Medicinal Monday - Maple Sugar Camps & the Magic of Maple Sugar

Sugar Maples are common in New England and are easily identified in the fall when their leaves turn beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange.  The sugar maple was an essential part of life in many Native American communities because their sap provided  a source of nourishment and a product to trade. 

About Sugar Camps
Historically, in the early spring,  Native American families would leave their winter camps to set up a sugar camp.  Men would build or repair wigwams and longhouses, while women carried rolls of bark to line the structures. Next taps were put into the trees. It has been documented that there could be up to 900 taps in one camp, with larger trees having one or more taps.

1853 Indian sugar camp / Capt. S. Eastman, U.S. Army; John C. McRae. Abstract/medium: 1 print : engraving

Tree tapping consisted of cutting a notch into the trunk of a tree at least three feet above the ground and placing a piece of wood known as a spile into the cut which would guide the sap into a container at the base of the tree. When the bucket was full, it was taken back to the camp and stored in covered containers to keep the sap clean.

Once enough sap was collected, it was boiled down to granulated sugar using hot stones placed into hollowed-out tree trunks, most often, cedar. The sugar would be stored in bark containers and sometimes buried underground to protect and preserve the sugar.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses of Maple Sugar
Today, we see maple sugar on breakfast tables, used in gourmet dinners as a sweetener, and sold throughout the country in grocery stores and specialty shops. Native Americans honor the maple tree in ceremonies each year to ensure good maple harvests because they consider the sap a delicacy and a gift from the earth.  Sometimes it was prepared as a cool drink with herbs in the warm months and made into a hot tea with a variety of roots, leaves, and bark in the winter. It was also used as a basic seasoning year-round. It was added to grains, fish, fruit, and vegetables, and mixed with dried berries. It was also eaten like candy for a burst of energy.  Maple sugar was stored for well over a year making it a valuable source of food, flavoring, and sweetener.

Medicinally, records show that the Mohegans used the inner bark as cough medicine and the Potawatomi used the inner bark as an expectorant.  The Iroquois made a decoction of maple leaves and used it as a wash for rashes. They also used an infusion of bark to treat sore eyes and blindness. Many Native American communities used it to sweeten bitter-tasting medicine.

A 1908 Roland Reed photo of an Ojibwe woman tapping for maple syrup

Did You Know...

It takes at least forty years for a sugar maple tree to grow before it is big enough to tap.

On average, a tapped maple tree will produce ten to twenty gallons of sap per tap.  Most trees have just one tap.


The first full moon during sap running season is called the Maple Moon or the Sugar Moon.


The sugar maple is one of America's favorite trees and more states have claimed it as their state tree than any other species.


Squirrels, whitetail deer, snowshoe hares, and moose feed on the seeds, twigs, and leaves of the sugar maple.


John Smith was among the first settlers that noted the Native 
Americans' sugar processing and the fact that they used it for barter.

In 2001 baseball player Barry Bonds switched from an Ashwood Baseball Bat to one made of maple and hit 73 home runs!


The national champion for the sugar maple is located in Charlemont, Massachusetts.  It is 112 feet tall with a diameter of 6.18 feet a crown spread of 91 feet with a total point count of 368.


A sugar maple tree in Lyme, Connecticut measured in 2012 measured 123 feet tall with a circumference of 18.25 feet and a crown spread of 86 feet with a total point count of 364.

Tap into a Native American Tradition @ Maple Sugar Festival @ Institute for American Indian Studies March 2

Maple syrup has long enjoyed pride of place on many breakfast tables. The origin of this sweet spring elixir isn’t part of a trendy branding campaign; it is the widely unknown discovery of Native Americans, who have tapped trees for maple syrup since time immemorial. On March 2, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut is hosting their annual Maple Sugar Festival, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate the original legacy of maple syrup. 

Indigenous communities in the Northeast and Canada harvested sap from maple trees, boiling down sap and turning it into sugar water and maple syrup long before European contact. Special sugar camps were set up in groves of sugar maple trees and much like this festival, sugaring became a social event. "At the Institute’s Maple Sugar Festival, families will see firsthand how Native Americans harvested this sugary delight, a process that has been passed on through stories and demonstrations from generation to generation,” said Chris Combs, Executive Director of the Institute. "Most importantly, they’ll learn why this process is such an important part of Native American culture," Combs added. 

At this event, IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf will demonstrate various traditional Native American techniques of collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup and sugar. Visitors will learn the importance of maple sugar to the diet of Native Americans as well as its usefulness as an item of trade, and even as medicine. 

In keeping with the fun-filled traditions surrounding Native American sugar camps, children are invited to listen to Native American stories and play traditional family-friendly games that will take place throughout the day, adding to this culturally enriching experience. To satiate your taste buds, maple syrup, samples from the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine are being offered. And, if you want to bring some of this delicious amber nectar home, head to the Institute’s gift shop which is stocked up with maple syrup made by the Passamaquoddy Tribe. 

The cost of participation is $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $5 for members of the Institute. To pre-register head to http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call (860) 868-0518. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, 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. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

Medicinal Monday - American Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel always had a mystical ring to it. After all, it begins to bloom in the middle of winter reminding us that spring is around the corner! Witch Hazel works its herbal magic in many ways and Native American communities were familiar with this useful herb.

About American Witch Hazel

A member of the Witch Hazel family, American Witch Hazel is in the Hamamelis genus, and the species name virginiana refers to this plant first spotted by Europeans in Virginia. Hamamelis virginiana can be found throughout the Northeast and Southeast areas of North America including Connecticut. It can also be found as far north as Nova Scotia, south to Florida, and west to Texas. American 

Witch Hazel is a small shrub with arching branches that grow in dense clumps. The oval dark green leaves have large wavy teeth. In the autumn the leaves turn yellow and have spots that are rust colored. The bark is light brown on the outside, while the inner bark is reddish purple. The fragrant bright yellow flowers that look like twisted ribbons begin to bloom in late fall; and are pollinated by a moth. In the fall, two shiny black seeds are expelled from the capsules that replace the flowers and take up to a year to germinate.

Medicinal Uses of American Witch Hazel

Native Americans produced witch hazel extract by boiling the stems of the shrub and producing a decoction, which was used to treat swellings, inflammations, and tumors. Many communities also made tea from the leaves and bark of witch hazel to reduce fevers. Witch Hazel tea was given to soothe sore throats, colds, lung trouble, and asthma. An infusion was made of the bark and used as an astringent to treat sores and skin irritations, the leaves were sometimes rubbed on scratches and bruises for relief. 

Specifically, the Cherokee used an infusion of witch hazel as an analgesic and cold remedy. They also took an infusion of the bark to treat TB. The Chippewa used the inner bark as an emetic and as a wash for sore eyes. The Iroquois made an infusion of the twigs and bark and took it to treat dysentery. They also made a compound from the leaves and bark and used it to treat arthritis. The Iroquois gave a compound decoction to women after childbirth to prevent hemorrhages. The Menominee made a decoction that was rubbed on the legs to keep them limber. The Mohegans used an infusion of twigs and leaves and used it as a lotion to treat cuts and insect bites. They also used the sticks from this shrub to locate underground water or buried treasure.

Early sources document that some communities used the wood of the witch hazel shrub to make bows. 

Did You Know...

An extract of American Witch Hazel is used in producing Witch Hazel.

Witch Hazel is one of the few plants approved by the FDA as a non-prescription drug ingredient.

Today witch hazel is used as a lotion and is marketed as a first aid for skin irritations.

Other names for this plant are Snapping Hazelnut, Spotted Alder, and Winter Bloom.

Early settlers used witch hazel's forked limbs for water drowsing. These "water witches" believed that witch hazel had a spiritual power to detect water by bending slightly signaling water underneath.

Hamamelis virginiana is distinguished from Hamamelis vernalis by blooming in the fall and not in the winter.

Valentine's Day...Native American Love Spells and More!

The concept of love spells is lost in the mists of time, no one really knows when they started.  We do know, that love spells were around in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt well as in many Native American cultures. Below are a few ways that Native American communities used a variety of plants for love spells or to attract the attention of their beloved.

The Quileute believed that fool's huckleberry had special magical powers of attraction. To attract the attention of a man, a woman would break off a forked twig from Fool's Huckleberry and wave it in the air to make a man fall in love with her.  With its pretty urn-shaped pink-orange blossoms, it is easy to see why this plant might catch the attention of the heart's desire.

The delicate white woodland flower known as Crinkleroot could also cast a spell. Early in the spring when the plant bloomed, the  Iroquois made an infusion of the roots of this plant and drank the mixture to lessen the strength of love medicine. 

The Iroquois, also known as the Five Nations, and by the endonym Haudenosaunee, meaning people who are building the longhouse, have a special use for the Nothern Maiden Fern. They make an infusion of this plant to induce vomiting as a remedy for love medicine that is too strong!

The Iroquois also had a special use for Cutleaf toothwort, a plant in the Brassicaceae family that is related to broccoli, mustard greens, and horseradish. They would place a piece of the root of the cutleaf toothwort in their mouth to attract the woman that they desired.

The Ponca community, once part of the Omaha tribe, located in Nebraska had a special use for Purple Meadow Rue. Bachelors in the Ponca community rubbed their hands on the tops of this plant as a love charm to attract the attention of their beloved.

Early Meadow Rue has lacey foliage and beautiful white and gold flower-like tassels.  Blackfoot Indian girls and women used to tie bouquets of these flowers in their hair because they believed it was a very strong love medicine that would attract the first man who saw them wearing these beautiful flowers. The Ojibwa and Potawatomi also believed in the love power of this plant and would secretly place seeds from this plant in the food of a quarreling couple to stop the arguing and to encourage love and harmony.

The Magic of Courting Flutes

The Institute of American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington has a wonderful way to end Valentine's Day week. On Saturday, February 17, beginning at 1 p.m., Ojibway artist, and musician Allan Madahbee will explain the cultural significance and demonstrate the hauntingly beautiful sound of the Native American courting flute. A highlight for participants is to learn why the courting flute is deeply rooted in the traditions of many Native American Cultures. 

Today, makers of Native American Flutes like Ojibway artist and musician Allan Madahbee craft their personal style and sound into their creations. Madahbee began to research the Chippewa flute culture and was influenced and mentored by Joseph Firecrow of the Cheyenne Nation. "We became friends and he provided guidance and feedback and explained some of his methods of flute making. With his passing, we have all lost a great Native American flute maker and musician. I am proud to continue our flute-making traditions." The sound of the courting flute which is usually made of cedar has an uncommon scale for Western music and is entrancing. 

Participants will listen to this haunting music performed by Madahbee, hear the legend of the courting flute, and examine the unique construction of a collection of flutes on display. There will also be a limited number of original, one-of-a-kind handmade courting flutes for purchase. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested. To reserve a spot head to http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call (860) 868-0518. The price of participation is $5 for IAIS Members; and $15 for Non-Members. 

About Allan Madhbee 

Born on Manitoulin Island, home of the Great Spirit, Allan Madahbee is a member of the Ojibway (Chippewa) Nation who has pursued the traditional arts and crafts of his ancestors. He has been making Native American flutes for about ten years. "I had always thought they were a product of the Southwest Indian tribes, but a book that I found that was written during the 1800s about Chippewa culture, had a passage about the Chippewa flutes, along with pictures. This made me realize that they were indeed a part of my Chippewa culture. Knowing that my ancestors constructed these flutes for hundreds of years has inspired me to continue this tradition. Also, the haunting sound from these mystical instruments is a large part of my inspiration." 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

 Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, 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. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Medicinal Monday - Cut-Leafed Toothwort

Cut Leafed Toothwort is a spring beauty that blooms in the Eastern woodlands of the United States including Connecticut. They are distinguished by small white flowers and finely cut leaves. The Iroquois believe that if you place the roots of this delicate flower in your pocket or in your mouth, it will help you attract women. In addition to this romantic folktale, Native Americans found several interesting medicinal uses for this plant.

About Cut Leafed Toothwort

This plant is widespread in North America, and in New England, it can be found in rich, moist forests. It is part of the Brassicaceae or mustard family and is of the genus Cardamine, a group of more than 150 annuals. It typically grows in rich soil that is moist and well-drained. Their rhizomes are oblong joined together like a string of beads. The rhizomes are known for their spicey radish-like flavor. The tubers are fairly shallow and form colonies. The plants have rosette basal leaves and unbranched flowering stems with 3-inch hairless deeply cut toothed leaves in whorls of three just above the middle of the stem. The white to pink flowers bloom in early spring in short, loose bunches on each flowering stem. The bell-shaped flowers are floppy with four petals, four green or purple sepals, and a single pistil with six yellow stamens. The flowers never fully open and only bloom for two weeks or so. The green foliage turns yellow and seeds develop as the flowers die off. This plant is dormant in the summer, leafy in the fall, and a winter ground cover.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

The Iroquois among other Native American communities used this plant for food. The roots were eaten either raw or boiled. The Abenaki ate the root as food and also would grind it into a tasty condiment. The Iroquois used the plant for divination. The Algonquin, Quebec ground the root mixed it with vinegar, and made a relish.

Medicinally, many Native American communities made a poultice of the smashed roots and applied it to the head to treat headaches, they also used it to treat colds and as an aid to treat stomachaches. The Iroquois used the roots to treat heart palpitations, they also rubbed the roots on guns, fishing lines, and hooks as a hunting medicine for a successful hunt. Many communities made a cold compound infusion called "little water medicine" and put it on injured areas. The Algonquin made an infusion of the plant and gave it to children to reduce fevers. They also made an infusion of this root along with sweet flag root and took it to treat heart disease.

Did You Know...

The Cut Leafed Toothwort is also called Pepper Root.

The common name toothwort refers to the tooth-like shape of the underground tubers.

The genus, Cardamine, is Greek for Kardamon and when translated means cress.

The species name is Latin and means linked together in a chain.

This plant was formerly known as Dentaria laciniata.

The roots can be washed and ground and used as a substitute for horseradish.

The flower provides pollen mainly to bees.