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You are here: Home / Survival / Health / 11 Native American Herbs & Recipes Worth Learning

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11 Native American Herbs & Recipes Worth Learning

By Nicholas Oetken 7 Comments ✓ This post may contain affiliate links*

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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before using any of the herbs and/or remedies mentioned in this article.

11 Native American Herbs & Recipes Worth Learning

When it comes to emergency preparedness, one of the most overlooked topics is the use of natural herbs and plants for medical use. In the modern world, most people have no clue which plants are poisonous and which plants can be used as a medicine, but it wasn’t always that way.

Using herbs and plants for medical use is nothing new. Native Americans used them for thousands of years under the philosophy that man is a part of nature.

Furthermore, archaeological studies have shown that man has been using herbs and plants for medical purposes since at least 3000 BC, beginning with the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. Back then, they used herbs and plants to treat everything from oral problems to stomach aches to headaches to skin rashes and more.

It wasn’t until the 1700s to 1800s that scientists and medical professionals in the Western world began to really analyze these plants. Today, science has evolved to the point where it is incredibly rare for a prescription drug to have natural components in it, even though most of today’s prescriptions originated from naturally-occurring elements.

Of course, you probably won’t have any prescription meds in a survival scenario. In this case, your next best option will be the natural herbs and plants that the Native Americans used hundreds of years ago.

Here are 12 worth learning about:

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1. Blackberries

Blackberry | Native American Herbs

Yes, the blackberries that you buy at the store contain medicinal properties. Most notably, the Cherokee tribe would use them to help calm stomach pain.

Today, scientific research has revealed that blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which may explain why they can reduce stomach pain.

While you can certainly consume blackberries orally, Native Americans would grind up the roots and mix them with honey. This resulting recipe would calm stomach problems, reduce coughs, soothe mouth stores, and relieve sore throats.

2. Buckbrush

Buckbrush | Native American Herbs

You need at least one of your kidneys to be functioning properly in order to live, and one of the best natural elements to ensure your kidneys are working well is buckbrush.

Furthermore, buckbrush can also be used to treat tumors and cysts, inflammation, and sore throats.

The best way to consume it is to make a tea out of it. Simply boil some water and set the roots in it for five to ten minutes. You can then proceed to drink the resulting buckbrush tea to get the full benefits.

3. Cattail

Cattail | Native American Herbs

Cattail is more of a preventative treatment than it is an actual medicine. Every part of the plant can be eaten, except for the seeds and the leaves.

Cattail is best used as an antiseptic for open wounds such as cuts, abrasions, and scrapes. Simply split open the root of the cattail and bring it into direct contact with the open wound, then secure it with a rope or paracord.

Furthermore, the ash of cattail can be used for this same medicinal purpose. Simply bring it into direct contact with the open wound.

4. Dandelion

Dandelion | Native American Herbs

We should all be familiar with what dandelions are, and the Native Americans were the first to figure out how to use them medically.

For example, did you know that having a dandelion salad (where you eat the leaves) can help alleviate a sore throat?

Did you also know that dandelion is a diuretic and can, therefore, help you to pass urine? All you’ll need to do is have some dandelion tea.

5. Elderflower

Elderflower | Native American Herbs

Elderflower can be consumed in a number of ways: jelly, syrup, and tea are some of the most popular ones.

But be careful because the only edible part is the flower part itself. The leaves, twigs, roots, and stems may not be consumed safely because they are toxic.

The extract of the elderflower is what’s used for medicinal purposes. Specifically, the extract can be used as a treatment for:

  • Sweating
  • Bleeding
  • Bronchitis
  • Constipation
  • Colds
  • Influenza
  • The Common Cold

6. Flaxseed

Flax | Native American Herbs

Flaxseed has been used to help treat the kidneys as well. Furthermore, it can also be used to treat sore throats and heart-related problems.

Flaxseed can also be consumed in any way that you see fit, so long as you do not consume it when it’s raw or unripe. The best way to consume it is in powdered form, or at least when it is dried.

7. Lavender

Lavender | Native American Herbs

If you’ve been suffering from any sleep-related problems, lavender can be the treatment you’re looking for.  Getting plenty of sleep during a survival situation will be important for keeping your energy levels up. The Native Americans would use the scent from lavender to make it easier to sleep as well as calm the pain from headaches.

Making lavender oil is incredibly easy. Simply steep the sprigs in olive oil (or water if you’re in a survival situation), and you’ll be set.

8. Mint

Mint | Native American Herbs

Mint is very well known, even by those unfamiliar with medicinal herbs.

Mint is healthy because it is very rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, in addition to magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. The Cherokee tribe would make mint tea in order to lower blood pressure and help treat pain in the digestive system.

To treat itchy spots and skin rashes, crush mint leaves and mix them with a little bit of water to create an ointment, then apply the mixture directly to the affected area.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary | Native American Herbs

Rosemary was considered to be a sacred plant by many Native American tribes, and for good reason: it is simply one of the most effective natural plants for alleviating pain in joints and muscles.

Furthermore, rosemary can also help to improve the immune system, indigestion, the nervous system, and the circulatory system. All in all, it is one of the best herbs you can get your hands on. And all you have to do is add it to your food.

10. Sumac

Sumac | Native American Herbs

Sumac is excellent at treating colds, fevers, and sore throats. To get these benefits, you’ll need to make sumac tea. Just pick several berry clusters and crush them slightly, soak them in a pitcher of cold water overnight, strain the mixture to remove the berries, and enjoy!

It’s that simple. The pain won’t go entirely away, but you will feel nearly instant relief and that’s better than nothing.

11. Yarrow

Yarrow | Native American Herbs

Yarrow is widespread throughout the world and was first utilized to great effect by the Ancient Greeks, who used it to stop excessive bleeding by applying the leaves directly. They would also take the juice from yarrow and mix it with water. This mixture would then be consumed directly to help treat pain in the stomach or intestines.

The Cherokee tribe was also well aware of the strong medicinal properties of yarrows, and like the Ancient Greeks, they primarily prepared it as a tea. Just add a teaspoon of dried yarrow to a cup of water, boil it for 10 minutes, strain the leaves, and drink.

Furthermore, the Cherokee tribe would also apply yarrow directly to the skin to help treat dry skin, acne, and open wounds.

Conclusion

If you want to use these herbs in a survival scenario, learn to identify them now so you can find them when you need them. If the Native Americans used them, so can you… and who knows, your life might be saved as a result.

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Up Next:

  • Cattails – The Little Known Survival Food
  • 11 Useful Herbs You Can Grow In Buckets
  • 25 Wild Edibles You Can Find In The City
  • 9 Ordinary Plants You Can Turn Into Bread

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Comments

  1. Argelia Esinoza says

    September 30, 2020 at 10:52 am

    Thank you for the information, I’m all in when it comes to learning about natural remedies and learning about the purpose of our nature.

    Reply
  2. Michael l Javick says

    May 17, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    In Poland they have the brewski plant. My father used to drunk.. it all the time as i do !

    Reply
  3. Vicky says

    February 12, 2020 at 10:05 am

    I was always told sumac was poisonous. Actually called it poison sumac .

    Reply
  4. NebrJo says

    July 4, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    Elderflower? Don’t you mean elderberries? Otherwise, how does one extract the juice?

    Reply
    • Alan says

      July 5, 2019 at 8:34 am

      No, not elderberries. You don’t extract juice. Instead, you can make a syrup using the blossoms, sugar, water, and citric acid: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-your-own-elde_b_5437146

      Reply
  5. Rick Palmer says

    July 4, 2019 at 10:51 am

    As usual your articles are always helpful. I would add a caution to herb # 8 , mint. Here in the southwest a very popular ornamental is latana, it is in the mint family but toxic. Find a new or used book on plant identification to add to your survival prep kit.
    When I was a missionary in mexico at an orphanage, we had several older ladies that semi adopted me. If I had an upset stomach they made up yerbe buena (spearmint) tea, a cough yerba buena tea, sinus congestion yerba buena tea. Thank God I was never constipated !!
    Again thanks for all the great articles.

    Reply
    • Alan says

      July 5, 2019 at 8:35 am

      You’re welcome! Glad you’re finding the articles helpful!

      Reply

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