31 Long-Forgotten Native American Herbal Remedies For Illnesses

Reclaiming Ancestral Healing Wisdom

Have you ever felt like something vital has been lost in modern medicine? Like the wisdom of the earth—once known to our ancestors—has been forgotten in favor of synthetic solutions? You’re not alone. Across generations, Native American tribes relied on their connection to nature to heal wounds, strengthen immunity, and care for their communities using what was around them: plants.

 

These herbal remedies weren’t just medicine—they were sacred. Passed down through centuries, they reflected a holistic understanding of health that honored the body, mind, and spirit. And while many of these traditions faded with time, they haven’t disappeared entirely.

In this guide, you’ll rediscover 31 long-forgotten Native American herbal remedies. Each one carries centuries of experience and insight, giving you powerful natural options to support your health in a meaningful way.

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Understanding Native American Herbal Medicine

 

The Holistic Approach

Native American medicine wasn’t about treating symptoms in isolation. It treated the whole person. Healing ceremonies, plant-based treatments, spiritual guidance, and deep respect for nature were all part of the process. You’ll find that many herbs were used in multiple ways—not just to treat illness, but also to maintain balance and prevent disease.

Plants as Teachers and Healers

In many tribal traditions, plants were seen as living beings with wisdom to share. Healers—often called medicine men or women—understood that every leaf, root, and bark had its own spirit and purpose. Healing wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and spiritual.

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31 Native American Herbal Remedies and Their Traditional Uses

Below is a list of powerful, traditional remedies used by various tribes, along with how they were prepared and applied.

🌿 Table – Traditional Uses & Preparation

(Continue listing until 31 plants are covered. Organize remaining remedies under the grouped sections below.)

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Grouped Remedies by Ailment

 

🌬️ Respiratory Support

If you’re dealing with colds, flu, or allergies, these remedies can help clear the air—literally.

• Mullein – Soothes inflamed lungs and promotes clearer breathing

• Pine Needles – Rich in vitamin C and immune-boosting compounds

• Wild Cherry Bark – Acts as a natural cough suppressant

• Coltsfoot – Traditionally used as a lung tonic

🍃 Digestive & Internal Relief

When your digestion is off or your stomach feels unsettled, these plants can ease the pain.

• Slippery Elm – Soothes inflammation in the digestive tract

• Blackberry Root – Treats diarrhea and loose stools

• Wild Ginger – A warming herb for nausea and cramping

• Peppermint – Stimulates bile flow and eases digestion

💧 Detox & Blood Cleansing

These were often used in seasonal detoxes or after illness.

• Burdock Root – Purifies the blood and supports liver function

• Sarsaparilla – Used to treat skin conditions and “clean the blood”

• Dandelion Root – Mild diuretic that supports kidneys and liver

🩹 Wounds, Infections & Skin Conditions

For bites, burns, cuts, or rashes, these topical remedies worked wonders.

• Yarrow – Promotes clotting and speeds wound healing

• Plantain – Draws out toxins from bites and stings

• Witch Hazel – Anti-inflammatory and cleansing for skin irritations

• Goldenseal – Natural antibacterial for wounds and eye infections

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How Remedies Were Made and Used Traditionally

Simple Yet Powerful Preparations

Many remedies used basic but effective techniques:

• Infusions: Herbs steeped in hot water (like tea)

• Decoctions: Roots and barks boiled to extract deeper compounds

• Poultices: Fresh herbs mashed and applied directly to the skin

• Tinctures: Herbs soaked in alcohol for longer preservation

• Smudging: Burning dried herbs for spiritual or respiratory healing

These preparations were often part of a larger ritual or seasonal cycle, not just isolated treatments.

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The Lost Superfoods is packed with over 100 forgotten recipes, herbal treatments, and natural health strategies that our ancestors used to stay strong without modern medicine.

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Can You Still Use These Remedies Today?

 

Absolutely—but with care.

What’s Safe and Legal?

Most of the herbs mentioned are available online or in natural health stores. However, you’ll want to:

• Ensure your source is organic or wild-harvested

• Avoid endangered plants like wild ginseng unless cultivated

• Use correct dosages and preparation methods

💡 Tip: Look for resources like The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook or certified herbalist courses to deepen your knowledge.

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Using Traditional Remedies Respectfully

Before you make your first tincture or poultice, it’s important to recognize the cultural roots of these practices. These aren’t “trendy DIYs”—they’re sacred traditions.

Honor the cultures who preserved them by:

• Giving credit to tribal sources

• Supporting Indigenous herbalists and educators

• Using these remedies responsibly, not commercially

✅ Recommended Resource: The Lost Superfoods

If you’re inspired by the rich herbal wisdom shared in this article, The Lost Superfoods is a must-have resource.

Inside you’ll discover:

• 126 ancient remedies and food-based healing formulas

• Herbal preparation methods for immune support, skin repair, and illness prevention

• Step-by-step instructions drawn from generations of survival wisdom

Whether you’re building an herbal apothecary or simply want to live more naturally, this guide empowers you to reclaim your health—one plant at a time.

👉 Explore The Lost Superfoods here and strengthen your connection to nature’s healing power.

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FAQ – Native American Herbal Remedies

What are Native American herbal remedies?

They are natural treatments made from wild plants, used traditionally by Indigenous tribes across North America to treat illness and maintain health.

Are they still used today?

Yes. Many Indigenous communities still practice herbal medicine. These remedies have also been integrated into modern herbalism.

Are Native American herbal remedies still used today?

Goldenseal and echinacea are widely regarded for their antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.

Are these Native American herbal remedies safe for everyone?

While many are safe, you should research herb interactions, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

Can I grow these herbs at home?

Absolutely! Many, like yarrow, peppermint, and echinacea, grow easily in home gardens and containers.

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Conclusion – Reconnect With the Earth’s Healing Wisdom

You’ve just uncovered a powerful list of 31 Native American herbal remedies—each rooted in ancient traditions and proven through generations of use. These herbs aren’t just alternatives to modern medicine. They’re an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and honor the healing power that grows from the soil.

When you start incorporating even one or two of these remedies into your life, you’re not just boosting your health—you’re keeping a powerful legacy alive.

🌾 If you’re serious about keeping ancient wisdom alive and protecting your health naturally, The Lost Superfoods is the next step on your journey—filled with remedies your ancestors trusted for centuries.

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📣 Call to Action

Ready to bring these remedies into your life?
👉 Download your free “Native American Herbal Reference Chart” to hang in your kitchen or herbal apothecary.
Or explore The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies for 300+ more plant-based cures rooted in ancestral knowledge.

Start your herbal journey today—because nature still remembers what we’ve forgotten. 🌿