Many herbs that are used today have been around since the time of the Indians. They used them from childbirth to the easing the pains of growing old. Some of these herbs are even used in modern day medicines today such as valium. They were used as teas, poultices and in food.
What Herbs did the Indians use for pain?
Here are a few of the numerous herbs that the Indians used to assist in their pain.
Steeped pennyroyal leaves and drunk as a tea cured headaches.
Tobacco -- a favorite remedy for bee stings was the application of wet tobacco leaves to the sting.
White Willow is what modern day aspirin is derived from and was used for headaches and aches and pains. The use of the entire herb does not create stomach issues like aspirin does.
Wild Black Cherry. A sedative tea was made from the root.
Hops is a sedative medicine from the conelike strobiles and was applied for toothache.
Wild Lettuce was used for sedative purposes, especially in nervous complaints. It is an anti-spasmodic.
More Herbs
The Indians used valerian root as a boiled extract for calming the nerves, anxiety and insomnia. It also relieves muscle spasms and has a tranquilizing sedative action on the entire central nervous system. Valium is derived from this herb and has a stinky odor to it, but many use it today for insomnia
Wood Betony works on the central nervous system and is a sedative used for anxiety and tension. It will ease headaches and neuralgia when they are of nervous origin.
Scullcap is a sedative with antispasmodic properties, used for nervous issues lke insomnia. It soothes the nerves and has been used to treat St. Vitus' dance, bells palsy, and convulsions.
Cautions
The entire herb cannot be used in a prescription drug because you cannot patent an herb. Instead, drugs are usually made from the most effective portions and the rest is discarded. Please be careful if using herbs as they are powerful medicine, and consult a holistic doctor or herbalist before taking them, especially if you are pregnant.
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