Daniel Moerman, in his magnificent life work, "Native American Ethnobotany," documents 4029 species of plants used by our Indigenous American tribes for food, medicine, ceremony, containers, shelter, transportation, insecticides, musical instruments, fuel, incense, soap, tools, toys, weapons, smoking, snuff and magic. In this program, I describe a mere 30 or so different plants that I found particularly interesting. How have the Indigenous acquired this encyclopedic knowledge? Part of the answer is the people have a spiritual relationship with the natural world, including plants, in a way most of us do not. Appreciate also that this knowledge has been passed down orally for thousands of years. Here are just two intriguing examples: Yucca root is mashed and used to treat skin sores, snakebite, and rubbed on the head to reverse balding. Blossoms and fruits are a readily available food source. Poultice of Gaillardia treats sore feet, headache, venereal disease, cancer, tuberculosis and general indisposition.
Click here to see a picture of the cone flower, used for spiritual support and good luck!
