Medicinal Monday -The Mystery of the Poison Fish Plant

Plants in Hawaii came by air and sea as seeds and spores that floated on the ocean currents or were carried by migratory birds to this island. When the Polynesians arrived in Hawaii they found lush islands teeming with native flora and fauna, some of them found in no other place on earth. One plant, the Tephrosia purpurea known as Auhuhu or Poison Fish plant was introduced by the Polynesians to these fabled islands.

About the Poison Fish Plant

This flowering plant is in the pea family, Fabaceae, and is found in the lowland tropics. It prefers dry, rocky, or sandy soils and is considered a common wasteland weed. It is an erect or spreading annual or short-lived perennial herb. The leaves of this plant contain rotenoid tephrosine which stuns fish but not mammals.  Rotenonoids are classified by the World Health Organization as moderately hazardous. They are mildly toxic to humans and other mammals, but extremely toxic to many insects (hence their use as an insecticide) and aquatic life, including fish. This higher toxicity in fish and insects is because the lipophilic rotenonoid is easily taken up through the gills or trachea, but not as easily through the skin or the gastrointestinal tract. 

Medicinal Uses and Fishing 

The Hawaiians mix the leaves or buds with salt, baked coconut, and water and apply this mixture to treat skin diseases and cuts. The dried plant was used as a diuretic and to treat bronchitis. A decoction of the plant was used as a treatment against intestinal worms and to relieve inflammation and bodily pains.

In Hawaii, fish trapped in tidal pools at low tide were sometimes caught with mild toxins obtained from the Tephrosia purpurea plant. The whole plant or the root, stem, and bark is crushed into bits, either with a mortar and pestle or with rocks found by the shore. The materials were then scattered in tide pools around the base of rocks and into holes where fish might hide. In a few minutes, the small fish that were present would float to the surface and could be picked up. 

Did You Know...

The plant is used as green manure for vegetables, rice, coconut, and banana. When used in this way it reduces oil salinity and lowers plant ph.

This plant flowers all year long in Java.

The seeds are used in China as a substitute for coffee.

It is also known as wild indigo

In Africa, shepherds use crushed plants to treat snake bites.

An orange-brown dye can be made from the leaves of this plant.

Medicinal Monday - Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Northern bush honeysuckle is a low-growing perennial deciduous shrub that is used by many Native Americans including the Ojibwe, Algonquin, Chippewa, Cree, and other communities in a variety of ways.  The knowledge of Native American communities about plants and their natural environment is truly incredible. This knowledge was handed down from generation to generation.

About Northern Bush Honeysuckle

This shrub, Diervilla lonicera, is found in forests dominated by balsam fir trees and in dry, rocky open woodland areas, and thickets. It prefers a cool, dry climate, and can tolerate infertile soil. They are abundant and widespread throughout eastern North America and can be found in Connecticut. Northern bush honeysuckle typically grows up to two feet tall and can be more than four feet wide. The shrub's branches are dense and its trumpet-shaped yellow tubular flowers bloom in June and July. In order to taste the sweet nectar, the tubular flower must be suckled, hence the name, honeysuckle. The flowers turn into fruits that look like dry woody capsules in the fall. The glossy green leaves of spring and summer with their fine marginal teeth turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall before dropping off.

Medicinal Uses

The most common use of this plant is as a herbal tea to treat coughs and sore throats. Cough syrup was also made by mixing leaves and flowers with honey. The Algonquin use the leaves as a diuretic and the Chippewa take a decoction of the leaves to treat stomach pain. The Cree make an infusion of the roots or stems to treat sore eyes.  The Iroquis make a decoction of the roots and leaves and gave it to babies with adulterous mothers. The Menominee use this shrub as a blood medicine and drink a decoction of the stalk to clear the blood. The Ojibwa make a decoction of the roots and drank it as a urinary remedy. The Potawatomi use an infusion of twigs for vertigo.

Did You Know...

The genus name, Diervilla honors a French surgeon named Dierville who observed this plant with great interest in Canada from 1699-1700.

This shrub attracts bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Moose and whitetail deer consume the shrub and its fruit in the fall and winter.

Some bird species sometimes use the branches of this shrub to build bird nests and eat the fruit.

Northern bush honeysuckle is also known as low bush honeysuckle, dwarf bush honeysuckle, and yellow-flowered honeysuckle. 

Medicinal Monday - The Magic of Meadow Garlic

There are a number of wild plants, including Allium canadense or meadow garlic that appear in the late spring in Connecticut. Meadow garlic can also be found from Texas to Florida, and from New Brunswick to Montana. It is edible with a relatively mild taste. Unless you are absolutely sure, never forage for wild plants.

About Allium canadense

Onions and garlic belong to the Lily family. Meadow garlic resembles chives as it has narrow, grass-like leaves that originate at the base of the stem. The plant has a strong onion odor and taste. The flowers have a dome shape cluster of star-shaped pink or white flowers. The flowers can be replaced, partially or entirely by bulbs. This plant typically flowers in May and June and is pollinated by American bees, not honey bees. The bulb is covered with a dense skin of brown fibers and is edible.

Medicinal Uses

The Cherokee used a decoction of this plant as a diuretic and as an ear medicine to remove deafness. A tincture was given to children to prevent worms and colic. The Mahuna rubbed the body with this plant to prevent insect and snake bites. Tea was made from the bulbs to control coughs and vomiting. These plants were eaten raw as vegetables by most Native American communities, and bulbs were boiled or roasted; they were also added to soups and stews. 

Did You Know...

There are many bulb-forming plants that resemble wild onions, some are toxic. Only harvest plants with the distinct odor of onions. The chopped green leaves can be used like chives and the bulbs are cooked like any other onions.

In addition to Meadow garlic, other names for Allium canadense are Canada onion, wild garlic, and wild onion.

Allium is the Latin name for onion.

Allium canadense in large amounts can be toxic to cattle.

Learn About An Ancient Technology Atlatl Workshop @ Institute For American Indian Studies May 22, 2021

 

​When people think of Native American hunting tools, bows and arrows are among the first things that spring to mind, and with good reason. Just about every Native American community had some form of a bow and arrow. What many people don’t know is that for thousands of years, many Native Americans used a different type of hunting tool. The atlatl is a dart thrower that allows hunters to throw a dart or spear farther and faster than by hand alone.

On Saturday, May 22 the Institute for American Indian Studies​ in Washington, Connecticut will be hosting an in-person Atlatl Workshop from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. that will highlight the many uses of this ancient technology, how to make your own atlatl, and how to throw it. Essentially an atlatl is a dart thrower that allows hunters to throw a dart or arrow farther and faster than by hand alone. 

 If you like to make things with your hands and throwing sports, don’t miss this intriguing workshop. Participants will learn about the history of the atlatl, one of the first true weapon technologies developed by cultures from all over the world. Different designs of this useful ancient tool that is both a projectile and launching device used by Native Americans will be a highlight. Under the guidance of the Institute’s Educator, Susan Scherf, participants will learn about the different designs of the atlatl before making their own atlatl and dart. 

The fun really begins when participants learn how to use their newly made atlatl and seeing how much farther their dart travels. The atlatl session ends with a friendly atlatl throwing competition. If you become an atlatl fan, you might end up competing in atlatl competitions that are held throughout the world! 

There are two-time slots for this workshop, one at 12 noon to 2 p.m. and the next one is at 2 pm. – 4 p.m. The Atlatl Workshop is $30 for members of the Institute and $40 for non-members and, an adult must accompany participants under 18. To reserve your spot for this fun and educational workshop https://www.iaismuseum.org/event/atlatl-making-workshop-in-person or call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org. Masks and social distancing are required. 

About the Atlatl 

An atlatl is one of humankind's first mechanical inventions that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world. Basically, an atlatl is a type of lever that was used to throw a spear farther and faster towards the quarry. The word atlatl comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs who were using them when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. 

According to the World Atlatl Association, early people in the Americas used atlatls to hunt mammoths and mastodons around 11,000 years ago. Much later, a variety of atlatl types were used in different parts of North America. 

Atlatls continued to be used alongside bows and arrows by many Native Americans after the introduction of the bow. 

Typically the projectile point or spear point was made of stone such as chert using a process known as flint knapping. The point was attached to a wooden shaft made of hardwood such as ash, hickory, oak, cedar, walnut, or birch. 

In time, an atlatl weight was added to the spear-thrower as a counter-balance. Weights became more stylized and ornate using fine stone-like banded slate to make each piece a unique work of art. About 

The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, the award-winning Wigwam Escape, and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Medicinal Monday - Jimson Weed - A Sacred and Poisonous Herb

Datura stramonium has many common names from Jimson Weed and Thorn Apple to Devil's Weed and Angel's Trumpet. This herb is in the Nightshade family and was used by Native Americans carefully as this plant has powerful effects as well as a long history of use by humans. Native Americans were well aware of its uses long before European contact.

About Datura stramonium

In the same family as mandrake, henbane, and belladonna, this perennial belongs to the alkaloid-rich Nightshade family. The root of the plant is thick, fibrous. The pale yellow to the purplish stem stands erect and leafy. The stems branch off repeatedly and each fork has a leaf and a single white to creamy or purple-colored trumpet-shaped flower that blooms throughout the summer. The coarsely toothed leaves are dark green on the top and a lighter green on the bottom and have a bitter taste. The flowers open at night, emitting a pleasant fragrance. The egg-shaped four-chambered seed capsules can grow up to three inches. They are covered with spines and when mature they split to reveal dozens of small, black seeds. All parts of this plant contain dangerous levels of tropane alkaloids. The risk of a fatal overdose is high especially among recreational users who ingest the plant for its psychoactive effects. Datura stramonium intoxication produces delirium, hallucinations, hyperthermia, and bizarre behavior. The effects can last up to two weeks.

Medicinal and Ceremonial Uses

Datura can be found all over the world and is a sacred herb to nearly all Native American communities. Medicine Men use the hallucinatory power of Datura to manifest divine inspiration and visions that foretold the weakness of their enemies and revealed hidden truths. Some tribes administer a brew containing Datura during ritual dances initiating adolescents into manhood. The Virginia Algonquian peoples use this in an ancient coming of age ritual, the huskanawing ceremony.

Medicinally the Cherokee use a poultice of wilted leaves to treat boils. They also smoked the leaves to treat asthma. The Delaware, Rappahannock, and Mohegan use a poultice of leaves to treat open wounds and mixed crushed seeds with tallow to treat piles. A poultice of leaves mixed with tallow was also applied to the chest and to bruises. The leaves were also applied externally to horses to treat sores or bruises. The Iroquois considered the seeds poisonous.

Did You Know...

The genus name, Datura is derived from the plant's Hindi name.

In the United States, its most common name is Jimson Weed deriving from Jamestown, Virginia, where English soldiers consumed it while attempting to suppress Bacon's Rebellion and spent 11 days in an altered mental state.

Until the onset of the 20th century, a prescription of morphine and scopolamine containing plants such as Datura stramonium was used in surgery and to reduce inflammation and pain. The plant fell out of favor because it could lead to death if taken in high doses and, because of the advent of modern synthetic pharmaceuticals. 

Institute for American Indian Studies Launches ReDress Exhibit through May 9 with Special May 7 Program

The ReDress Project is a national movement, started by Jamie Black, Metis that has been embraced by the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut, and by the town of Washington in honor of Native American women and children that have gone missing or have been murdered in the United States and Canada. This awareness project is symbolically illustrated by the red dresses that will be fluttering in the wind for an ephemeral moment in Washington and Washington Depot on Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2 and can be seen on the grounds of the Insititute through May 9, 2021.

The ReDress Project will also be displayed as a temporary exhibition on the newly developed outdoor installation, Red Trail at the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, from May 1 through May 9. Over 1oo supporters have donated red dresses of various sizes and shapes. These dresses will be displayed along our museum trails and at various locations in Washington Depot to create a visual representation of the missing spirits of these individuals. At the museum, staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions, discuss this serious topic at various age levels, and provide resources for further action.

There is no admission fee to this outdoor installation at the Institute for American Indian Studies. On May 7, at 7 p.m. the Institute is hosting a virtual discussion about the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the missing and murdered indigenous women and children and Two Spirits, led by Education Director, Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke, Tribal Nation.

Medicinal Monday - Legendary Salmonberry

 The salmonberry is a species of brambles in the rose family that is native to the west coast of North America from west-central Alaska to California. This bright red fruit is valued for food, medicine, and its role in Native American and First Nation stories. 

About the Salmonberry

For centuries these berries have been used by native communities such as the Chehalis, Cowlitz, Lower Chinook, Makah, Quinault, Quileute, Inupiat, and Swinomish. Many Native stories are told about this berry. The Chinooks of the First Nation, for example, told a story about a coyote that was instructed to place these berries in the mouth of each salmon in order to ensure good fishing, which is how this berry got its name. Other stories compare the berries to the red eggs of a salmon.  According to anthropologists, the salmonberry plant is a symbol of "respect" among many First Nation Communities of the Pacific Northwest. It is thought that harvesting these berries represents a fulfillment of an obligation for certain clans. In a Makah legend, it is said that if a child stays out past dark, the basket woman will come and take the child and roast him or her for dinner. One night a child named Salmonberry stayed out after dark to see if the basket lady existed. The basket lady appeared and took Salmonberry to her hut to be cooked for dinner!

The salmonberry or rubus spectabilis is a perennial shrub that grows up to 13 feet tall. It has three toothed leaves with larger leaves on either side. The plant resembles the raspberry plant. The flowers have five pink petals and bloom in early summer. The berries look like a large blackberry and ripen from May through July. They thrive under red Adler and can be found in moist forests, in coastal forests, and along streams.

Medicinal, Culinary and Practical Uses

Native American people eat the young shoots of this plant in the spring. Traditionally the berries are eaten with salmon or mixed with oolichan grease from a candlewood fish (that resembles a smelt) or salmon roe. The berries are also eaten as an accompaniment to smoked salmon. 

The Kaigani Haida people make baskets with the salmonberry plant. Some communities use the leaves of the plant to wipe fish down. The Makah make tobacco pipes from salmonberry brambles.

The bark and leaves have an astringent property and are made into a tea that is taken for diarrhea or dysentery. The Quileute have a spiritual and ceremonial connection to the salmonberry coinciding with the time when the first shoots appear and, then again, when the berries appear. The Bella Coola make a decoction of the root to treat stomach troubles and the Kwakiutl apply powered bark to burns. The Makah make a poultice of bark to treat sores and toothaches, and the Quinault, use a decoction of bark to lessen labor pains.

Did You Know...

Traditionally women were responsible for the harvest of the salmonberry.

Swainson's Thrush is also called the salmonberry bird because it arrives every May when the berries begin to ripen.

Today it is widely grown as an ornamental plant because of its beautiful flowers.

Traditionally the berries were not dried because of their high moisture content.

Today, due to refrigeration and pectin, jams and jellies are made with the berries.