By Alida Callahan

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November 15, 2024

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As we celebrate National Native American History Month, my thoughts turn to the natural medicines of the original peoples of this land and the opportunity I’ve had to learn of Native American culture during my time living in the Southwestern United States. While in college, I had the opportunity to intern in the health and wellness center of a non-profit organization called Native Americans for Community Action. There, I learned in greater detail about the struggles affecting the Native American communities, with a focus on the two major communities in the Northern Arizona areas – the Hopi and the Navajo. I learned about the health inequities and difficulty in access to healthy foods and clean water free of heavy metals. Access to health care was also limited. This left many needing to drive 2 hours to the nearest town to receive care. Despite these challenges, I was humbled to witness the dedication to health and the support given to one another as they strived to improve the health of their communities. 

 

During my post-graduate studies in Natural Medicine, I learned more about the natural medicines of the people who inhabited the land before me. As a practitioner of health who has dedicated themselves to learning the natural modalities for wellness, I am intimately aware that my profession is founded on the information discovered and passed down by those who came before us. In honor of National Native American History Month and of those who came before us in the pursuit of Natural Medicine, it is my pleasure to share some of the pieces of wisdom we still use today that we can be thankful to the Native Peoples of this land for discovering and passing down. 

 

HYDROTHERAPY

The sweat lodge is a low, dome-shaped structure heated by fire or hot rocks that is utilized as an integral part of physical and spiritual health through heavy sweating. Steam is created by pouring water on hot stones. Individuals are believed to be freed from physical and non-physical impurities through the ceremony, cleansing both the body and mind. Many cultures have utilized high-heat environments for physical health, though the mental/emotional purpose of sweat lodges may be unique to Native American culture. We continue to utilize the act of sweating via heat and water with the use of infrared saunas and steam rooms. 

HERBOLOGY

Herbalists and Naturopathic doctors in North America still use many of the herbs that Native American peoples traditionally used, primarily due to the herbs’ availability. Below is a list of commonly used herbs and their uses.

Chaparral (Larrea tridentata)

Also known as Creosote, this desert bush blooms bright yellow in late winter/early spring and is known for the beautiful aromatic sensory experience of the desert after rain. Chaparral is traditionally used for its antimicrobial effects and is typically used topically. It is often made into a salve and used for conditions such as athlete’s foot, acne, and other topical concerns. It is helpful for relieving arthritis pain. Internally, it is stimulating to the liver, soothes bowel and gastric concerns, and is beneficial for autoimmune conditions, especially those that result in joint pain. As a tea, it is useful for fevers and menstrual cramps. Historically, the leaves were powdered and used as a topical to support breastfeeding.

 

https://www.cancerplants.com/cancer-plants/chaparral/

Juniper (Juniperus monosperma)

Juniper is another aromatic desert plant that has blue-colored berries. The berries have been used as a tincture or tea for urinary tract infections or inflammation. It is also a carminative herb and helps to increase gastrointestinal secretions. Topically, it has been used to aid in eczema or psoriasis. However, its most common use is in upper respiratory infections. Juniper berry tea is used to assist in clearing colds, both through the consumption of the tea as well as the aromatic clearing of the sinuses. Juniper is also helpful for coughing and reducing general aches and pains, which may be helpful during fever. In Native American tradition, Juniper tea played an integral role in the birthing process, both for relaxing during labor and cleansing postpartum.

www.bio.brandeis.edu

Aloe vera

Aloe is a succulent with a latex outer skin and an inner gel that flowers atop long stems in the winter. The inner gel is often utilized topically as a remedy for red, inflamed skin caused by damage from the sun. The leaf is cut open, and the gel is rubbed onto the tender skin. While this is still utilized for this purpose today, Aloe vera is typically used by herbalists to aid in gastrointestinal concerns, with the outer portion of the leaf being used as a powerful laxative and the inner gel is used to soothe inflamed tissue in cases of irritable bowel disease or GERD.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Aloe_vera_flower_inset.png

 

EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL BODY

Native American approaches to health focus heavily on an individual’s emotional and spiritual well-being. Ceremonies such as the sweat lodge, smudging (ceremonial burning of plants, such as sage), vision quests, healing songs, and dancing are integral parts of traditional Native American healing practices. Community is also an essential part of health, aiming for a balance between self, nature, spirit, and community. Healing ceremonies are often conducted in the community, with many individuals coming together to lend support and receive healing themselves.

Native American traditions can be seen in our culture today, with many traditional health practices coupled with our modern understanding of the human anatomy and medicinal herbs. As Naturopathic doctors, we are so appreciative of the beautiful impact native medicine has on our daily practices. In what ways do you see the influence of Native American healthcare practices in today’s medicine?

References

Justo. (2023a, August 23). The Sacred Sweat Lodge: a vital Native American tradition – Native Tribe info. Native Tribe Info. https://nativetribe.info/the-sacred-sweat-lodge-a-vital-native-american-tradition/

Justo. (2023b, August 26). Traditional Healing Practices of Native Americans: a cultural heritage – Native Tribe info. Native Tribe Info. https://nativetribe.info/traditional-healing-practices-of-native-americans-a-cultural-heritage/

Mark, J. J., & Jane, C. (2023). Origin of the Sweat Lodge. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2289/origin-of-the-sweat-lodge/

Swiecicki, A. G. (2018, October 15). Desert Aromatics of the American Southwest | Albuquerque Herbalism. https://albuquerqueherbalism.com/2018/10/15/desert-aromatics-of-the-american-southwest/

Portman, Tarrell AA, and Michael T. Garrett. “Native American healing traditions.” International Journal of Disability, Development and Education 53.4 (2006): 453-469.

 

This blog was written by former RNM doctor Dr. Alida Callahan. We’re so grateful that she’ll be continuing to work with us on our blogs, though she recently moved to California to be closer to family.