Medicinal treatment of diseases began with the use of herbs long ago (Schulze et al., 2001). Folk medicine practices around the world commonly use herbs as part of their traditions. Some of these traditions are briefly described below, providing some examples of important healing practices using herbs around the world.
1. Bitterroot
Bitterroot, a ancient traditional plant, has many medicinal uses for the heart diseases treatment, including relieving chest pain and purifying the blood. It is also said to help reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes and sore throat when chewed. It grows in dry scrub, woodlands and pine forests. Medicinal Uses Strengthens heart, detoxifies, increases lactation, relieves pain and swelling
2. Chaga
Technically a fungus, chaga can be harvested any time of year. It can be used for pain from stomach problems, tuberculosis and some cancers. This fungus grows mainly on the bark of birch trees. Medicinal Uses Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lowers blood sugar levels
3. Echinacea
This plant can be found in dry grasslands and open wooded areas and is said to be an antibiotic, which activates white blood cells. It is also a popular remedy for the common cold. Medicinal Uses Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal
4. Fireweed
This beautiful purple plant has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is used to treat colds, tonsillitis, and cramps, and it helps prevent wound infections. Fireweed is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. It prefers to grow in well-drained soils and can be found in partially shady forests, sunny grasslands, forest edges and roadsides. Medicinal Uses: Improves metabolism, supports kidneys and liver, supports lymphatic system, antiseptic, pain reliever, astringent, cleansing, induces vomiting, increases energy and health..
5. Horsetail
Horsetails have been around since before the Ice Age. It was said to be used for kidney problems, such as stones or urinary tract infections. It is also a good foot bath to relieve foot pain. Horsetail grows in moist, marshy areas, but it can also be found in fields, forests, and gravelly soils. Medicinal Uses Pain reliever, antiseptic and astringent, relieves gas, increases sweating, diuretic, heals wounds.
6. Labrador Tea
This bush is known to the Métis people as "muskego". Commonly used as a hot beverage, Labrador tea provides relief from stomach aches, colds, and can calm the nerves. Externally, it can be used as an insect repellent. Labrador tea prefers moist soil rather than wet peaty soil, especially in marshy and wet coniferous forests. Medicinal Uses Diuretic Clears mucus from airways Strengthens lungs
7. Plantain
This leafy green plant has many medicinal uses and can be found growing in meadows, pastures, lawns, roadsides, gardens and barren areas. Internally, it is used to treat diarrhea, kidney and bladder troubles, and inflammation. External uses include dressing wounds, treating hemorrhoids, and treating insect bites. It is also used to treat poison ivy rashes. Medicinal Uses Improves metabolism, aids kidneys and liver, aids lymphatic system, antiseptic, astringent diuretic.
8. Rat Root
Rat root grows in marshy areas and on the borders of ponds where the soil is constantly moist. Chewing pieces of this plant may help with bronchial problems or breathing difficulties. Medicinal Uses Increases menstruation, removes parasites from the body, relieves gas, diuretic, cures ear pain, pain reliever, laxative and sedative.
9. Sage
This aromatic plant is useful for washing wounds and sores. It can also be massaged into the scalp for dandruff or hair fall. Sedge can be found in dry plains, hills, rocky slopes and open spaces of the forest. Medicinal Uses Diuretic, reduces bleeding, increases menstruation, increases energy and health
10. Stinging Nettle
This plant can be found growing in rich soils from sub-alpine areas to plains. Nettle leaves are rich in proteins, minerals, tannins, and both vitamins A and C. This plant is used to treat anemia, arthritis and poor blood circulation. Medicinal Uses Anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, diuretic, lowers blood pressure
11. Sweetgrass
Found in many different growing conditions ranging from forest open spaces, alpine areas and low meadows, sweetgrass may help with colds or sinus problems. Medicinal Uses Relieves congestion, thins the blood
12. Tansy
Introduced to North America from Europe, tansy grows in dense clumps and can be found along roadsides, in meadows and in areas disturbed by activity. It can be used internally or externally: internally for the treatment of insects and to induce sweating, and externally for the treatment of swelling, inflammation and wounds. In large amounts it can be dangerous and cause adverse reactions such as coma and abortion. Medicinal Uses: Antiseptic, reduces muscle spasms, increases sweating, increases menstruation, increases energy and health, removes parasites from the body
13. Wild Rose
All parts of this famous plant, including its root and stem, can be used medicinally. There are 35 different species of wild roses. Known for having more Vitamin C than oranges, this plant also contains Vitamin A, K and several B vitamins. The Metis used parts of this plant to make jellies, syrups, and to flavor ice cream. It can be found in areas of grasslands, hedgerows and open forests. Medicinal Uses Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, laxative, restores strength, increases energy and health
14. Yarrow
The whole plant is used medicinally: the dried roots can be chewed to relieve muscle sprains and strains, the leaves can be placed on wounds to stop bleeding. Tea made from flowers helps with colds and influenza, flushing out toxins through sweat. Known as with the another name of “women’s medicine,” it also helps regulate the menstrual cycle. It is commonly found in wet and dry areas, such as roadsides, grasslands, fields and near coastal locations. Medicinal Uses Antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal, lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar levels, astringent and anti-inflammatory, increases menstruation
15. Bearberry
This shrub can be found growing in gravelly ridges and sandy soils throughout North America. This plant is useful in the treatment of diabetes and conditions of the urinary organs. Food Source: Jams and Jellies
16. Dandelion
It grows everywhere! All parts of the dandelion plant are edible and can be added to pancakes, muffins, and jellies. It can be made into therapeutic ointments for eczema. Food Source: Pancakes, Muffins, Jellies, Salads, Tea
17. Goldenrod
Goldenrod grows along roadsides, in bushes and in open spaces in Canada. Its leaves and flowers can be used like spinach in salads, soups and other dishes. It can be used to make tea to treat stomach aches, headaches and colds. Food Source: Salad, Soup, Tea
18. Mint
This aromatic plant is usually found in lakes, rivers or wet, marshy places. This herb is great and very important for strengthening the heart muscle as well as cleansing and strengthening the entire system of body. Food Source: Cooking spices, tea
19. Saskatoon Berry
This fruit-bearing bush can be eaten fresh or canned. It is usually made into pie, jam or syrup. Rich in vitamin C and iron, this plant was once an important food source for indigenous people, growing in many climates from sea level to the Rockies. It could be stored for long periods of time and was used for survival during winter and long journeys. Food Source: Pies, Jams and Jellies, Syrups
20. Wild Chamomile
Also known with the name of pineapple weed, this plant grows along trails, roadsides, and in areas disturbed by activity. It is useful for cold, stomach problems, eczema, infected wounds, fever and postpartum anemia. Food Source: Salad, Tea
