Herbs have the power to heal the weakest

We have learned much about herbs from the American Indi­ans. They taught the first English settlers how to use many differ­ent herbs. Milkweed is still used today to treat poison ivy, ring­worm, and a host of other skin ailments. It is also considered to be a food.

Early American physicians used the root to treat asthma and other respiratory problems. The down was used to stuff life jackets during World War II. Because the milkweed down has insulating properties, it has been and is still in use today as stuffing for jackets, pillows, and blankets. How much more can be expected from a single plant? It fed us, clothed us, and served as a medicinal remedy—yet few people give the common milk­weed any credit for being so useful. It is sprayed, cut down, and destroyed wherever it is found.

The same can be said of cattail. The roots of cattails serve as a food, the pods are crushed and used to insulate jackets, blan­kets, and such. It serves to insulate, as well as being waterproof. The leaves are used to make baskets, and serve other purposes as well. So, what do we do? We cut it down, spray it, and destroy a natural resource. We still, however, use the pods to enhance fall bouquets and flower arrangements.

Another herb with many uses is tarragon. It is used exten­sively for food enhancement now, but in ancient times it was called dragon herb because it was used as an antidote for treat­ing the bites of venomous animals. About 1650, tarragon was transported to America where it was used to induce menstrua­tion. As a poultice, it is still used to treat bruises and swellings.

Red clover tea is still in use today to treat colds, fevers, and debilitating diseases. Native Americans used red clover in a salve to treat burns. It was also used as a pot herb. A pot herb is a green, leafy vegetable, often served as a side dish for meals. Red clover is a member of the pea family and has many of the same crucial vitamins and minerals.

Native Americans also used raspberry root bark to treat many illnesses. Pharmacologists today admit that there is value in using the tea for childbirth and painful menstruation because it contains a substance that helps one to relax, as well as another substance that stimulates the uterine muscles.

I must admit that I have an ulterior motive for getting you interested in using herbs. I feel that as you become more aware of the uses of herbs, you will develop a respect for mother nature. If herbs become important to you, you will probably become more protective of our environment and start to prac­tice habits that save our natural resources and gifts. As you become more aware of our environment, you practice better health habits and this leads to a more spiritual lifestyle. This in turn makes you even more aware of your responsibilities to Mother Earth in a spiritual way.

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