Medicinal Monday - American Vetch

This slender scrambling vine-like plant, American Vetch, has been used as a source of food and medicine for Native American Communities for centuries. It has a pretty purple flower and is in the sweet pea family.

About American Vetch

The scientific name of this plant is Vicia Americana and is in the genus Vicia family. This herbaceous perennial has a stem that grows across the ground and climbs onto surrounding vegetation where it attaches itself to them by means of willowy tendrils. It spreads by creeping rhizomes to form a cluster that sprawls more than two feet out from there. The egg-shaped, elliptic leaves are toothless and hairless with a tendril on the end that winds around other plants for support. This plant can be found in many parts of the U.S. and Canada, including Connecticut. It prefers well-drained soil and the sun and can be found in damp or gravelly slopes, in thickets, and in meadows. The color of the flower is purple and appears in elongated loose clusters of four to six blossoms. It typically blooms from May through September.  Fruits of this plant are green to reddish-brown pods that contain an average of ten seeds.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Many Native American communities would cook and eat the young shoots of this plant. The stems, pods, and seeds were boiled or baked then eaten. The stout roots were used for tying objects. The roots were also considered to be a good luck charm when gambling. This plant was sometimes used as fodder for horses and cattle.

Medicinal uses include treatment for soreness by bathing in the crushed leaves of this plant. An infusion of the plant was used as an eyewash as well as being used as a "life medicine."  Leaves were rubbed onto the hands and applied to spider bites.  The Iroquois used an infusion of the root of this plant as a love medicine. The Navajo smoked this plant next to horses to increase their endurance.

Did You Know

This plant has been used successfully in soil restoration projects.

It can fix nitrogen in the soil, and functions to help restore disturbed land.

The pea-like flowers are attractive to insects and are pollinated by bees.

Vetch is eaten by horses, cattle, sheep, deer, rabbits, and groundhogs.

There are more than 200 species of vetch worldwide.

Medicinal Monday...Simply Seneca -Snakeroot

This beautiful flowering plant got its common name, Seneca from the Seneca First Nation's use of it as a treatment for snakebite. This was just one of its traditional medicinal uses. Seneca-snakeroot can be found in Connecticut, although you will have to look hard for it because it is considered to be rare.

About Seneca Snakeroot

Polygala senega or Seneca snakeroot is a flowering plant in the milkwort family and is native to North America. It is found in southern Canada and the central and eastern United States, including all of New England. It grows in wetlands, on river banks and woodlands, and in limestone and marble bedrock. This perennial plant grows from a knotty rhizome or horizontal underground stem. A distinguishing feature is its toothed leaves that grow in clusters. The plant produces spires of white flowers with keels and crests in June and July. The petals are fused into a cup and the fruit is dry and splits open when ripe.

Medicinal Uses

This plant was named after the Seneca, a group of indigenous Iroquoian-speaking people who historically lived south of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. They used this plant to treat snakebite. The root was chewed and swallowed and the snakebite wound was covered with a poultice made from the roots. The Cherokee used root powder as an expectorant, a diuretic, and to treat inflammation. It was also taken internally to treat rheumatism. The Chippewa used a poultice of the root to treat convulsions and wounds that were bleeding. The Ojibwa used a decoction of the root to treat coughs and colds. They also made a drink from an infusion of leaves that destroyed water bugs that were swallowed. The Cree chewed the root to treat toothaches and sore throats. The Cree also included powdered root from this plant in a variety of herbal remedies. The Blackfoot used a decoction of the roots to treat respiratory diseases.

Did You Know...

In the 1930s Canadians exported more than 700,000 pounds of the dried roots of this plant that was used in many over-the-counter remedies. Roots were specifically used to treat bronchitis. 

Today in Canada, the plant is mostly gathered from its wild habitat in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. The Cree and Metis people are the main foragers of this wild plant.

Recent studies indicate that Seneca snakeroot contains several chemical compounds that act as expectorants. It can be found in herbal and over-the-counter medicines in Europe and Asia.

Seneca snakeroot is cultivated in Japan, India, and Brazil.

In Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont this plant is considered to be extremely rare. In Canada, it is not considered endangered, although it is experiencing a loss of habitat due to overexploitation, overgrazing, and conversion of land to urban use. 

This plant is also known as senega snakeroot, senegaroot, rattlesnake root, and mountain flax.

Medicinal Monday...Distinctive and Beautiful - the Tupelo Tree

This slow-growing deciduous tree known as Tupelo is native to the Northeastern United States. Tupelo is a Native American food and is used medicinally. The name tupelo is of Native American origin, coming from the Creek words toi (tree) and opilwa (swamp).

About Nyssa sylvatic

This tree has a distinctive pyramidal form. It emerges with dark green leaves in the spring with the glossy pointy leaves turning crimson, yellow and orange in the fall. Its furrowed black bark adds an interesting contrast to the leaves. As the bark ages, it resembles alligator hide on very old stems. The tree blooms from May to June. The flowers are greenish-white on long stalks and are an excellent nectar source for bees. The flowers give way to an oval-shaped blueish black fruit that resembles a blueberry. It is primarily a lowland tree that is found in wet woods as well as on dry rocky wooded slopes. The Tupelo tree can grow up to 115 feet but averages between 66 and 85 feet tall.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

The fruit is the only edible part of this tree and it is said to be very tasty. It is somewhat sour but sweet enough to enjoy raw. Although the fruit appears to be very large, they are not as fleshy as they look because of the large seed inside the fruit. The fruit is eaten raw by Native Americans and used to flavor stews and drinks. The Chippewa used the wood of this tree to make awl handles, mauls, and war clubs because the wood was strong and didn't split. The wood is also used to make shuttles for weaving.

A mixture of the tree compound was made into a decoction and used as an antidiarrheal. The inner bark was used to induce vomiting and ooze from the roots was used as an eye medicine. A twig was used to clean teeth. The Cherokee in particular found the Tupelo tree a great resource for making medicines. Children with parasitic worms were given a soothing bath with water infused with the bark of this tree. The Creek used a decoction of the bark as a bath to treat tuberculosis. The Koasati made a decoction of the bark and applied the mixture to gunshot wounds.

Did You Know...

Nyssa sylvatica is also called sour gum.

In the Northeast, it is called pepperidge. 

On Martha's Vineyard, it is called beetlebung because the wood was used to make mallets that were used to hammer bungs or stoppers into barrels.

The fruit is attractive to birds and wildlife. 

The Genus name comes from Nysa or Nyssa, one of the water nymphs in Greek mythology.

The limbs of these trees deteriorate early and the decayed holes make good dens for squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and honeybees.

Walk with Us Along the Shepaug River on August 29

Have you ever wanted to go on a nature walk that explains so many of the hidden things going on around you? If this appeals to you and your children, don't miss the chance to take a walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies on August 29, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. with IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf. Participants will learn about the ecology of the Shepaug River and the way plants and animals live in the Eastern Woodlands.

Streams and rivers are often considered the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. Native American communities understand how important rivers are and consider their movement as a way of constantly replenishing Mother Earth's supply of freshwater, which is essential for all living things. Native Americans also traditionally understood the interconnecting relationships between all living things. They understand that animals and plants can teach us many things; which is something participants will learn on this walk.

Summer is one of the best times to observe river life in the Eastern Woodland environment from watching a great blue heron hunt to listening to beavers slap their tails, and, watching fish rise for mayflies, or crayfish forage. The beauty of nature and never knowing what you will see next is part of the fun of this walk.

On this guided hike to the Shepaug River, Scherf will talk about how animals live in this environment and explain what to look and listen for when trying to identify species. This program will help participants look at rivers and our natural world in a new and interesting way.

Pre-registration for this event is required, to register, click here. If you have questions, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org. The cost of this program is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children, and $5 for members.

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...Common Yellow Woodsorrel

This dainty summer perennial herb found in Connecticut is easy to identify with its clover-like leaves and delicate yellow flower. It is sometimes mistaken for a patch of clover in the grass because of its leaves. It has a long history as a culinary herb and for medicinal use.

About Common Yellow Woodsorrel

This plant is in the Oxalis genus and even though it looks like clover, it is in a totally different family. Woodsorrel is a native North American plant that grows from little bulbils. The plant often branches out particularly at its base and can grow up to eight inches. It has three heart-shaped leaves and delicate yellow flowers with five petals, 5 light green sepals, ten stamens, and a pistil. Seeds form in hard capsules that split open when ripe and seeds spill out. Each pod has ten seeds. It can be found in open woodlands, grassy meadows, lawns, and gardens. It has a tendency to spread aggressively because it reseeds itself.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

The genus oxalis means sour and the leaves, flowers, and stems have a tangy taste. The taste is described as sour and lemony but not bitter. Native American communities used this plant to flavor stews and salads. The pods were ground and added as a spice. The leaves also make a good tea. The Cherokee ate the leaves raw and the Meskwaki ate this plant for its acidity. The Omaha pounded the bulbs and fed them to horses to increase their speed and endurance. Pawnee and Ponca children ate the leaves, flowers, and bulbs. The Meskwaki boiled the entire plant to make a yellow dye.

The Iroquois made a compound decoction of the roots and took this as a blood medicine. They also used it as an anti-witch medicine. An infusion of the plant was taken for fever as well as for cramps and nausea. The Kiowa chewed the leaves on long walks to relieve thirst. The Kiowa name for this plant means salt and they used it as sort of an electrolyte when out on a hike.  The Omaha made a poultice and applied it to swellings.

Did You Know...

This wild plant is full of Vitamin C and contains potassium oxalate and oxalic acid, which can be toxic in high quantities but beneficial in smaller quantities.

The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract Halictid bees, bee flies, the Cabbage White butterfly, and the little pasture grasshopper.

The seeds of this plant are eaten by several bird species including the Bobwhite, Horned Lark, Slate-colored Junco, and several types of sparrows.

The foliage is occasionally eaten by whitetail deer and cottontail rabbits.

Wood sorrel has a magical reputation and has been used in healing magic. It is associated with fairies and woodland spirits.

Medicinal Monday - Fragrant and Dainty - Pineapple Weed

Matricaria discoidea is better known as pineapple weed because the small yellow flowers and leaves smell like pineapple when they are crushed. This plant has been used for medicinal and aromatic purposes by Native Americans for centuries. As a matter of fact, some Native American communities use pineapple weed as a sort of perfume as well as an insect repellant. It is also used for ceremonial purposes by the Cheyenne in Sun Dance and sweat lodge ceremonies. Pineapple weed even has a use for horses. Horsehair and the tops of the flowers were buried to prevent horses from running away by the Okanagan-Colville.

About Pineapple Weed

In North America, Pineapple weed is native to the Pacific Northwest. It is also found in parts of Asia. Eventually, as the American West was opened up by Louis and Clarke, this plant spread out across the country.  Today, it can be found throughout much of the country, including in Connecticut.  Pineapple weed can be found in dry disturbed soil, compacted or rocky soil, meadows, and riverbeds. It tends to form colonies. This is an annual plant in the Aster family that can grow up to a foot tall. It appears to look like a miniature bush because of its many branches and fern-like leaves. The stems of the plant are hairless and support one or two dome-shaped yellow-green flower heads with a white papery edge. There are no petals on this "flower," which is often referred to as a ray flower. As the ray flower matures, it becomes a dome of small, brown seeds. 

Medicinal Uses

Medicinal uses of this plant include treating a variety of gastrointestinal upset, infected sores, fevers, menstrual pain, and postpartum anemia. In Alaska, the Cherornak boil a flower cluster in water and drink it as tea to soothe a sore throat and cough. The plant was also used by the Eskimo, Kuskokwagmiut, and Eskimo, Western in a steam bath for a pleasant smell. The seed heads were taken for colds and indigestion. Another use of this plant is for the flowers to be boiled and, then wrapped in a cloth that acted as a compress for sore muscles. The Aleut used an infusion of leaves to soothe stomach pains and the Blackfoot, Montana Indian, and Flathead use a decoction of the entire plant to treat diarrhea. 

The Okanagan-Colville use the tops of the plants as a love medicine. They would bury the tops with human hair to prevent loved ones from going away. 

Pineapple weed is also used to predict the berry crop. It is believed that when Pineapple weed is plentiful, the berry crop will also be plentiful. 

Did You Know...

Pineapple weed is also known as wild chamomile, rayless chamomile, or disc mayweed.

Pineapple weed is reported to be an acceptable plant for making chamomile tea, however, another species, Matricaria chamomilla is most commonly used for chamomile tea.

This plant is not affected by many pests. It is sometimes recommended as a companion plant in a vegetable garden because its strong scent keeps pests away.

Some Native Americans put the entire plant on the wood that is used for smoking fish.