Medicinal Monday... Five Plants Used for Native American Witchcraft!

Like many indigenous tribes around the world, Native Americans believed in witchcraft and magic. These beliefs were passed down by oral tradition. There were many traditions such as vision quests to gain enlightenment and direction and many dances and ceremonies to honor spirits and ancestors. Historic records show that Algonquian and Iroquois accepted witchcraft as part of their world and would use it to explain disasters. For more information see https://www.jstor.org/stable/1124016. Many plants were used to ward off witchcraft. Below find five used by different Native American Communities from around the country.

Rock Jasmine

Androsace occidentalis commonly known as rock jasmine or fairy candelabras is in the primrose family. This delicate-looking flower is native to much of the midwestern and western United States. The Navajo collected this plant and used it for pain from witches' arrows.

Angelica atropurpurea

Angelica atropurpurea is a species of flowering plant that can be found in eastern North America including Connecticut as far south as Tennessee and as far north as Ontario, Canada. The aromatic root of this plant had widespread use among many Native American communities as a purification herb. It was often burned during the shaman's prayers in a healing ceremony. It was used to prevent heat stroke during a Ribbon Dance in the Green Corn Ceremony. The Iroquois used this plant specifically to punish evil people and would use an infusion of smashed roots to remove ghosts from a house. 

Ottleya wrightii

Ottleya wrightii or Lotus wrightii is native to the Southwestern United States and is the legume or bean family. It is a delicate plant with yellow flowers on many stems that rise up from a single root crown and was named after Charles Wright. The Zuni people apply a poultice of the chewed root to swellings that they believe are caused by the witching power of a bullsnake, one of the largest and longest snakes in the U.S. reaching a length of eight feet or more.

Macromeria viridiflora 

Macromeria viridiflora or giant trumpets is a large hairy leafy plant with stout stems that have pale trumpet-shaped flowers that grow in large coils at the ends of the plant's upper branches. The Hopi would dry the plant and smoke it as a cure against people that know how to charm. It was also smoked for fits, craziness, and as a cure for witchcraft. The Hopi also smoked this plant in rain-bringing ceremonies.

Ulmus rubra

Ulmus rubra or slippery elm is native to the eastern United States and can be found in Connecticut. The inner bark of the tree is edible and was boiled and eaten by Native Americans who also made a tea out of the bark. The tree's inner bark was also spun into a thread and used for bowstrings, ropes, and jewelry. The Cree used a decoction of the bark of this tree and mixed it with gunpowder and took it to speed delivery. It was also used in sympathetic magic.

Medicinal Monday...Goldenseal

Goldenseal has a long and colorful history. It is prized among many Native American communities for medicinal purposes and as a traditional dye.  Today, many people use goldenseal medicinally for a variety of ailments. The use of goldenseal as "herbal medicine" is not restricted by the FDA however, some medical professionals urge caution because of the plant's toxicity.

About Goldenseal

This woodland plant is native to the eastern woodlands of North America and Southern Canada. It is believed to be the only existing species of the genus Hydrastis. It is distinguished by its thick yellow-knotted roots. It grows by rhizomes and has a purplish and hairy stem and matures slowly. It produces flowers in its fourth or fifth year and has several growth stages. The first stage is when the seed erupts and embryonic leaves emerge. The second stage is when a jagged 5-lobed leaf develops with or without a stem, and the third stage is when a flower and the fruit and seeds appear. Fertile plants have a single stem with two palm-like lobed leaves. Flowering plants produce a single flower that blooms for a short time in the spring and is followed by a red raspberry-like fruit that turns into seeds. 

Cultural and Medicinal Uses

Many Native American communities boil the roots to make a yellow dye. Goldenseal is a perennial herb that contains the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine which have antiseptic effects. Documentation shows that goldenseal was used by Native Americans to treat sore eyes, mouth ulcers, tuberculosis, and edema. The Cherokee use this plant for cancer treatment, and to improve their appetite. They also use it as a tonic and wash for inflammation and skin diseases. The Iroquois took a decoction of the roots to treat whooping cough, fever, diarrhea, and gas. A compound infusion was made and used to treat earaches. The Iroquois mixed an infusion of roots with whisky and drank it as a stimulant. The Micmac used the root to treat chapped lips, and the Catawbas used boiled root to treat jaundice as well as colds and sores in the mouth.

Did You Know...

This plant has gone by many names including orangeroot, Indian dye, yellow root, ground raspberry, yellow puccoon, wild circuma, eye root, eye balm, yellow paint, wild Tumeric, and yelloweye.

This plant was very popular in the 19th century and was overharvested. Today it is considered an endangered plant and a permit to export it is required. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires only the legal harvesting of this plant.

Goldenseal is considered endangered in 17 of the 27 U.S. States where it grows. The core range is in the Ohio River Valley, where its population has decreased by more than half.

Recently it was cultivated in New Zealand with a positive growth rate.

Goldenseal is not advised if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.

In the U.S. goldenseal is often combined with echinacea and sold to prevent colds.

The Institute for American Indian Studies hosts an Evening of Native American Traditions with Dr. Kimmerer and a Dance by Pilobolus

The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting an evening with Robin Wall Kimmerer, founder, and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. This event will include a Native American-inspired performance by the nationally known dance troupe, Pilobolus that will take place on Friday, October 28 at 6 p.m. at the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center located at 22 Kirby Road in Washington, Connecticut. 

Robin Wall Kimmerer, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and best-selling author of several books including Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants and Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses. Robin tours widely and has been featured on NPR's On Being with Krista Tippett and, in 2015; she addressed the general assembly of the United Nations on the topic of "Healing Our Relationship with Nature." On this special evening, Dr. Kimmerer will participate in a moderated discussion about her work that focuses on traditional ecological knowledge and how it can be used to foster sustainability and envision a future of healing. If you plan to attend this event, you may submit questions to Dr. Kimmerer by emailing events@iaismuseum.org with the subject line Questions for Robin Wall Kimmerer.

A highlight of this event will be the performance by the nationally known dance troupe, Pilobolus of "The Ballad" which is a collaboration with the Institute for American Indian Studies Native American storyteller, Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke. The Ballad is a moving and emotional performance that tells an epic story of the history of tribal nations' sacred relationship with Mother Earth and the injustices suffered by indigenous communities. The final message of this performance, so eloquently portrayed, by Pilobolus is that we have to take care of Mother Earth so she can take care of us. Pilobolus is celebrating 50 years of modern dance and The Ballad is one of the highlights of their Big Five-Oh! national tour that has met with rave reviews.

The Ballad -photo Ben McKeown

This event is free (donations are appreciated) and is brought to attendees by the Institute for American Indian Studies, The Frederick Gunn School, The Taft School, a grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, and donations from members of the Institute. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot click here.

Medicinal Monday - Beautiful Blue Cohosh

This attractive wildflower with its beautiful blue fruit that grows above its leaves has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries by many Native American communities to treat a range of ailments. The name of this plant, Cohosh is from the Algonquin word meaning rough and it refers to the appearance of the roots, that were used to make medicine.

About Blue Cohosh

The scientific name of this plant is Caulophyllum thalictroides. It is native to eastern and central North America, including Connecticut. Blue Cohosh is not related to black cohosh, although both are used to treat women's health issues. This rhizomatous perennial plant has attractive, lacey foliage, blue-green leaves that are dived into three leaflets, and ornamental berries that are deep blue in color. The stems and leaves have a purplish tinge when they first emerge in the spring. The star-shaped flowers bloom above the foliage in late spring and are yellow in color. The petals have nectar glands that attract bees. The flowers are followed by erect clusters of showy bright blue berries that turn to seed. This plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and grows in colonies. It prefers rich soil and part or full shade.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Native Americans use blue cohosh flowers to induce labor and menstruation. It is considered a uterine tonic. It is also used to ease painful menstrual cycles. It contains phytochemical calulopsponin which actively stimulates uterine contractions. Native Americans also used various preparations of the root to treat toothaches, indigestion, stomach cramps, hysterics, and gallstones. Specifically, the Cherokee made a syrup from the roots and gave it to treat fits and hysterics, they also used a decoction of the root to treat rheumatism. The leaves were rubbed on the skin to treat poison oak and it was taken for colic and nerves. The Chippewa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwa made a compound of the root and used it as an analgesic to treat cramps and indigestion. They also used an infusion of the scraped root to treat lung trouble. The Iroquois used a compound decoction to treat rheumatism and fever. They also used an infusion of smashed roots to induce vomiting for gallstones. The Menominee and the Meskwaki made a decoction to suppress menstruation and the Mohegans used the roots to treat rare kidney disorders. The Omaha and Ponca used a decoction of the roots to treat a fever.

Did You Know...

Common names for this plant include Pappoose Root, Blue ginseng, yellow ginseng, Squawroot, and Blueberry Root.

The seeds of this plant have been used as a substitute for coffee, but may be toxic!

In the early 20th century doctors used blue cohosh to treat kidney infections and arthritis.

Raw berries, roots, and leaves may cause skin irritation if touched.

Berries may be poisonous if ingested by children.

The foliage of this plant looks like meadow rues.

Artifact Identification Day @ Institute For American Indian Studies October 22

 

Do you have any stone artifacts or Northeastern Native American cultural items that you would like to have identified? Do you want to know about the, who, what, how, and when of your mystery items? If you do, then register to participate in Artifact ID Day at the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut on Saturday, October 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

As part of Connecticut’s statewide Archeology Awareness Month and International Archeology Day, this program conducted by the Institute’s Research Department provides a chance to uncover the past and discover more about an artifact in your possession that you have always been curious about. The cost to participate is $15 for non-members and $5 for members. To register click here and if you have questions please call 860-868-0518. 

This event gives participants the opportunity to learn about the objects that they have questions about with an expert in the field of archaeological and cultural study. The Research Department archeologists and staff will provide interesting insights and commentary on your items but will not appraise or speculate about the value of an object. 

To better identify your object, you should have some information available. If a family member gave it to you, ask them for any details they might remember. It is also helpful to know the general location of where your artifact was found. If you are bringing a cultural artifact, it is helpful to know approximately when it was found. This program features a mix of commentary and methods of stone and cultural artifact identification in a manner that is useful to newcomers, hobbyists, collectors, the curious, archaeologists, and researchers. 

About Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape Room, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. 

About International Archeology 

Archeology and the thrill of discovery are celebrated during the entire month of October. Every October the AIA and archaeological organizations around the world present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether it is a family-friendly archaeology fair, a guided tour of a local archaeological site, a simulated dig, a lecture or a classroom visit from an archaeologist, the interactive, hands-on International Archaeology Day programs provide participants with the chance to be an archaeologist for a day. International Archeology Day is held on the third Saturday of every October.

Medicinal Monday...Charismatic and Dramatic - Cinnamon Fern

Cinnamon Fern is named for its beautiful reddish-brown spikes that emerge from the center of this fern above a vase-like cluster of sterile greenish fronds. The bright cinnamon-colored fronds remain long after it sheds its spores. Native American communities use a number of different ferns native to North America for medicinal and culinary purposes including Cinnamon Fern. This is in the family of one of the oldest fern species, Oxmundaceae (Royal Fern Family), and is considered a living fossil.

About Cinnamon Fern

Osmundastrum is in the genus of leptosporangiate ferns and is in the family of Osmundaceae. Osmundastrum Cinnamomum or the cinnamon fern is native to the Americas and grows in swamps, bogs, and moist woodlands. It can be found in southern Labrador and south through the eastern United States including Connecticut. It can also be found in Mexico, the West Indies, and South America. The cinnamon fern forms large colonies in moist areas and has massive rootstocks. The roots are tangled together and wiry. The fronds of this fern are either sterile or fertile. The fertile spore-bearing fronds are erect and grow up to 18 inches tall and become cinnamon-colored. The yellowish-green sterile fronds are pinnate compounded - having leaf blades growing on either side of the stalk. The oblong leaves taper to narrow tips. They are broad and deeply lobed. The sterile fronds fade to yellow in the autumn and then turn a topaz brown color.  This perennial plant typically grows in clumps of two to three feet in height but with consistent moisture, it can reach five feet in height.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

The cinnamon fern has been used by the Abnaki and Menominee as a source of food. The young unexpanded fronds were eaten raw or cooked in soups. The young shoots are said to have a taste similar to asparagus. The Cherokee made a compound of the root and applied the mixture to treat rheumatism and chills. Some Native American communities including the Cherokee chewed a portion of the root to treat snakebite, they also applied the root to the wound. The Iroquois made a decoction of the root and used it as an analgesic to treat sore joints, headaches, colds, and women's cramps. The Menominee used a decoction of this plant as a gynecological aid to promote the flow of milk in new mothers. Some Native American communities would chop the roots up and add them to cow food to aid difficult births.

Did You Know...

The nonscientific name of the Cinnamon Fern comes from the cinnamon-brown color of the fronds that rise from the center of this plant.

A fossil of the cinnamon fern extends into the Late Cretaceous period in North America, dating approximately 70 million years ago, making it one of the oldest known living plant species.

Today, the osmunda fiber of cinnamon ferns is used to propagate and grow orchids.

The oldest known member of this genus is O. indentatum from Tasmania, Australia.

Medicinal Monday...American Hog Peanut - Unusual and Useful!

This plant is unusual because it produces seeds above and below the ground and two types of flowers. Hog peanuts are in the pea family (Fabaceae) and can be found in Connecticut. Native Americans used this plant primarily as a source of food although they did find several medicinal uses for it.

About American Hog Peanut

Amphicarpaea bracteata, or the American Hog Peanut is native to eastern North America and can be found from Manitoba east to Nova Scotia, Canada, south to Florida, and west to Texas and Montana. It is found in moist woods, meadows, and prairies and is often considered a weed. This plant grows from a seed and produces a twining branched stem that can grow up to five feet long from a tap root. It climbs other plants without tendrils by coiling the apical portion of the stem around them. The stem is slender and hairy and the leaves of this plant are broad and oval in shape. The leaves turn yellow in the fall. This plant produces two types of flowers. On the upper branches, the plant produces pendant-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters and droop from the stems. The flowers can be white, pink, lilac, or pale purple and bloom in August and September. The flowers are followed by flat oblong spotted pods that are pointed at each end and contain three or four small seeds. The flowers that bloom on the lower branches of this plant don't have petals and don't open. The flowers rest on or under the ground and are followed by a fleshy pod that buries under the soil the way peanuts do.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Many Native American communities collect the "peanut" that grows underground and eat it. The seeds or "peanuts" are eaten raw or boiled to remove the husk and then eaten like a nut. The beans are also used to make bean bread. Some communities cook the seeds like pinto beans and add them to cornmeal. The pods produced on the upper branches were also collected and eaten. Since these seeds are much smaller they had to be cooked before they were eaten. The entire plant was used for several medicinal purposes. One of the most common uses was to make an infusion of the root to treat diarrhea. Many communities made a poultice of pulverized leaves and applied the mixture to swellings. The Cherokee make an infusion of the plant and use it to treat snake bites.

Hog Peanut Flower wrapped around a Christmas Fern

Did You Know...

The genus name refers to the fact that this plant produces two different types of flowers and seeds. Greek amphi meaning of both kinds and carpos means fruit.

The common name, refers to the underground fruit or peanuts that are often dug up and eaten by wild pigs.

It is a larval host for silver spotted skipper and northern cloudwing butterflies.