Medicinal Monday -A Fern fit for Royalty!

The Osmunda var. spectabilis commonly called the royal fern is not just pretty to look it.  It is one of North America's largest ferns. It is noted for its bold textured light green leather-like leaves that give it a tropical appearance. This hardy fern is used by Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments.

About the Royal Fern

Known for its unique form and texture this tall, robust, deciduous fern changes throughout the seasons. In the early spring wooly hair covered fiddleheads emerge that mature into pink leaves on wine-colored stalks that unfurl into bright green leaves edged with minute teeth. This fern produces both sterile and fertile fronds and, each has very different characteristics. Sterile fronds grow to 3.5 feet long and have up to six pairs of widely separated leaves. The fertile fronds are more upright and develop distinctive tassel-like clusters. These clusters or pinnules are green before maturing into a dark rusty brown after their spores are dispersed.

The leaves are green in the summer and change from yellow to brown in the fall. The Royal fern prefers partial shade and humus-rich consistently moist soil. It is often found in wet forests, bogs, and along streams and lakes.  The Royal Fern can grow up to six feet high and has a spread of three feet. The Royal Fern spreads slowly by rhizomes.

Medicinal Use

Many Native American communities use the Royal Fern for medicinal purposes. For example, the Iroquois make an infusion of the fronds and mix it with wild ginger to treat children with convulsions from intestinal worms. A decoction is given to women for strong menses. The Menominee use the root to treat general ailments and the Seminole use a complex infusion for a variety of chronic conditions. The leaves are also used in a steam bath to treat insanity. 

Did You Know

Another name for the Royal Fern is the Flowering Fern because of its lovely summer flowers. Other names include American Royal Fern, Regal Fern, and King Fern.

The name of the fern, Osmunda is thought to derive from Osmunder, a Saxon name for the god Thor. The species name regalis is from Latin and means royal.

The Royal Fern is a good food source for wildlife. The Osmunda Borer Moth consumes its stems and rhizomes.

This fern is threatened in Iowa and considered exploitable and vulnerable in New York State.

There are no edible uses for this fern and many sources caution against eating this fern. The fiddleheads that this fern produces are considered to be carcinogenic. 

Medicinal Monday - the Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia is known as the common blue violet that is native to the eastern U.S. and can be found in the late spring in Connecticut. This colorful spring plant is consumed by Native Americans and used medicinally.

About Viola Sororia
This plant is a low rosette-forming wildflower with elegant tooth heart-shaped foliage. The leaves and flowers emerge directly from underground rhizomes. In mid.-spring leafless stems rise from the foliage bearing a 1 inch blue-violet or white flower. The blossoms have five petals with tufts of white hair toward the base. The flower petals are marked with dark purple veins. In late summer inconspicuous flowers form at the base of the stem and seeds mature inside the self-pollinated closed flower that eventually drops on the soil.  These flowers have an elaiosome ( a fleshy structure that is attached to the seeds that contain lipids and proteins) that attracts ants! After the ants feed on the elaiosome they discard the seed, which consequently spreads the plant.  Violets are found in meadows, lawns, gardens, open woods, and on shaded banks and borders of rivers, lakes, and ponds. Some consider this lovely perennial a pest or weed!

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Viola sororia has historically been used for food and for medicine by Native Americans for centuries. The flowers and leaves are edible and they taste somewhat like cucumber.  The flowers are slightly bitter with a floral tang. The most common use of this plant is to treat a headache with a poultice of leaves. An infusion is used as a blood medicine as well as to treat coughs, colds, and dysentery. Traditionally, the root is crushed and made into a poultice to treat skin irritations and boils.  Another way that Native Americans use violets is to mix the roots with corn seeds and distribute the mixture as a pre-planting insecticide.

Did You Know...

The flowers are rarely visited by insects, however, caterpillars of some species of butterflies do feed on the foliage.

Ants consume the proteins found on the seed and birds and small mammals eat the seed.

Other common names are blue-violet, hooded blue-violet, Florida violet, woody blue-violet, and wood violet.

Violets are the state flowers of Illinois, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.

Violets have many look-alikes, many are inedible or poisonous, so only harvest them when the flowers are present and you are 100% sure that you have a violet.

Violets were the favorite flower of England's Queen Victoria.

Until the early 1900s, violets not roses were associated with Valentine's Day.

Institute for American Indian Studies Modified Summer Camp June 26-August 7, 2020

We all know that this summer will be different. We also know that it is important for children to get out of the house and be engaged socially, mentally, and safely. With that in mind, the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut announced that they are opening a modified summer camp program of weekly themed outdoor fun and education that follows strict state guidelines. The Summer Camp is available one week at a time, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., from June 26 through August 7. The programs are geared for children ages 6-13. “We decided to offer our camp programs because we feel it can be a gateway back to normalcy for children. We expect these experiences will help our young campers face new challenges with resilience,” Chris Combs, Executive Director said.

There are so many benefits to sending children to summer camp, especially this summer. It gives children the chance to develop confidence and get unplugged; it allows them to make new friends, experience the great outdoors, and to explore new interests while learning at the same time. “This year, parents can definitely expect to see safety as the first and foremost focus at our camp, Chris Combs, Executive Director said. “ For all of our staff, the health and safety of our campers is paramount. All camp activities will be held outdoors and there will be regular sanitizing, social distancing, and smaller group activities as well as staggered arrivals and pick-ups, all in accordance with guidance issued by various state and federal agencies,” Combs continued. For more information, registration and protocols click here 

 Camp Director Gabriel Benjamin and Assistant Camp Director Susan Scherf have developed a range of exciting activities and projects that follow current health guidelines. Each week, campers will join experienced educators on a journey through one of several themes that relate to the museum's core mission, such as ecology, archaeology, and traditional skills. While hiking in the woods, playing games, and creating crafts, campers will practice survival skills, teamwork, and problem-solving as they develop confidence while experiencing the great outdoors, and making new friends. Besides the memories that will last a lifetime, campers will learn valuable skills and connect with a culture that has more than 10,000 years of history in this area.

Summer Camp Themes

Weekly camps will have different experiences. On June 29- July 3 the theme is “Wonderful Wildlife” and will include exploring the forests and rivers of the Eastern Woodlands. The camp running from July 6- July 10 will focus on the gifts of the natural world and how Native Americans used their understanding of the natural world to thrive for thousands of years right here in Connecticut.

On July 13 to July 17, children will learn outdoor survival skills similar to those used for centuries by Native Americans. And, if your children love science and technology sign them up for the week of July 20-24 to learn how people of the past figured out creative ways to move around, construct shelter, find food, and make tools."

For budding archeologists and kids that are intrigued by puzzles, don’t miss the July 27 – July 31 camp where they will learn how to dig and discover.

The last camp of our 2020 summer season, from August 3-7 is for kids that like a challenge – and don’t they all! If your kids want to be amazed, sign them up, and challenge them to put their skills to test! They will come away enriched and confident.  

For complete registration information, visit http://www.iaismuseum.org.

About The Institute for American Indian StudiesLocated on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16^th c. Algonquian Village, 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, Washington, CT.

Institute for American Indian Studies Opens Outside Museum

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has opened a redeveloped Outside Museum. This Outside Museum experience is included in admission.  The staff and education directors have developed safe and educational opportunities for visitors to experience on their grounds on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Guests are invited to visit the rebuilt 16th-century replica Algonkian Village and to learn about Native American community life prior to European contact. A highlight of the Village is the opportunity is to learn about food sustainability and natural healing methods in the traditional Three Sisters and Medicinal Plant Gardens.  There will also be games to enjoy as well as educational scavenger hunts along the Institute's woodland trails. And, for those interested in the science of archeology don't miss the chance to explore the outdoor Archaeology Pavilion that demonstrates how museums like the Institute can learn from the past.

As the Institute welcomes visitors back to their Outside Museum and encourages guests to engage with the more than 10,000 years of Native American history, the safety of visitors, members and staff is a priority. Please visit the Institute for American Indian Studies website for the most up-to-date information on their safety policies.

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 16^th c. Algonquian Village, 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, Washington, CT.

Medicinal Monday - Sweet Strawberries

In America, our "official" one day of gratitude is celebrated in November at Thanksgiving. Native Americans, however, have a tradition of routinely giving thanks more than once a year, especially to the plants and animals that provide sustenance and medicine in their lives.  In Connecticut, June is strawberry season and this fruit has a long and interesting history in Native American culture. Strawberries have been used as a medicine, in cuisine, and ceremonially.  In Native Culture, they represent life and good health. 

About Strawberry Plants

Early wild strawberries are believed to be much like today's wild strawberries that are sweeter and smaller than today's cultivated varieties that we see in the stores.

Wild strawberry plants are made up of several short thin vines that creep out from a central underground root. White flowers emerge in the spring and as the temperature gets warmer they turn into green or white berries that eventually ripen into a bright red color in early summer.  Because of their small size, they were not always popular as a cultivated crop, although, many times you can find them in a three sisters garden.  Strawberry plants were easily found in meadows and open woodland and prefer cool, moist climates.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Strawberries are a popular food item for many tribes and even play a ceremonial role.  To the Mohawks, the strawberry was the first berry food to appear and the plant was gathered and eaten as a blood purifier.  In California, the Pom hold special Strawberry Festivals and  Dances representing the renewal of life.  To the Iroquois, strawberries are symbols of thanksgiving and blessings, the Cherokees believe the strawberry is associated with love and happiness and they consider it good luck to have strawberries in the house.  To the Navajo tribe, the strawberry is considered one of the sacred life medicines.

The most common medicinal use of strawberries was as a treatment for burns and sores. The leaves were dried and applied to a burn as a healing remedy.  For sores, the leaves were ground up and mixed with a fatty substance (perhaps deer fat) and applied. The roots were chewed to help clean teeth and to help inflamed gums.  Tea made from the leaves was brewed and drank to alleviate stomach issues. This plant was even used in infant care, the leaves would be dried and ground into a powder then applied to the unhealed navel area.


In their cuisine, Native Americans often ate both fresh and dried wild strawberries. They were mixed with cornmeal and baked into a strawberry bread, that can be considered as a forerunner of strawberry shortcake.  Strawberries were also blended with animal fat and used as an energy bar. Excess berries never went to waste, they were harvested, sun-dried, and stored for winter.  Strawberries were added to soups, bread and used as flavorings in meat dishes. 

The sweet juicy nature of strawberries made them perfect for beverages like the strawberry moon tea that was made with mashed strawberries mixed with cold water and sassafras tea.

Did you know

Wild berries are very sweet and have a unique aroma

The name strawberry is an English term that refers to the erratic way the plant grew and strayed from the central root.

European folklore holds that if two people share a double berry they are bound to fall in love.

Medieval stonemasons carved strawberries on cathedrals to symbolize perfection.

For additional information http://www.goodfoodworld.com/2012/11/the-wild-strawberry-a-sacred-purifier/

The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village.  Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation.  This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.

Medicinal Monday... Native Hawaiian Ti

Hawaiian medicinal plants grow in the vicinity of heiaus or temples that are considered sacred to Native Hawaiians. This culture has a  long history as traditional healers that practiced La'au Lapa"au or medicinal healing. Most plants used in healing in Hawaii are also consumed and used in ceremonies.

Hula Dancers in traditional Ti plant leaf skirts

About Ti Plant

This plant should never be confused with the tea plant although it often is. Like the evergreens of Connecticut, the Ti plant is also evergreen which has great cultural importance to many countries in the South Pacific. It is cultivated for food, traditional medicine, and as an ornamental because of its' beautiful leaves.  Ti is a palm-like plant that grows up to 13 feet and has a beautiful fan-like cluster of broadly elongated leaves at the tip of its slender trunk. It also has long branches known as panicles of small yellowish-red flowers that mature into red berries. It can be propagated by cuttings from the stalks or from the rhizomes.

Medicinal and Domestic Uses
In ancient Hawaii, the Ti plant was thought to have great spiritual power and only the shamans (kahuna) or Chiefs (ali'l) were able to wear the leaves of this plant around their necks during certain ritual activities. The Ti plant is sacred to the god of fertility and agriculture and is also associated with the goddess of the forest. Ti is used to make lei and to outline borders of a property as well as to keep evil spirits away. The leaves are used to make items of clothing including skirts that are worn in dance performances.  Fibers of this plant are extracted from the leaves and used to make cords and bird traps. 

Medicinally Hawaiians apply the leaves of this plant to the chest to treat dry fevers. The flowers are pounded into a fragrant powder and used to treat nose growths. The flowers and stems are pulverized and mixed with poi and eaten to treat colds, coughs, and asthma. A tea is made from the leaves to relieve muscle tension. And, for beauty rest, the leaves are woven into a wreath and worn for relaxation of the mind and body.

Did You Know

The roots of the Ti-plant are mixed with water and fermented into an alcoholic beverage known as okolehao.

The Hawaiian hula skirt is a dense skirt with a layer of more than 50 Ti plant leaves trimmed and shaped at the bottom and top.

Today Ti plants are planted around houses in Hawaii as a way to bring good luck.  

Ti leaves are used at luaus for skirts, decorations, and as food wrappings. 

Medicinal Monday - Ramp it Up!

Ramps or wild leeks are one of the earliest wild edibles to emerge in the spring. Technically they are not leeks, they are not scallions and they are not shallots. They look like scallions except they are smaller and more delicate and taste stronger than a leek. Typically ramps are foraged like truffles. High in vitamins, ramps have been a delicious culinary delight for centuries.  Native Americans enjoyed eating them and also found several medicinal purposes for this spring ephemeral. 

About Ramps
A recent video by the Institute of American Indian Studies shows how to identify, harvest, and cook with ramps that have distinct onion garlic-like flavor. To see this video click here.  Allium tricoccum is a native member of the onion family. Ramps appear at higher elevations in eastern North America and can be found in Connecticut. They can be easily identified by their 1, 2, or 3 broad leaves that measure 1 to 2 and 1/2 inches wide and four to 12 inches long. Both the leaves and flowers smell like onions. 

The leaves appear in April and last through mid-May. As the temperatures begin to warm up in May, the leaves turn yellow and die. After the leaves die back a lone flower stalk emerges, seeds mature by late summer.  The seeds fall close to the mother plant but can take up to two years to germinate. Ramps can be found in well drained moist soil in the hardwood forests. They usually grow in dense clusters because of the way they reproduce.

Medicinal Uses
The Chippewa and the Iroquois decocted the rood to induce vomiting and to get rid of worms in children. The Cherokee ate the plant to soothe colds and coughs. Many Native communities use the warm juice of this plant to treat earaches and bee stings. 

Culinary Uses
Ramps are one of the first greens to appear in the spring and this plant is eaten as a spring tonic. Many Native American communities boiled or fried the young plants or ate them raw. They also dried and stored parts of the ramp for use in the winter months. 

Did You Know
There are ramp festivals in Appalachia to celebrate the tradition of mountain food where eggs are served with fried potatoes seasoned with ramps. In West Virginia ramps are fried in bacon grease and served with ham and potatoes.

There are wild lilies that have similar leaves to ramps but they are not edible, so it is best to bring a field guide and make sure that they smell like onions.

According to Natural New Haven ramps are now on a watch list. When harvesting it is recommended that only a portion of the greens be taken from the plant. Leaving some of the greens allows ramp, a perennial bulb to continue to produce and spread.

Ramps have become a delicacy found on menus of many top restaurants.

Being in the same family as garlic they contain the same sulfur compounds including kaempferol that works to protect the lining of your blood vessels against damage and supports the liver in the elimination of cholesterol.

Ramps are high in iron and in antioxidants, specifically TPC.