Cherokee ethnobotany
This is a list of plants documented to have been traditionally used by theCherokee,and how they are used.
Adoxaceae (moschatel family)
[edit]- Viburnum nudumvar.cassinoides(commonly known aswithe-rod, witherod viburnum, possumhaw, and wild raisin) – aninfusionof the plant taken to prevent recurrent spasms, root bark used as adiaphoreticand atonic,and compound infusion of it taken for fever,smallpoxandague.An infusion of the bark used as a wash for a sore tongue.[1]
- Viburnum prunifolium(commonly known asblack haw) – an infusion of the plant taken to prevent recurrent spasms, root bark used as adiaphoreticand atonic,and compound infusion of it taken for fever,smallpoxandague.An infusion of the bark used as a wash for a sore tongue.[1]
Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis family)
[edit]- Allium tricoccum(commonly known asramp,ramps,spring onion,ramson,wild leek,wood leek,andwild garlic), eaten as food.[2][3][4]TheCherokeealso eat the plant as a springtonic,for colds and forcroup.They also use the warm juice for earaches.[3]
Asteraceae (aster, daisy, sunflower, or composite family)
[edit]- Cichorium intybus(common names arechicoryorcommon chicory– aninfusionof the root is used as a tonic for nerves.[5]This plant is not native to the Americas and was introduced by colonists.
- Pseudognaphalium obtusifoliumssp.obtusifolium(common names includeold field balsam,rabbit tobaccoandsweet everlasting), used in a compound for muscle cramps, local pains, and twitching,[6]and apply an infusion of it over scratches made over muscle cramp pain.[7]It is also used internally withCarolina vetchfor rheumatism.[6]A decoction is taken for colds, and the plant is also made into cough syrup.[6]It is used in asweat bathto treat various diseases, made into a warm liquid blown down throat for clogged throat (diphtheria), chewed for a sore mouth, smoked for asthma, and chewed for a sore throat.[6]
- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae(common namesNew England asterorMichaelmas daisy),poulticeof roots used for pain, infusion of the roots for diarrhea, and the ooze of the roots is sniffed forcatarrh.An infusion of the plant for fever.[8]
- Tanacetum vulgare(common nametansy) – an infusion of the plant is used for backache, the plant is used as atonic,and worn it around the waist and in shoes to prevent miscarriages.[9]This plant is not native to the Americas and was introduced by colonists.
Berberidaceae
[edit]- Jeffersonia diphylla(common names includetwinleaforrheumatism root), used in aninfusionfor treatingdropsy,as well as gravel and urinary tract problems. Also used as a poultice for sores and inflammation.[10]
Campanulaceae (bellflower family)
[edit]- Triodanis perfoliata(common nameclasping Venus's looking glass), root used in liquid compound fordyspepsiafrom overeating, andinfusionof roots taken and use it as a bath for dyspepsia.[11]
Cyperaceae
[edit]Ericaceae (heath or heather family)
[edit]- Epigaea repens(common names aremayflowerortrailing arbutus)decoctionof the plant used to induce vomiting to treat abdominal pain, and they give an infusion of the plant to children for diarrhea.[13]An infusion is also used for the kidneys and for "chest ailment".[14]They also take a compound infusion for indigestion.[14]
- Kalmia latifolia(common names includemountain-laurel,[15]calico-bush,[15]orspoonwood,[15]), used as ananalgesicby placing aninfusionof leaves put on scratches made over location of the pain.[13]The bristly edges of ten to twelve leaves "are rubbed over the skin forrheumatism,leaves are also crushed to rub brier scratches. The plant is used an infusion as a wash "to get rid of pests", used in acompoundas aliniment,leaf ooze is rubbed into scratched skin of ball players to prevent cramps, and a leaf salve is used for healing. The wood is also used for carving.[16]
- Lyonia mariana(common names includePiedmont staggerbushandstaggerbush) – aninfusionof the plant used for toe itch, 'ground-itch' and ulcers.[17]
Fabaceae (legume, bean, or pea family)
[edit]- Baptisia australis(common names includeblue wild indigo,blue false indigo,indigo weed,rattleweed,rattlebush,andhorsefly weed), the roots of which are used in anherbal teaas a purgative or to treat tooth aches and nausea,[18]
- Senna hebecarpa(common names includeAmerican sennaandwild senna) The Cherokee useinfusionof the plant for various purposes, including taking it for cramps, heart trouble, giving it to children and adults as a purgative and for fever, and taking it for 'blacks' (hands and eye sockets turn black). They also give an infusion of the root specifically to children for fever. The Cherokee use apoulticethe root for sores, and they use a compound infusion for fainting spells. It is also used use a compound forpneumonia.[19]
- Vicia caroliniana(common nameCarolina vetch,orCarolina wood vetch), used for back pains, local pains, to toughen muscles, for muscular cramps, twitching and is rubbed on stomach cramps. They also use a compound forrheumatism,for an affliction called "blacks", and it is taken for wind before a ball game.[20]An infusion is used for muscle pain, in that it is rubbed on scratches made over the location of the pain. An infusion is also taken as anemetic.[21]It is also used internally withPseudognaphalium obtusifoliumssp.obtusifoliumforrheumatism.[6]
Hydrangeaceae
[edit]- Hydrangea cinerea(common names includeashyorgray hydrangea) Aninfusionof the bark scrapings is taken for vomiting bile, and an infusion of the roots is taken as a cathartic and emetic by women during menses.[22]
Iridaceae
[edit]- Iris cristata(common namesdwarf crested iris,crested iris) – a decoction of the pulverized root is used as salve for ulcers.[23][24]Aninfusion(tea) is taken for liver. A decoction of the root is also used to treat a "yellowish urine".[23]The root is also used as an ingredient in a cream applied to skin ulcers.[25]
- Iris virginica(common nameVirginia iris) – the root is pounded into a paste that is used as asalvefor skin. Aninfusionmade from the root is used to treat ailments of theliver,and a decoction of root is used to treat "yellowish urine".[26]
Juglandaceae
[edit]- Caryaspp. (common name: hickory) - the nut of which was traditionally used by the Cherokee in makingKanuchi,the Hickory nut soup.
Lamiaceae (mint or deadnettle family)
[edit]- Blephilia ciliata(common names includedowny pagoda plant,sunny woodmintandOhio horsemint.[27]), used make a poultice to treat headaches.[28]
Lythraceae
[edit]- Lythrum alatumvar.lanceolatum(common names includewinged loosestrife,winged lythrum,angled purple-loosestrife), infusion taken for kidneys.[29]
Onagraceae (willowherb or evening primrose family)
[edit]- Oenothera fruticosa(Common names includenarrowleaf evening primroseornarrow-leaved sundrops) TheCherokeeparboil the leaves, rinse them and cook in hot grease as a potherb.[30]
Pontederiaceae
[edit]- Heteranthera reniformis,hot poultice of roots applied to inflamed wounds and sores.[31]
Ranunculaceae (buttercup or crowfoot family)
[edit]- Hydrastis canadensis(common names includegoldenseal,orangeroot[32]andyellow puccoon,[32]used as a cancer treatment.[33]
- Ranunculus acris(common names includemeadow buttercup,[34]tall buttercupandgiant buttercup.used as a poultice for abscesses, as an oral infusion for "thrush", and the juice is used as a sedative.[35]They also cook the leaves and eat them as greens.[35](Note: This plant was introduced from Eurasia, and is not native to North America.)
Rosaceae (rose family)
[edit]- Agrimonia gryposepala(commonly known astall hairy agrimony,[36]common agrimony,[37]hooked agrimony,[37]ortall hairy grooveburr[38]), used to treat fever.[39]
Sapindaceae(soapberry family)
[edit]- Acer saccharinumcommon namessilver maple,[40]creek maple,silverleaf maple,[40]soft maple,large maple,[40]water maple,[40]swamp maple,[40]orwhite maple,[40]TheCherokeetake an infusion of the bark for cramps,dysentery,and hives.[41]They boil the inner bark and use it with water as a wash for sore eyes. They also take a compound infusion of the bark for "female trouble" and cramps. They take a hot infusion of the bark formeasles,and use the tree to make baskets, for lumber, building material, and for carving.[41]
References
[edit]- ^abHamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 62
- ^Witthoft, John 1977 Cherokee Indian Use of Potherbs. Journal of Cherokee Studies 2(2):250–255 (p. 251)
- ^abHamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 52)
- ^Perry, Myra Jean 1975 Food Use of "Wild" Plants by Cherokee Indians. The University of Tennessee, M.S. Thesis (p. 47)
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 29)
- ^abcdeHamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 51, 52)
- ^Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 61)
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 24)
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 58)
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 59)
- ^Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 60)
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses -- A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 54
- ^abTaylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 48)
- ^abHamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 23)
- ^abc"Kalmia latifolia".Germplasm Resources Information Network.Agricultural Research Service,United States Department of Agriculture.Retrieved2017-12-24.
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 42)
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 57
- ^Broyles, Patrick J. (2004),Blue Wild Indigo(PDF),retrieved2007-06-19
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 54
- ^ Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 60)
- ^Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 34)
- ^Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 25)
- ^abHamel, Paul B.; Chiltoskey, Mary U. (1975).Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History.London: N.C. Herald Publishing Co. p.41.ISBN0903505193.
- ^Umberto QuattrocchiCRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific names, Synonyms and Etymology,p. 2104, atGoogle Books
- ^Eland, Sue (2008)."Iris cristata"(PDF).plantlives.com.Retrieved4 April2015.
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 41)
- ^Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (19 February 2009)."Blephilia ciliata (Downy Pagoda Plant)".University of Texas at Austin.Retrieved11 December2011.
- ^Hamel and Chiltoskey, Paul B., and Mary U. (1975).Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History.Sylva, N.C.:Herald Publishing Co.p. 45. Archived fromthe originalon 2013-12-04.Retrieved2015-05-18.
{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 43
- ^Perry, Myra Jean, 1975, Food Use of 'Wild' Plants by Cherokee Indians, The University of Tennessee, M.S. Thesis, page 49
- ^Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses -- A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 45
- ^ab"Hydrastis canadensis".Germplasm Resources Information Network.Agricultural Research Service,United States Department of Agriculture.Retrieved2017-12-24.
- ^Prof. Benjamin Smith Barton Collections for an Essay Toward a Materia Medica of the United States (1798, first edition)
- ^BSBI List 2007(xls).Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.Archived fromthe original(xls)on 2015-06-26.Retrieved2014-10-17.
- ^abHamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 31)
- ^Plants Profile forAgrimonia gyrosepalaRetrieved 2010-03-13.
- ^ab"Agrimonia gryposepala".Germplasm Resources Information Network.Agricultural Research Service,United States Department of Agriculture.Retrieved2010-03-13.
- ^ITIS Standard Report Page:Agrimonia gryposepalaRetrieved 2010-03-13.
- ^Daniel E. Moerman (2009).Native American Medicinal Plants: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary.Timber Press. pp.52–53.ISBN978-0-88192-987-4.
- ^abcdefGabriel, William J. (1990)."Acer saccharinum".In Burns, Russell M.; Honkala, Barbara H. (eds.).Hardwoods.Silvics of North America.Vol. 2.Washington, D.C.:United States Forest Service(USFS),United States Department of Agriculture(USDA) – via Southern Research Station.
- ^abHamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses -- A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 44