used to create dolls like our voodoo dolls here in New Orleans. Its added to bottles of War Water & Snake Oil. (See my posts on both) It can be used to create a protection oil or wash. Therefore, Spanish moss have magic properties that is used in southern hoodoo & voodoo traditions alike.

How to Work with Spanish Moss in Your Magick First, If you buy or collect your Spanish moss yourself wash it, Sometimes It can have small pests/ bugs, ants etc that lives with in it. And I would know I got bit by fire ants years ago collecting some.😁 Now after it's clean let it dry.

Ways That It's Used. Stuffed into dolls for workings, used to make War water, Stuffed into herbal pillows. Put in spell bottles. Attached to ceremonial clothing. Use on the altar as a representation of the South and traditional hoodoo. There's many ways to use it.

The Legend of Spanish Moss and the Princess’ Hair In Florida. I read a old Native legend about how Spanish moss began and I wanted to share it. There was a Native Princess who fell in love with a Spanish soldier. Her father, the chief, forbade her to see her true love. The story is tragic – the Princess hangs herself by a tree when she realizes her father had her true love killed. Her hair stayed in the tree and continued to grow, becoming what we call Spanish moss. Another variation of this legend tells the tale of an old man who’s long beard is caught in the trees and becomes Spanish moss.

[boringgg-bunnyyy]

granny bunny back again to teach you about a very important plant that could be starting to bloom in your yard right now: sassafras 🌱

sassafras has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and has played a key role in north american culture

native americans used the leaves to treat wounds and commonly used the plant in cooking as flavoring, a tradition that has been carried on especially in creole cooking 🌿

additionally the leaves are often brewed into tea to fight inflammation and help in fending off respiratory infections

and probably my favorite fact of all, being an early springtime bloomer it plays an important part in helping our smaller pollinators such as bees, drone flies, and small birds 🐝

as with all wild plants it is important to do your own research to ensure you are harvesting/using the safe parts of the plant and to ensure there are no toxic look-a-likes in your area, but I hope you can enjoy a lovely cup of sassafras tea 🍵

[shaman-esrc]

Shamanism is a practice that involves reaching altered states of consciousness to interact with the spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world. It is one of the oldest spiritual practices in the world, found in many indigenous cultures across different continents. Here are some key aspects of shamanism:

### Core Beliefs

1. **Animism**: A fundamental belief in shamanism is that everything in the universe is alive and has a spirit, including animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and even the wind.

2. **Spiritual Realms**: Shamans believe in the existence of different spiritual realms or worlds, often described as the Upper World, Lower World, and Middle World, where spirits, guides, and ancestors reside.

3. **Interconnectedness**: There is a belief in the interconnectedness of all life. This holistic view emphasizes harmony and balance within oneself, the community, and the natural world.

### Practices

1. **Shamanic Journeying**: Shamans enter altered states of consciousness, often through drumming, chanting, or the use of entheogenic plants, to journey to the spiritual realms for guidance, healing, and insight.

2. **Healing**: Shamans are healers who work to restore balance and harmony within individuals and communities. They may perform soul retrievals, extract negative energies, or use herbal medicine.

3. **Rituals and Ceremonies**: These are conducted for various purposes, including healing, protection, honoring spirits, and marking important life events. Common rituals include sweat lodges, vision quests, and drumming circles.

4. **Divination**: Shamans often use various methods to gain insights into the past, present, and future. This can involve reading natural signs, casting bones, or receiving messages from spirits.

5. **Spiritual Guidance**: Shamans act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, providing guidance and wisdom to their community based on their interactions with spiritual entities.

### Tools and Symbols

1. **Drums and Rattles**: Used to enter altered states of consciousness and connect with the spirit world.

2. **Feathers**: Representing the connection to the sky and often used in healing rituals.

3. **Crystals and Stones**: Believed to hold specific energies and used for protection, healing, and guidance.

4. **Plants and Herbs**: Used for their medicinal and spiritual properties in various healing practices.

### Cultural Context

Shamanism varies widely across different cultures and regions. Some well-known shamanic traditions include:

- **Siberian Shamanism**: Often considered the origin of the term "shaman," Siberian shamans have a rich tradition of spirit journeys, animal symbolism, and healing rituals.

- **Native American Shamanism**: Includes diverse practices among different tribes, such as vision quests, sweat lodges, and the use of sacred plants like tobacco and peyote.

- **Amazonian Shamanism**: Often involves the use of powerful plant medicines like ayahuasca and the guidance of plant spirits.

### Modern Shamanism

In contemporary times, shamanism has seen a resurgence and adaptation in various forms, often blending traditional practices with modern spiritual movements. Many people are drawn to shamanism for its holistic approach to healing, spirituality, and its deep connection to nature.

### Ethical Considerations

Practicing or studying shamanism requires respect and sensitivity toward indigenous cultures and traditions. It's important to approach shamanic practices with humility, seek proper guidance, and avoid cultural appropriation.

[hope-lesslyhope-ful]

I love plant shops. I love crystal shops. I love shops that are all about the mystical, such as witch shops. And I love shops that have handmade items like soaps, lotions, candles and so on.

What I hate is that constantly I find that I'll be looking at a shop (online or in person), and it's great. Until I find them selling palo santo. Until I find them selling white sage. Until I find them selling said white sage as a smudge stick.

Please, and I cannot emphasize this enough: Stop throwing around the term smudging. It is a sacred ritual. You are not smudging. You are smoke cleansing. Learn more about both. Smoke cleansing isn't appropriation, but smudging is.

It is disrespectful to indigenous people who have smudging as part of sacred rituals. But especially disrespectful, actually, beyond disrespectful and downright awful, is the use of Palo Santo and White Sage.

Palo Santo comes from two trees, and the process of harvesting it is in itself a sacred process to harvest the trees that involves only fallen ones, after letting them rest for years. When buying Palo Santo, almost every time it will not be in support of indigenous peoples whose culture is being exploited. Culture and environment, land. Because the over harvesting of these trees (one type is in the red zone for endangered, the other is nearing it), is harmful to the trees, and it damages and makes dryer the land that Palo Santo grows on in Latin America. It hurts people and the earth, both through culture and through environmental impacts.

In Peru and Ecuador it's illegal to cut down Palo Santo trees. However, because of the profit that corporations seek to gain because of people turning a blind eye, not doing their research, and being 'trendy' within wellness - and witch - communities, the trees are still being illegally cut down. It's likely most of what anyone encounters in store isn't of a matured tree, because the young trees often are chopped down. Another insult to the people being exploited is that the workers and the indigenous communities are also being specifically exploited with unfair wages.

There is such a thing as appreciating cultures, but just using Palo Santo generally is not the way to do it. Appreciation of a culture means knowing the history, the cultural meanings and traditions related to the plant (or anything else). It's also knowing the impact on the people's whose culture you want to appreciate. When that impact is negative, find other ways to appreciate the culture. Or find ways to ethically source something. For example, finding ethically sourced Palo Santo. Luna Sundara is an example of this. The shop works with the government's of Peru and Ecuador to legally import Palo Santo, they follow both government and sacred laws in only using wood that's been matured, and they make sure the indigenous communities and workers are receiving good care and fair wages.

I got really intensely focused on Palo Santo, but I still need to emphasize the problem with using White Sage. While it isn't currently on an endangered list, it is leading there quickly. White Sage is used in food, medicine and ritual ceremonies for some Native American tribes. White Sage is not the same as some more common sages, and it doesn't grow as much or in as many areas. The overharvesting of this sage threatens the plant and the ecosystem of the area, as well as effecting the traditions of tribes in areas around Southern California and Northwestern Mexico. I highly recommend this article. But to summarize, people use White Sage as a way to cleanse their space, but do so while disrespecting the rituals that they claim to be doing (I'm looking at you 'smudge sticks'). Native people gather from the earth in very specific ways, caring for the plants that are being harvested from and taking only small bits at a time. However, harvesters looking only at profit take from the plant with no regard for it, ripping roots out of the ground, just taking and taking. Not only is that horrific, but it isn't sustainable. White Sage, among other plants, risk endangerment and possibly extinction by the misuse and over harvesting currently happening. The burning of white sage that is popularly done today isn't done in the way Native people of California do it, either. Whole bundles are burned for the smoke because it's pretty, but Native people would burn the same bundle much, much slower. Carelessness is a good word for it.

And again, when looking at ways you might use white sage ethically, there are exceptions. Here's a site that goes into that. I will be honest, because of the level of cultural appropriation that is associated with the misuse of white sage, that mostly looks like not using it. However, when more ethically acquired (see: from Native people of Southern California + farmed not wild-sourced) and used sparingly (and not by 'smudging') there is possibilities. The best thing to do, though, is use something else.

Both Palo Santo and White Sage are (mis)used in wellness communities, meditation communities, and by witches. The idea behind the use of both of these is for cleansing, purification, and to drive away bad energy. However, using plants that are endangered or at risk of endangerment, using these plants while indigenous people beg you not to - and on top of it appropriating ceremonies that are clearly not being understood or respected - will only being bad energy into your life. Burn bundles made of lavender, or cedar, or rosemary. Make an at home essential oil spray (be mindful of the ingredients) with plants that cleanse and purify. Incense, candles. Bake, learn a new craft. Do things with good intentions. Things like these can bring you good energy, but exploiting Indigenous people and exploiting ecosystems, will not.