Medicinal Monday - Doveweed

 Doveweed or Croton setigerus hook is a small annual plant that is native to the dry regions of the western United States and northern Mexico. It has been naturalized elsewhere including Australia. Native American communities found several interesting medicinal uses for this small squat plant. 

About Dove Weed

This plant grows between four and twelve inches tall and has a variety of leaf sizes. The male flowers are very small and appear in clusters on the end of the branches. The female flowers are often singular and grow out of the axils of the upper branches. The entire plant is covered in dense hairs that appear to be soft, but in actuality, they are quite rough and can irritate the skin if not handled correctly. As a member of the spurge family, it has toxic attributes. Although it is not toxic to humans, ingesting any part of this plant is not recommended. 

Practical and Medicinal Uses

A chemical eremone called diterpenes found in the plant is said to stun fish. For this reason, Native Americans such as the Klamath, Mendocino, Mahuna, and Paiute tribes would crush the plants and use them to kill or stun fish in shallow water.

The Concow used a decoction of this plant as a bath to treat chills and fever. They also make a poultice out of fresh bruised leaves and applied it to the chest to treat internal pains. The Pomo and Concow made a decoction of the roots to treat dysentery. The Kawalisu used a decoction of this plant as a wash to treat headaches and also took an infusion to treat heart palpitations. 

Did You Know...

If this plant is eaten by livestock, the plants will form an indigestible mass in their gut which can become life-threatening if not removed.

Pollinators including honey bees drink nectar from the female flowers of this plant that are usually hidden beneath the top layer of the leaves. Pollen is an important source of protein for many types of bees and wasps.

Another name for this plant is turkey mullein because they eat the seeds of this plant.

Learn How to Make Native American Leather Pouches @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 A Sunday afternoon is the ideal time to learn how to make your own leather Native American style pouch on October 17 @ the Institute for American Indian Studies. This in-person small group workshop has been organized in one-hour time slots from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Under the guidance of the museum’s Education Department, you’ll learn how Native Americans used leather for clothing, pouches, bags, and other items of daily life.

 

Native Americans historically used leather pouches to carry many of life’s necessities. Pouches were made from a variety of materials, some were woven, and others were made from the hides of different animals, most commonly deer.

 

Sign up for a workshop that is both educational and engaging, as you learn how to make your very own unique and practical leather pouch that you can decorate with buttons, stones, and shells. After you have completed your project, you may find that you have a newfound appreciation for the artistry that went into making some of the artifacts in the museum’s collections.

 

Sign up with your friends and family to reserve a timeslot by clicking here. For questions call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org. The cost of participation including materials is $25 per person for non-members and $20 for members.

 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Located on 15 acres of woodland IAIS is home to permanent and temporary exhibits, nature trails, and a replicated 16th century Replicated Algonkian village. During the school year, over 7,000 school-age children visit for hands-on programs to learn about the Indigenous people who have called Connecticut home for thousands of years.

 

16th Annual Native American Archaeology Roundtable October 30

On Saturday, October 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Institute for Native American Studies is hosting the 16th annual Native American Archaeology Roundtable via Zoom for just $10 per person. The focus of this important and informative session is suited for scholars and people that have an appreciation of how we study Native American culture and archeology today.  A highlight of this program is to explore the past, present, and future of Native American communities and the ongoing relationship between them and archeologists.

One of the greatest misconceptions of the 19th and 20th centuries was the regard by scholars of the indigenous people of North America as simple and primitive. It was believed that their culture was quickly disappearing all over the country. During this time period, most archeologists ignored Native American community leaders and excavated indigenous burials and other sacred sites. In 1990, this viewpoint began to change because of federal legislation that required archaeologists and museum officials to consult with federally recognized tribes about archaeological surveys, excavations, and artifacts.

As a result of this ongoing and evolving relationship with Native American communities, archeologists continue to develop non-invasive archaeological technologies that provide answers and enhanced perceptions while respecting the sites and artifacts. Balance is now considered to be of the utmost importance. This year's roundtable will focus on the present archeological practices and explore ways to reconcile and collaborate with mutual respect and understanding. 

The roster of scheduled speakers is impressive and includes Dr. Margaret Bruchac from the University of Pennsylvania, Rolf Cachat-Schilling from the Ethical Archeological Society, Brenda Geer from the Eastern Pequot/NAHAC, Bonney Hartley from Stockbridge Munsee-Mohican, Michael Johnson from the Mashantucket Pequot, Cathern Labadia from the State Historic Preservation Office, and Marissa Turnbull from the Mashantucket Pequot. The organizer and chair of this event is Dr. Lucianne Lavin, Director of Research and Collections at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut.  Dr. Lavin is a member of Connecticut's Native American Heritage Advisory Council, the editor of the journal of the Archeological Society of Connecticut, and the author of several books including Connecticut's Indigenous Peoples that can be purchased at the Museum's gift shop. To register for this event click here.  The registration fee is $10. For additional information and questions, please call the Insititute at 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Located on 15 acres of woodland IAIS is home to permanent and temporary exhibits, nature trails, a replicated 16th century Replicated Algonkian village. During the school year, over 7,000 school-age children visit for hands-on programs to learn about the Indigenous people who have called Connecticut home for thousands of years.

Medicinal Monday... Leis and Hula - the Divine Scent of Maile of Hawaii

Alyxia oliviforis Gaud is a plant indigenous to the Islands of Hawaii. For centuries, leis have been made from the shiny fragrant leaves of maile (alyxia oliviforis Gaud) and are still popular today in a variety of ceremonies and dances. In addition to ceremonial use, it was also used medicinally.

About Alyxia oliviforis Gaud

The common name in Hawaii for this plant is Maile, and it is in the periwinkle family. It is a small trailing shrub that is usually found in the wet forests of Hawaii. Early Hawaiians recognized various forms of maile based on leaf size, shape, and fragrance, and even with the great variety of leaf shapes, they maintain their characteristic form. Since there is no difference in the flowers or fruit of this shrub, taxonomists have recognized all leaf forms as one species. Maile does well as an understory plant and grows easily with other native species. The small pinwheel-like flowers of this shrub can be white, orange, greenish-white, or yellow. Maile blooms in the fall and winter when fruiting also takes place. The dark purple fruit of this plant is shaped like olive and ooze a milky white sap when freshly picked.

Ceremonial Uses

Leis made from maile has been a tradition for centuries and one that continues to this very day. To make a lei the fragrant dark green leaves are left on the stem. The stem is stripped of bark which unleashes its vanilla-like fragrance and is tied together in knots. Maile is usually worn as an open-ended lei draped loosely around the shoulders. Possibly the oldest, and certainly one of the most popular leis, the maile lei is steeped in history and tradition. It is known as “The Royal Lei” because it was prized by ali‘i (Hawaiian royalty) and, today, it is given to denote honor and respect and used on many different occasions and in ceremonies.

Maile is associated with Laka, the goddess of hula, and was placed on Laka's alters in hula heiaus (temples). Many ancient chants celebrate its fragrance. In ancient times, maile was associated with courtship and marriage and during wedding ceremonies, the priest tied the hands of the bride and groom together with a strand of maile to symbolize their union.

Maile was also used as a peace offering after a battle. When peace was declared, the Chiefs would meet in a temple and weave a lei from maile to resolve their differences. When the lei was completed, peace was official.

Medicinal Uses

Maile was also used as a dermatological aid. An infusion of the pounded shrub was combined with several other plants and used in a sweat bath for yellow blotches on the skin.

Leaves are shiny and are fragrant when bruised or crushed. The flowers give off the same fragrance as the leaves, and stripped bark gives a sweet fragrance resembling vanilla. All parts of this plant contain coumarin which gives maile its pleasant scent.

Did You Know...

Maile's popularity has endured. In weddings, hand binding with maile leis is still popular. A maile lei is sometimes given as a sign of friendship and when dancing the hula, performers still wear maile lei in honor of their goddess. The maile leis of these performers are never given away.

Native birds such as the native thrush ʻōmaʻo (Myadestes spp.) eat the fruits, assisting in spreading maile throughout the native forests.

Different leaf forms of this shrub include maile haʻi wale (brittle maile); maile lau liʻi (small-leaved maile); maile lau liʻi liʻi (very small-leaved maile); maile lau nui (big-leaved maile); maile kaluhea (sweet maile); and maile pakaha (blunt-leaved maile). 

Medicinal Monday - St. John's Wort

Originally from Asia, Europe, and Africa, St John's Wort was introduced by Europeans to much of North and South America including Connecticut.  It is used by Native American communities as well as by people from all over the world for centuries. 

About St John's Wort

This herbaceous perennial plant is known botanically as Hypericum perforatum and can grow up to three feet high.  It grows in prairies, pastures, and fields and prefers sandy soil. From late spring through early summer, it has bright yellow flowers with five petals and black dots. The leaves are narrow and oblong in shape and, the stems are woody near the base of the plant. In many places, it is considered to be aggressively invasive and is considered a weed. It spreads by creeping rhizomes. The seeds are black and rough, netted with coarse grooves, and when crushed they produce a reddish liquid.

Medicinal Uses

The Cherokee and the Iroquois use a decoction of this plant to treat menstruation, they also use an infusion for bowel complaints and to treat fevers. The milky substance of this plant is rubbed on sores to soothe them. The Cherokee also crush the plant and sniff it to stop nosebleeds. Some Native American communities chew a portion of the root and swallow it to treat snakebite. The Montagnais make a decoction of this plant and use it as cough medicine. This plant is known among Native American communities for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Did You Know...

St John's Wort is named because the plant blooms on or around St. John's Day, referring to St. John the Baptist. The red spots that appear on the leaves of this plant around August 29 are the symbolic representation of the blood spilled when St. John was beheaded.

The red liquid of this herb was used to treat the wounded during the crusades.

St John's Wort has demonstrated an ability to act as an antidepressant in cases of mild depression and anxiety. This action is linked to the plant's properties of hyperforin and hypericin.

It has also been used to treat premenstrual syndrome.

It also appears to have antibacterial properties and may act as an antiviral.

If taken it can interfere with prescription medication and can cause sun sensitivity and allergic reactions.

If ingested by livestock in large doses, St. John's Wort can cause death.

Medicinal Monday- Poisonous and Pretty American Pokeweed

Even though the American Pokeweed is poisonous, this plant is used as a wild edible when young and as medicine by many Native American communities as the plant matures. Its name comes from the adaptation of an Algonquin word, pocan, puccoon, or poughkone, and can be found growing in Connecticut and throughout New England.

About American Pokeweed

American pokeweed is a member of the Phytolaccaceae family that is usually found growing in tropical and subtropical climates with only two varieties being found in North America. Phytolacca americana or American Pokeweed is found throughout New England. This herbaceous, shrub-like perennial can grow up to ten feet high and has simple alternate leaf margins that are tapered at the end. When the leaves are crushed they have an acrid odor. This shrub has stems that range in color from green and pink to red. The plant flowers in clusters from May to October. The flowers are borne in pinkish clusters and range in color from white and green to pink and purple. They have five sepals, no petals, and about ten stamens. The berries this shrub produces are purple-black in color and about one-quarter inch in diameter with six to twelve seeds. American Pokeweed can be found at the edge of forests, in pastures and fields, and on the edge of habitats. They prefer open spaces where birds are able to roost.

Culinary, Medicinal, and Magical Uses

Even though the plant is poisonous in its mature state it has been used for food and medicine for millennia. In the early spring, Native Americans harvest shoots of this plant when they are about six inches tall. The young shoots are carefully blanched in water before eating to reduce the risk of ingesting toxins. The young greens are also mixed with other wild greens. The taste of American Pokeweed is said to be similar to asparagus. The Algonquian use the deep red color of the berries to paint and dye textiles and basket reeds.

There are many uses for this shrub medicinally. One of the most common ways it was used was to treat arthritis and inflammation. The Cherokee drink an infusion of the berries or roots and berries to treat arthritis. The Delaware roast and crush roots and mix them with sarsaparilla and grape bark and drank this mixture as a blood purifier and stimulant. The Iroquois made an infusion of roots and twigs and used this mixture as herbal steam to treat rheumatism. They also cooked the stalks as greens and used them to treat rheumatism. The Mahuna used the roots to treat severe neuralgic pain. The Cherokee, Mahuna, Delaware, and Iroquois used various parts of this plant, usually the roots and sometimes the leaves to make a salve to treat skin diseases, bruises, and chronic sores. The Delaware roasted the roots and used them to treat glandular swellings and the Iroquois used a compound of undried roots to treat bunions. The Mohegan used a poultice of mashed berries to cure sore breasts but considered the roots poisonous and didn't use them. 

The Iroquois used this plant for bewitchment. They also used this plant as a love medicine and would tie leaves in a poplar tree and place the roots of this shrub around the tree to attract their beloved.

Did You Know...

Regional names for this shrub are poke, poke sallet, dragon berries, redweed, and pokeberry.

Berries were once used to make ink, which is sometimes why this plant is referred to as inkberry.

The fruits of this plant are an important source of nutrition for mockingbirds, northern cardinals, and morning doves. Many songbirds are not affected by the toxins of this plant.

The name phytolacca means red dye plant.

Pokeweed has been celebrated in the hit single "Polk Salad Annie" written by Tony Joe White and sung by a variety of performers including Elvis Presley and Conan O'Brien. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4csFnpZXek

Canned Pokeweed was sold by Bush Brothers in Arkansas until 2007.

Institute for American Indian Studies Participates in Smithsonian Day - Sept. 18

The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. has announced that the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut is part of the nationwide event called Museum Day that will take place on September 18th. In this initiative, participating museums across the United States open their doors for free to those who download a branded ticket from the Smithsonian Magazine's website. This event allows museums nationwide to emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. which offers free admission every day. 

This year's theme, "Experience America," represents a return to normalcy in the safest possible way. The Institute for American Indian Studies will have safety precautions in place for this year's event so guests can comfortably enjoy their time at the museum. "We are thrilled to join forces with Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day to bring educational experiences to families and children and to help foster a limitless quest for knowledge," said Chris Combs, Executive Director of the Insititute. "Museum Day goes beyond getting visitors through museum doors, it also serves as a reminder of people, places, and cultural experiences that have the power to educate and unite us all."

Tickets are currently available for download on the Smithsonian Magazine's Website. To locate the Institute for American Indian Studies click Get a Ticket and filter your search by state, location, or the type of museum. To get a ticket for the Institute for American Indian Studies, click here. You will be asked to enter your name, email address and to confirm the museum you wish to visit before downloading a ticket. To get free admission, guests must present an official Museum Day Ticket. This ticket provides general admission for the ticket holder plus one guest. You may download one ticket per email address so choose wisely, there are no takebacks. If you go to Museum Day with more than one guest, other guests will have to pay full admission.

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.