Cherokee ethnobotany
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This is a list of plants documented to have been traditionally used by the
Cherokee The Cherokee (; chr, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯᎢ, translit=Aniyvwiyaʔi or Anigiduwagi, or chr, ᏣᎳᎩ, links=no, translit=Tsalagi) are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States. Prior to the 18th century, t ...
, and how they are used.


Adoxaceae (moschatel family)

* ''Viburnum nudum'' var. ''cassinoides'' (commonly known as withe-rod, witherod viburnum, possumhaw, and wild raisin) – an
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
of the plant taken to prevent recurrent spasms, root bark used as a diaphoretic and a tonic, and compound infusion of it taken for fever,
smallpox Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by variola virus (often called smallpox virus) which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in October 1977, and the World Health Organization (WHO) c ...
and ague. An infusion of the bark used as a wash for a sore tongue.Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 62 *''
Viburnum prunifolium ''Viburnum prunifolium'' (known as blackhaw or black haw, blackhaw viburnum, sweet haw, and stag bush) is a species of '' Viburnum'' native to eastern North America, from Connecticut west to eastern Kansas, and south to Alabama and Texas. Growt ...
'' (commonly known as black haw) – an infusion of the plant taken to prevent recurrent spasms, root bark used as a diaphoretic and a tonic, and compound infusion of it taken for fever,
smallpox Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by variola virus (often called smallpox virus) which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in October 1977, and the World Health Organization (WHO) c ...
and ague. An infusion of the bark used as a wash for a sore tongue.


Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis family)

*''
Allium tricoccum ''Allium tricoccum'' (commonly known as ramp, ramps, ramson, wild leek, wood leek, or wild garlic) is a North American species of wild onion or garlic widespread across eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Many of the common English na ...
'' (commonly known as ramp, ramps, spring onion, ramson, wild leek, wood leek, and wild garlic), eaten as food.Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 52) The
Cherokee The Cherokee (; chr, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯᎢ, translit=Aniyvwiyaʔi or Anigiduwagi, or chr, ᏣᎳᎩ, links=no, translit=Tsalagi) are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States. Prior to the 18th century, t ...
also eat the plant as a spring tonic, for colds and for croup. They also use the warm juice for earaches.


Asteraceae (aster, daisy, sunflower, or composite family)

*''
Cichorium intybus Common chicory (''Cichorium intybus'') is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae, usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink. Native to the Old World, it has been introduced to North America and Austral ...
'' (common names are chicory or common chicory – an
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
of the root is used as a tonic for nerves. This plant is not native to the Americas and was introduced by colonists. * ''Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium'' ssp. ''obtusifolium'' (common names include old field balsam, rabbit tobacco and sweet everlasting), used in a compound for muscle cramps, local pains, and twitching,Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 51, 52) and apply an infusion of it over scratches made over muscle cramp pain. It is also used internally with Carolina vetch for rheumatism. A decoction is taken for colds, and the plant is also made into cough syrup. It is used in a sweat bath to treat various diseases, made into a warm liquid blown down throat for clogged throat (diphtheria), chewed for a sore mouth, smoked for asthma, and chewed for a sore throat. *''
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (formerly ''Aster novae-angliae'') is a species of flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae) native to central and eastern North America. Commonly known as , , or , it is a perennial, herbaceous plant usually between tall and wi ...
'' (common names New England aster or Michaelmas daisy),
poultice A poultice, also called a cataplasm, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth and placed over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body. It can be used on wounds, such as cuts. 'Poultice ...
of roots used for pain, infusion of the roots for diarrhea, and the ooze of the roots is sniffed for
catarrh Catarrh is an exudate of inflamed mucous membranes in one of the airways or cavities of the body, usually with reference to the throat and paranasal sinuses. It can result in a thick exudate of mucus and white blood cells caused by the swelling o ...
. An infusion of the plant for fever. *''
Tanacetum vulgare Tansy (''Tanacetum vulgare'') is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant in the genus ''Tanacetum'' in the aster family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, and in ...
'' (common name tansy) – an infusion of the plant is used for backache, the plant is used as a tonic, and worn it around the waist and in shoes to prevent miscarriages. This plant is not native to the Americas and was introduced by colonists.


Berberidaceae

*'' Jeffersonia diphylla'' (common names include twinleaf or rheumatism root), used in an
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
for treating
dropsy Edema, also spelled oedema, and also known as fluid retention, dropsy, hydropsy and swelling, is the build-up of fluid in the body's tissue. Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. Symptoms may include skin which feels tight, the area ma ...
, as well as gravel and urinary tract problems. Also used as a poultice for sores and inflammation.


Campanulaceae (bellflower family)

*''
Triodanis perfoliata ''Triodanis perfoliata'', the clasping Venus' looking-glass or clasping bellflower, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the family Campanulaceae (bellflower family). It is an annual herb native to North and South America, the natural range ...
'' (common name clasping Venus's looking glass), root used in liquid compound for
dyspepsia Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or upset stomach, is a condition of impaired digestion. Symptoms may include upper abdominal fullness, heartburn, nausea, belching, or upper abdominal pain. People may also experience feeling full earlier ...
from overeating, and
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
of roots taken and use it as a bath for dyspepsia.


Cyperaceae

*''
Carex ''Carex'' is a vast genus of more than 2,000 species of grass-like plants in the family Cyperaceae, commonly known as sedges (or seg, in older books). Other members of the family Cyperaceae are also called sedges, however those of genus ''Carex'' ...
'', infusion of the leaf used to "check bowels".


Ericaceae (heath or heather family)

*''
Epigaea repens ''Epigaea repens'', the mayflower, trailing arbutus, or ground laurel, is a low, spreading shrub in the family Ericaceae. It is found from Newfoundland to Florida, west to Kentucky and the Northwest Territories. Description The plant is a slow-g ...
'' (common names are mayflower or trailing arbutus)
decoction Decoction is a method of extraction by boiling herbal or plant material (which may include stems, roots, bark and rhizomes) to dissolve the chemicals of the material. It is the most common preparation method in various herbal-medicine systems. Dec ...
of the plant used to induce vomiting to treat abdominal pain, and they give an infusion of the plant to children for diarrhea.Taylor, Linda Averill 1940 Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes. Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University (p. 48) An infusion is also used for the kidneys and for "chest ailment".Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 23) They also take a compound infusion for indigestion. *''
Kalmia latifolia ''Kalmia latifolia'', the mountain laurel, calico-bush, or spoonwood, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae, that is native to the eastern United States. Its range stretches from southern Maine south to northern Florida, ...
'' (common names include mountain-laurel, calico-bush, or spoonwood,), used as an analgesic by placing an
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
of leaves put on scratches made over location of the pain. The bristly edges of ten to twelve leaves" are rubbed over the skin for rheumatism, leaves are also crushed to rub brier scratches. The plant is used an infusion as a wash "to get rid of pests", used in a
compound Compound may refer to: Architecture and built environments * Compound (enclosure), a cluster of buildings having a shared purpose, usually inside a fence or wall ** Compound (fortification), a version of the above fortified with defensive struc ...
as a liniment, leaf ooze is rubbed into scratched skin of ball players to prevent cramps, and a leaf salve is used for healing. The wood is also used for carving. *''
Lyonia mariana Lyonia mariana, the Piedmont staggerbush and staggerbush, is a perennial shrub that is native to the United States. Conservation status It is listed as endangered in Pennsylvania, historical in Rhode Island, and as a species of special concern ...
'' (common names include Piedmont staggerbush and staggerbush) – an
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
of the plant used for toe itch, 'ground-itch' and ulcers.


Fabaceae (legume, bean, or pea family)

*'' Baptisia australis'' (common names include blue wild indigo, blue false indigo, indigo weed, rattleweed, rattlebush, and horsefly weed), the roots of which are used in an
herbal tea Herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions and less commonly called tisanes (UK and US , US also ), are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water. Oftentimes herb tea, or the plain term ...
as a purgative or to treat tooth aches and nausea, *'' Senna hebecarpa'' (common names include American senna and wild senna) The Cherokee use
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
of the plant for various purposes, including taking it for cramps, heart trouble, giving it to children and adults as a purgative and for fever, and taking it for 'blacks' (hands and eye sockets turn black). They also give an infusion of the root specifically to children for fever. The Cherokee use a
poultice A poultice, also called a cataplasm, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth and placed over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body. It can be used on wounds, such as cuts. 'Poultice ...
the root for sores, and they use a compound infusion for fainting spells. It is also used use a compound for
pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The severi ...
. *'' Vicia caroliniana'' (common name Carolina vetch, or Carolina wood vetch), used for back pains, local pains, to toughen muscles, for muscular cramps, twitching and is rubbed on stomach cramps. They also use a compound for rheumatism, for an affliction called "blacks", and it is taken for wind before a ball game. An infusion is used for muscle pain, in that it is rubbed on scratches made over the location of the pain. An infusion is also taken as an
emetic Vomiting (also known as emesis and throwing up) is the involuntary, forceful expulsion of the contents of one's stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose. Vomiting can be the result of ailments like food poisoning, gastroenteritis ...
. It is also used internally with ''Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium'' ssp. ''obtusifolium'' for rheumatism.


Hydrangeaceae

*''
Hydrangea cinerea ''Hydrangea cinerea'', the ashy hydrangea or gray hydrangea, is a small to medium sized, deciduous shrub up to 3 m tall; its natural range is interior regions of the southeastern United States.Lance, Ron. 2004 Woody Plants of the southeastern Uni ...
'' (common names include ashy or gray hydrangea) An
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
of the bark scrapings is taken for vomiting bile, and an infusion of the roots is taken as a cathartic and emetic by women during menses.


Iridaceae

*'' Iris cristata'' (common names dwarf crested iris, crested iris) – a decoction of the pulverized root is used as salve for ulcers. An
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
(tea) is taken for liver. A decoction of the root is also used to treat a "yellowish urine". The root is also used as an ingredient in a cream applied to skin ulcers. *'' Iris virginica'' (common name Virginia iris) – the root is pounded into a paste that is used as a
salve A salve is a medical ointment used to soothe the surface of the body. Medical uses Magnesium sulphate paste is used as a drawing salve to treat small boils and infected wounds and to remove 'draw' small splinters. Black ointment, or Ichthyol ...
for skin. An
infusion Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An in ...
made from the root is used to treat ailments of the
liver The liver is a major organ only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it ...
, and a decoction of root is used to treat "yellowish urine".


Juglandaceae

* ''
Carya Hickory is a common name for trees composing the genus ''Carya'', which includes around 18 species. Five or six species are native to China, Indochina, and India (Assam), as many as twelve are native to the United States, four are found in Mexi ...
'' spp. (common name: hickory) - the nut of which was traditionally used by the Cherokee in making Kanuchi, the Hickory nut soup.


Lamiaceae (mint or deadnettle family)

*'' Blephilia ciliata'' (common names include downy pagoda plant, sunny woodmint and Ohio horsemint.), used make a poultice to treat headaches.


Lythraceae

* ''Lythrum alatum'' var. ''lanceolatum'' (common names include winged loosestrife, winged lythrum, angled purple-loosestrife), infusion taken for kidneys.


Onagraceae (willowherb or evening primrose family)

*'' Oenothera fruticosa'' (Common names include narrowleaf evening primrose or narrow-leaved sundrops) The
Cherokee The Cherokee (; chr, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯᎢ, translit=Aniyvwiyaʔi or Anigiduwagi, or chr, ᏣᎳᎩ, links=no, translit=Tsalagi) are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States. Prior to the 18th century, t ...
parboil the leaves, rinse them and cook in hot grease as a potherb.


Pontederiaceae

*'' Heteranthera reniformis'', hot poultice of roots applied to inflamed wounds and sores.


Ranunculaceae (buttercup or crowfoot family)

*''
Hydrastis canadensis ''For the magazine from West Virginia see Goldenseal (magazine)'' Goldenseal (''Hydrastis canadensis''), also called orangeroot or yellow puccoon, is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to North America. It may be di ...
'' (common names include goldenseal, orangeroot and yellow puccoon, used as a cancer treatment. *''
Ranunculus acris ''Ranunculus acris'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, and is one of the more common buttercups across Europe and temperate Eurasia. Common names include meadow buttercup, tall buttercup, common buttercup and giant but ...
'' (common names include meadow buttercup, tall buttercup and giant buttercup. used as a poultice for abscesses, as an oral infusion for "thrush", and the juice is used as a sedative.Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey 1975 Cherokee Plants and Their Uses – A 400 Year History. Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co. (p. 31) They also cook the leaves and eat them as greens. (Note: This plant was introduced from Eurasia, and is not native to North America.)


Rosaceae (rose family)

*''
Agrimonia gryposepala ''Agrimonia gryposepala'' (commonly known as tall hairy agrimony,Plants Profile for ''Agrimonia gyrosepala''
Retrieved 2010-03-13.
common agrimony, hooked agrimony, or tall hairy grooveburrITIS Standard Report Page: ''Agrimonia gryposepala
Retrieved 2010-03-13.
), used to treat fever.


Sapindaceae (soapberry family)

*''
Acer saccharinum ''Acer saccharinum'', commonly known as silver maple, creek maple, silverleaf maple, soft maple, large maple, water maple, swamp maple, or white maple, is a species of maple native to the eastern and central United States and southeastern Can ...
'' common names silver maple, creek maple, silverleaf maple, soft maple, large maple, water maple, swamp maple, or white maple, The
Cherokee The Cherokee (; chr, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯᎢ, translit=Aniyvwiyaʔi or Anigiduwagi, or chr, ᏣᎳᎩ, links=no, translit=Tsalagi) are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States. Prior to the 18th century, t ...
take an infusion of the bark for cramps,
dysentery Dysentery (UK pronunciation: , US: ), historically known as the bloody flux, is a type of gastroenteritis that results in bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, and a feeling of incomplete defecation. Complications ...
, and hives.Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses -- A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 44 They boil the inner bark and use it with water as a wash for sore eyes. They also take a compound infusion of the bark for "female trouble" and cramps. They take a hot infusion of the bark for measles, and use the tree to make baskets, for lumber, building material, and for carving.


References

{{Flora of the United States by political division Ethnobotany * *
Cherokee The Cherokee (; chr, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯᎢ, translit=Aniyvwiyaʔi or Anigiduwagi, or chr, ᏣᎳᎩ, links=no, translit=Tsalagi) are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States. Prior to the 18th century, t ...
Cherokee ethnobotany Plants used in Native American cuisine, * Ethnobotany