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Plains Indian
Health University of Pennsylvania Museum
exhibition |
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The use of plants in the treatment of disease has long been a vital part of Plains medicine. Traditional herbal cures include: |
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Horesemint |
for backaches and to treat the early symptoms of cholera |
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Wild Bergamot |
to relieve abdominal pain |
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Black Snakeroot |
used as a cure for rheumatism |
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Yellow Dock |
to induce vomiting |
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Black Raspberries |
to treat the early stages of consumption and to flavor bitter roots |
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Hops |
taken orally for intestinal problems and applied topically to wounds |
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Calamus |
to relieve coughing, toothache and fever |
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Wild Onion |
applied to bee and wasp stings |
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Purple Coneflower |
used as a remedy for snakebite and tooth-ache |
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Many plants are also deliberately burned; the smoke is then inhaled to treat nausea, muscle aches and bronchial infections. Smoke is also thought to purify the mind, body, and air in preparation for religious and healing ceremonies. Sagebrush, red cedar, evergreen branches, and purple coneflowers are among those plants most commonly burned on the Great Plains. |
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Plains Indian Health |