Medicinal Monday Arumleaf Arrowhead

One of the most interesting things about the use of plants as medicine by Native Americans is that they have to know when to harvest the plants. At times, the medicinal qualities are inert, undeveloped, or dispersed by being too old. In most cases, external afflictions are treated with lotions or poultices, while internal troubles are almost invariably treated with medicinal tea. Sagittaria arifolia also known as Arumleaf Arrowhead is in the water-plantain family that was used for food as well as medicinally.

About Arumleaf Arrowhead 

This aquatic perennial plant can be found in New England including Connecticut and has spread throughout much of North America including Alaska and most of Canada. This plant doesn't grow in most of the south of North America. Arumleaf Arrowhead can be found growing in slow-moving and stagnant ponds, lakes, and small streams. This attractive plant has arrowhead-shaped leaves that rise from a fleshy tuber.  The whorls of flowers grow on an erect and stout single stem around arrowhead-shaped leaves that float. The flowers bloom from June-September depending on where they are located. The many veined leaves have three white petals and three sepals and are either staminate or pistillate. The lowest node bears female flowers and the upper nodes bear male flowers. The male flowers have yellow stamens and the female flower has a spherical cluster of pistils that develop into a group of tiny fruits. The leaves that are submerged have no true leaf blade. The roots are tipped with starchy tubers and the plant spreads by long creeping above-ground horizontal stems and often forms dense colonies. Arumleaf arrowhead may be found both in calm water and along the muddy shores of rivers and ponds and in marshes, swamps, and wet prairies. It is often found in moderately deep water with the blades floating or barely raised above the water.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Many Native American communities prized the tubers as food and would boil, bake, roast, or dry them. The Cheynne would peel the skin off the stems below the flowers and eat them raw. 

The most common use among Native American communities of this plant was digestive. Commonly the roots were steeped for indigestion. Another common steep a tea of the roots and use it as a diuretic. Many communities also made a poultice from the tubers and used the mixture to treat wounds and sores. The Ojibwe eat the corms for indigestion and in addition to boiling them to eat, they also candied the tubers with maple syrup. The Cheyenne and Chippewa used the leaves in a variety of medical mixtures. The Navajo used this plant to treat headaches. The Cheyenne gave dried leaves to horses to treat urinary troubles and sore mouths. 

Did You Know..

The prefix of the genus name, sagitta means arrow.

Arumleaf arrowhead is sometimes known as wapato, or occasionally as floating arrowhead. 

It is listed as endangered in Connecticut and New Jersey and threatened in New Hampshire and Ohio.

The tubers are a favorite of muskrats and beavers that store them in large caches.

Arum leaf arrowhead was one of the staple foods that kept the Lewis and Clark expedition fed in the winter of 1805.

The difference between Sagittaria latifolia and Sagittaria arifolia is that Sagittaria latifolia doesn't have leaves that float.

The poisonous arrow arum looks similar to the arum leaved arrowhead, except for the veins on the leaves. 

Medicinal Monday - American Bittersweet

When most of us think about bittersweet, we think of the invasive Oriental Bittersweet that spreads like wildfire, whose vines climb up trees strangling them, and has beautiful red berries that stay red throughout the drab winter months. What many of us don't realize is that in New England you can also find American Bittersweet, a shrub in the same genus as Oriental Bittersweet. In a nutshell, the difference between American and Oriental bittersweet is that Oriental bittersweet has fruit and flowers located in the leaf joints along the stem, and American bittersweet only flowers at the end of the branches in clusters. 

About American Bittersweet

Celastrus scandens, also known as American bittersweet is native to central and eastern North America. This sturdy perennial climbing vine, which can grow up to 30 feet twines its way around trees and shrubs for support. New stems are green and become grey-brown and woody with age. The bark of the vine is lightly textured with scattered grayish pores, and older stems have flaky bark. The oblong leaves are finely serrated around the edges, hairless, and taper to a sharply pointed tip. Like their invasive cousin, Oriental bittersweet, the leaves turn a bright yellow in the fall. 

Tiny scentless white flowers usually bloom in May and June at the tips of the branches. They have 5 petals and 5 green sepals with male and female flowers on separate plants. Male flowers have five stamens with yellow tips. Female flowers have five non-functioning stamens surrounding a lobed stigma at the top. The fruit is initially green, then yellow, and finally turns red in late summer. The fruit splits open in the fall to reveal a bright red fruit inside that can live through the winter. It grows in partly shady areas around woodland edges, in fields and forests, on prairies, along rocky bluffs, and in thickets. American bittersweet spreads both by seeds and root suckers that tend to form large colonies in the wild. 

Medicinal Uses

The roots of American bittersweet were used by Native Americans to induce vomiting and to treat symptoms of tuberculosis. This sturdy shrub was also used in many other ways. The Cherokee made a strong compound infusion of the roots and red raspberry leaves to help ease the pain of childbirth. They would chew the roots to treat coughs and would boil the roots to treat cancer. An infusion of the bark was taken to settle stomach aches and to treat other gastrointestinal problems. 

The Chippewa and Delaware boiled the roots and used it as an ointment to treat sores, and a decoction of the stalk was applied to skin problems. The Delaware also made an infusion of the roots and used it to treat colds and coughs and to clear up liver spots. The Iroquois made an infusion of the leaves and stems and gave this mixture to women to help regulate menstruation and to soothe the soreness from pregnancy. They also mixed an infusion of the root bark with wine and drank it to cure anemia, and an infusion of the leaves and stems was used as a diuretic. Children were given a decoction of the roots which was used to relieve the pain of teething. The Meskwaki made a compound from the root and gave it to women to help relieve the pain of labor. The Ojibwa used the berries to treat stomach trouble.

Culinary Uses

The inner bark was cooked in times when food was scarce. The Ojibwa made a  thick soup when other food was not obtainable in the winter. The Ojibwe name of bittersweet is manidobima kwit which means spirit twisted and refers to the twisted intestines of Winabojo, their cultural hero. The Potawatomi and Menominee, among other tribes, also cooked and ate the inner bark when food was scarce. 

Did You Know...

Other common names for American bittersweet are false bittersweet, climbing orange root, fever twig, staff vine, and Jacob's ladder.

All parts of American bittersweet are poisonous, however, some songbirds, ruffed grouse, pheasant, fox, and squirrels eat the fruit of this shrub.

It was given the name bittersweet by colonists in the 18th century because they thought the fruit of this plant looked like the fruit of common nightshade.

Oriental and American bittersweet have been known to hybridize with their offspring being more aggressive and the berries not as hardy.

The berry produced by bittersweet is technically called an aril. The berry usually contains two seeds that are often widely distributed by birds that feed on the berries.

Native Americans also used American bittersweet in decorations, and even today it is commonly used in dry flower arrangements and for winter decor. 

Tellabration! A Celebration of Oral Tradition November 18 in Washington Connecticut

Storytelling is how we communicate. We share experiences and knowledge through stories. Tellabration! was started by internationally acclaimed storyteller J.G. "Paw Paw” Pinkerton in Connecticut in 1988 as a means of building community through storytelling. The following year it expanded nationwide under the umbrella of the Storytelling Network, and by 1998, there was Tellabration! events in cities and towns around the world. 

Guests are invited to join the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, November 18 at 1 p.m. for a Tellabration! at the Washington Montessori School on 240 Litchfield Road in Washington, Connecticut. Guests will enjoy an amazing array of stories that are personal, traditional, humorous, historical, poetic, spiritual, and instructional. 

Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, and Education Director at IAIS) will make history come alive from the oral traditions of her indigenous ancestors that have been passed down and preserved from one generation to the next. Motoko, whose repertoire includes Asian folktales, Rakugo and Zen tales, and oral memoirs from her childhood in Osaka, Japan, will enchant audiences of every age. Drawing from her own travels, internationally known storyteller Valerie Tutson will bring to life an assortment of myths, folktales, and historical accounts from the African continent and African Diaspora. 

After the storytellers have concluded their performances, there will be an open mic opportunity for up-and-coming storytellers to share their stories with a live audience. 

One of the many important takeaways from this event is that the audience will learn that the art of storytelling is not just reading from a book. It’s a performance that captures the essence of what a book or folktale wants to convey and brings people together. Storytelling is one of the most important ways in which we come to understand our world. 

 Participants are asked to pre-register for this event by visiting https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/13983 The price of participation is $15 for the general public and $10 for members of the Institute. This program is supported by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities in partnership with the CT Storytelling Center. 

 About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

 Located on 15 acres of woodland, 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 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT. 

Medicinal Monday...Wake-Robin

Great White Trillium is one of the most showy spring flowers with large white blossoms up to three inches long. The plant is native to eastern North America and parts of Canada and was used medicinally by many Native American communities. It is Ontario's official flower and is often referred to as the birth root because of its medicinal qualities.

About Great White Trillium

Most trilliums are native to the woodlands of North America where they cluster together making a beautiful understory in the forest. In the spring the cup-shaped blossoms are bright white and change to a soft pink and are surrounded by solid green leaves with deep veins that radiate from the base of the leaf. Leaves, petals, and sepals all come in groups of three. The petals have wavy edges and in the center have several yellow stamens. Each plant has a single flower at the end of its stalk. Flowers give way to berry-like capsules. In the summer, this plant goes dormant along with other shade-loving perennials, only to reappear the following spring. The Great White Trillium is a long-lived but slowly maturing perennial. Its seeds are usually spread by ants, which take their fruit underground to eat, leaving the seed behind.

Medicinal & Culinary Uses

One of the most common uses of this plant among many Native American tribes was to use the root to facilitate childbirth. Tea made from the roots was given to mothers after childbirth to stop bleeding. It was considered to be a sacred female herb and only spoken of to the medicine woman.  The Chippewa made a decoction of the roots and applied the mixture to aching joints and dropped it in sore ears. The Menominee prescribed the root for menstrual cramps. The Menominee also made a poultice of the root and applied it to eye swellings and took it as a diuretic. The young leaves were cooked and eaten by some Native Americans and are said to taste like sunflower seeds.

Did You Know...

The seed of the Great White Trillium has an appendage called an elaiosome that is very sweet and attracts ants, who take the seed back to their nest, eat the flesh, and discard the seed. 

Seeds that are dispersed by ants are called myrmecochory.

White-tailed deer eat the foliage and flowers of the white trillium.

The flower's common name is Wake-Robin, which was the title of American naturalist and essayist John Burrough's first essay collection, Wake-Robin.

The Great White Trillium is an official symbol of Ontario and the state wildflower of Ohio.

Medicinal Monday - Plants Used for Witchcraft and Magic

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. 

Many plants were used to ward off witchcraft. Below find five used by different Native American Communities from around the country. 

Fool's Huckleberry

Fool's Huckleberry is a shrub that has a skunk-like order and beautiful orange flowers that droop in clusters. It is found in nutrient-rich areas of coniferous forests and along stream banks. Among the many medicinal uses,  the bark of Fool's Huckleberry was used by the Nitinaht to counteract evil spells.

The roots of Sweet Flag, an aquatic plant that resembles cat-o-nine-tails

Sweet Flag is of ancient origins and was used by many Native American communities for magical purposes. The Cheyenne, for example, would tie a piece of Sweet Flag root to a child's clothes to keep the night spirits and ghosts away and the child safe from harm.  The Algonquin considered the root a magic charm and carried it to avoid getting sick. The Dakota, Pawnee, Ponca, Winnebago, and Omaha made garlands from the leaves of Sweet Flag and used them in sacred ceremonies. They also made a paste from the roots and rubbed it on a warrior's face to prevent fear. The Iroquois used Sweet Flag to detect bewitchment.  

Limestone Bittercress

Limestone Bittercress can be found in Connecticut although it is on the endangered list. It has been found to have many health benefits as it is rich in many vitamins and minerals. This perennial was used for other purposes besides health benefits. It was a favorite of the Iroquois, who considered the root to be a valuable medicine and used it as an antidote to counteract all kinds of poison. They also used it ceremonially, to divine a perpetrator of witchcraft.

The umbrels of Cow Parsnip

Cow Parsnip cannot be missed with its bright beacon of clusters of white showy flowers. This plant is the only member of the genus Heracleum native to North America and is in the carrot family. It can grow up to ten feet and is found on riverbanks, in forest clearings, and meadows. Although it had many medicinal uses, some Native American communities used it for magic!  The Menominee and Ojibwa use this plant as a smudge to drive away evil spirits as well as to drive away bad spirits from the camp of a hunter. 

Roots of the Oyster Plant

The Oyster Plant is in the Aster family and was originally consumed as a vegetable before it was used medicinally. It is said that its roots have a taste that is similar to oysters.  The roots were mostly used to treat digestive problems. The Navajo Ramah, however, had an additional use for the Oyster Plant which they used in ceremonies as an emetic.

Veterans Day Ceremony November 5 @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 

Veterans’ Day is a National holiday that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Native Americans have fought valiantly in the United States military in every conflict since the American Revolution, even before Native Americans gained U.S. citizenry in 1924.

Honoring Native warriors and veterans has always been part of indigenous culture. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut honors the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication. This year, the Institute is once again inviting the public to participate in the program that will honor Native and non-Native Americans whose passion and loyalty have helped to make America what it is today on Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. The Institute is located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut. 

At this year’s event, veteran Gary Tinney, Golden Hill Pagussett, will lead the ceremony. New to this year’s event is the Yootay Singers Drum Group based out of Mashantucket, CT, which will perform honor songs recognizing the rich contributions of Native and Non-Native Americans who have bravely served side by side in the U.S. Armed Forces. Allan Madahbee (Okibwe) will also join the ceremony and play Amazing Grace on his traditionally crafted flute. Attendees will be immersed in a meaningful ceremony that is a powerful experience. 

The ceremony will be outside so attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain, the ceremony or portions of it will be held inside the museum. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration and donations are always appreciated. Registration is at http://iaismuseum.org. For questions please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org. 

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 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 at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Medicinal Monday... Whiskey Grass

Andropogon virginicus L is a species of grass that is native to the southeastern United States as far north as the Great Lakes and is known as whiskey grass. It is an introduced invasive species in California, Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. It is called "whiskey grass" in Australia because it escaped after being used as a packing material for bottles of American whiskey.

About Whiskey Grass

This grass is a warm-season perennial grass that grows in clumps that form a dense erect tuft of flowering hollow stems or culms above ground that bear flowers. It is characterized by having very erect stems surrounded by droopy leaves around the base. Straw-colored remnants of old plants are usually found while new leaves and stems are growing. The elongated leaves are light green in the spring and in the fall, the leaves turn a rich orange to coppery red color. Where the leaf meets the shaft there is a small membrane of silver hairs. In the late summer flowering spikes emerge on slender stems, sometimes they are concealed beneath leaf sheaths that can be rounded or folded. The flower spikes fall off when they are mature.  The seed heads consist of several pairs of tiny branches that are enclosed by brownish leafy bracts.  Whiskey Grass grows in a wide variety of habitats from grass and pasture lands to open woodlands. This plant reproduces mainly by seeds that are easily spread by wind, animals, and even cars!

Medicinal and Practical Uses

The most common use of Andropogon virginicus L has been used to treat pain and gastrointestinal issues. A decoction of the roots was used to treat headaches and stomach aches. Another traditional use was to make tea from the leaves and use it as a wash to relieve fevers, frostbite, sores, itching, and poison ivy rash. It was also used in green corn medicine. The stems of this plant were once used to make yellow dye.

Did You Know...

Other common names for whiskey grass are broomsedge bluestem, beard grass, and yellowsedge bluestem.

The name Broom Sedge refers to the fact that the culms were used to make brooms in some of the southern states of the U.S.

A culm is the above-ground stem of a grass or sedge. The word is derived from the Latin culmus 'stalk' and is specifically used to describe the woody stems of bamboo, cane, grain, or certain types of grasses.

In Australia, whisky grass has degraded the habitat occupied by Charmhaven apples and is considered a threat to downy wattle.

Studies in the U.S. have found that fire intensity and the area of land burnt is higher in areas where whiskey grass is found.

Birds eat the seeds during the winter months and it also provides shelter for the bobtail quail, greater prairie chicken, and other wildlife.