Selected Seneca Herbal Medicines by R. H. Zander Buffalo Museum of Science Buffalo, New York The information on herbal medicines given below was taken from various literature sources written over a long time span, including observations by early explorers and missionaries, as well as that of ethnologists, both amateur and professional. The list is far from complete. Present-day uses of herbal medicines by the Seneca Iroquois may be different from that given below, and may vary in individual use. The Seneca plant names represent taxonomic concepts and entities not necessarily corresponding with classifications on a phylogenetic basis. The Latin names thus only approximate Seneca taxonomic constructs in the majority of cases. Until the relatively recent development of synthetic drugs, many Seneca herbs were extensively used by white physicians. Uses of these are noted for each after the word "official" if they have appeared in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States or the National Formulary, otherwise, after the notation of "White Medicine." Medicinal uses noted in the collections of A. C. Parker at Albany, New York are given by Dr. Hope Isaacs (6) and are here cited as "(Parker)." I thank Mrs. Rose Thompson of Dewittville, New York, for bringing the important Skinner manuscript to my attention. [Note: In this electronic version, certain of the diacritical marks are omitted from the Seneca terms. Please see the original publication for correct citations.] Acorus calamus. Sweet flag. O-weho-dah' (="pipe"). Old & New Worlds. Powdered into water for stomach aches (7). Official - carminative, stimulant, aromatic bitter tonic, flavoring (10). Adiantum pedatum. Maidenhair fern. Deganyendaaji's (=black shins") (4). N. Amer. Used as a hemostatic in women's disorders and for labor pains, also as tea for coughs, chest ailments (4). White Medicine - stimulant, expectorant, demulcent (9). Amelanchier canadensis. Juneberry. Ha-doon (7). E. N. Amer. Infusion given to lessen pain and control hemorrhage, in obstetrics (5,8). Apocynum androsaemifolium, A. cannabinum. Dogbane. N. Amer. "...for fiber and bloody flux (Kalm)" (4). Official - cardiac stimulant, diuretic, cathartic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant (10). Contains a caridac glycoside, which increases blood pressure (9). Aralia nudicaulis. Sarsaparilla. Jo-wank-sis-ah (="little stalk") (2,7). E. N. Amer. Aralia racemosa. Spikenard. Jo-wank-sis-jo-wah (="giant stalk") (2,7); ge-wah-gen-goo-wah (7). Both species used in remedies for tuberculosis, blood remedies, colds (4,7). Spikenard is also used to treat stomach ailments and worms (7); indigestion, internal soreness, fevers (Parker); cold blood in growing children, childhood bronchitis (6). Official - both species used for stimulant and diaphoretic purposes (10). Arctium spp. Burdock. Onondowa'nes (="big comb") (5); -n ht(a)- (6). Eur., Asia, introd. N. Amer. As a poultice for sore and painful areas (7). For rheumatism and scrofula (Parker); carbuncles, boils, constipation (6). Official - Arctium lappa used as a diuretic, diaphoretic (10). Arisaema triphyllum. Jack-in-the-pulpit, Indian turnip. ga'osha` (5). Used for treating sore throat (6). Official - stimulant expectorant, irritant, diaphoretic (10). Asarum canadense. Wild ginger. Da-u-dah-shah (7); oskwai'da` (4). E. N. Amer. Taken as a tea for colds, fever, as a stomach tonic (7). Used for sore throat (Parker) (6). Official - stimulant, carminative, tonic, diaphoretic; contains antibiotic substances (10). Asclepias spp. Milkweed. Oo-nos-ga (7). N. Amer. For kidney trouble and dropsy (Parker); diabetes, warts, hemorrhages (6). Official - roots diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic, purgative (10). Betula nigra. Water birch. Da-yaa-go-ne-na-wen-yea (7). E. N. Amer. As a tea for fever and other ills (7). Caltha palustris. Marsh marigold. Ga-no-wah-oos (7). N. Amer., Eur., Asia. Boiled young sprouts used to treat rheumatism and neuritis (8). Used as a "preventative" (Parker) (6). Chimaphila maculata. Prince's pine. O-neh-das-sus (7). N. Amer., Eur., Asia. Tonic, blood purifier, stomach and kidney trouble (7). For kidney trouble, weakness, nervousness, dyspepsia (Parker) (6). Official - astringent, tonic, diuretic (10). Cichorium intybus. Chickory. Ga-sah-yen-da-qua (7). Eur., Asia, introd. N. Amer. Entire plant used a poultice for a lame back. (7). White Medicine - diuretic, tonic, stomachic, depurative (9). Cicuta maculata. Water hemlock. O n 'sh (3). E. N. Amer. Used as a liniment for sprains and inflammations; also, as a poison for suicide (4,11). Clintonia borealis. Corn lily. Thah-do-ah-oess-hah (7). E. N. Amer. Used as a poultice for rupture; also, good for corns (7). Coptis trifolia. Goldthread. N. Amer. Used for sore throat, sore mouth, poor appetite (Parker) (6). Official - tonic, stomachic (10). Cornus amomum. Kinnikinnik. N. Amer. Used as an emetic (4). White Medicine - used for diarrhea, dropsy, dyspepsia, tooth powder (bark) (9). Cornus canadensis. Bunchberry. O-se-gwe-out-o-nah (7). Northern N. Amer. Entire plant made into tea, taken for scarlet fever (7). Epigaea repens. Trailing arbutus. Ow-wen-oo (7). E. N. Amer. Used to treat arthritis, backache (7). For weakness, malaria (Parker) (6). Euonymous atropurpureus. Wahoo. Oo-si-sta-oo-yen (7). E. N. Amer. For colds, kidney problems, constipation, enuresis (Parker) (6). Official - a mild purgative, with a mild cardiac action similar to that of digitalis (10). Eupatorium perfoliatum. Boneset. Da-gah'-nay-yoh'-hon-toh. N. Amer. For colds and fevers (4,5,11). For pneumonia medicine (2). Malaria, rheumatism, colds, fever, digestive disorders (Parker); emetic, cathartic, stimulant, diuretic (6). Official - stimulant, diuretic, emetic, cathartic (10). Gaultheria procumbens. Wintergreen. (?O)jista; ke;a? (6). E. N. Amer. For the blood, kidneys (4). For rheumatism, as a dressing (8). For bad blood, colds (Parker); bad breath, dirty teeth, indigestion, sluggishness (6). White Medicine - antiseptic, antirheumatic (9). Gentiana andrewsii. Closed gentian. O-a-e-da-ge-wah-ga (7). E. N. Amer. Entire plant, taken as a tea, to treat yellow jaundice (7). Official - species of the genus have been used as a bitter tonic (10). Geranium maculatum. Cranesbill. N. Amer. For summer complaint (4). White Medicine - styptic, tonic, astringent (9). Gillenia trifoliata. Bowman's root. O-dick-deack-gwat-doh (7). E. N. Amer. Root used as a remedy for gall bladder and gall stones (7). Official - emetic (10). Hamamelis virginiana. Witch hazel. Takwasy :nih (6). E. N. Amer. For pain, nervous upsets (Parker); for skin diseases, bad blood, arthritis, rheumatism (6). Official - astringent, hemostatic (10). Hepatica spp. Hepatica, liverleaf. Ga-nuh, wen-da-gwa (7). E. N. Amer. Entire plant used to treat stomach and liver ailments (7). For weakness (Parker); constipation, children's fevers (6). Official - tonic, stimulant (10). Impatiens biflora. Touch-me-not. E. N. Amer. For treating poison ivy (Parker) (6). Inula helenium. Elecampane. A-wah-oh-son-ta (7); gawe' osoontha' (4). Eur., Asia, introd. N. Amer. Root used for fever and lung trouble (7). White Medicine - cough medicines, asthma, whooping cough, lung ailments, skin diseases (9). Ipomoea pandurata. Man root, Old-man-of-the-earth. Och-ta-a-wah-neh (7). E. N. Amer. Root used for catarrh, rheumatism, fever, burns, disordered stomach (7). Official - a powerful cathartic (10) Iris versicolor. Blue flag. Da-ga-on-duh (7). E. N. Amer. Used a strong cathartic (7). Official - cathartic, emetic, diuretic (10) Juglans cinerea. Butternut. Gu-nu-gwa (7); jo:nyo? (6); djonot'gwes (5). E. N. Amer. For constipation (Parker); for boils, impetigo (6). Official - a mild cathartic. Larix laricina. Tamarack, larch. Ga-nan-dens (7). E. N. Amer. "...given to horses affected with the heaves" (7). White Medicine - bark is altera- tive, laxative, diretic (9). Lobelia cardinalis. Cardinal flower. Gies-da-ga-ah (7). E. N. Amer. Roots taken to reduce fever (7). White Medicine - emetic, expectorant, nauseant (9). Mentha spp. Spearmint and peppermint. Geh-nuh-nos-ta (7). Eur., introd. N. Amer. Both species used for headaches and stomach upsets, as a tea (7). White medicine - carminative, stimulant (9). Mitchella repens. Partridgeberry. Oshaista 'wayas (5); oshaista' wa:ya:s (1). N. Amer. Used to hasten labor (5,8). Official - astringent, tonic, diuretic (10). Nepeta cataria. Catnip. Eur. introd. N. Amer. For children's complaints (Parker) (6). Official - carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, tonic (10). Panax trifolium. Dwarf genseng. dj '(4). E. N. Amer. Used for weakness (Parker); childbirth pains (6). Phytolacca americana. Pokeweed. O 'shea one ' ta (="crimson leaves") (5); os-hay-ya (7). E. N. Amer. Used for rheumatism (7). White Medicine - emetic, alterative, purgative (9). Polygala senega. Seneca snakeroot. ?ohsikwe t?oti:nyos (6). E. N. Amer. Used for snakebite, palsy, nervousness (Parker) (6). Official - expectorant, cough medicine, stimulant, irritant, emetic, diuretic (10). Polygonatum biflorum. Soloman's seal. Da-ga-na-ya-hont-tah. (7). E. N. Amer. Whole plant used as a poultice for broken bones (7). Prunus serotina. Wild cherry. A-------e------- (7); e:i? (1). E. N. Amer. Used for sore chest, fevers, coughs (Parker); colds, sprains, strains, diarrhea, dysentery (6). White medicine - bark is tonic, sedative (9). Rhus spp. Sumach. De-gin-da-e-hoo-da (7); o'tgo da (8); otko?ta? (1). Used for measles and sore throat (11). Used for sore throat (Parker); sprains, strains, spinal paralysis, itch (6). Rubus spp. Blackberry. Oot-ga-sah (7); ?otka:sha? (1). Root used to treat wounds (Parker); pneumonia, diabetes (6). Rumex spp. Yellow dock. E-jay-et (7). Root used to treat asthma (7). Official - spp. used to treat skins diseases, also as alterative, laxative, tonic (10). Sambucus canadensis. Elderberry. Otko?ta (6). E. N. Amer. Used to treat bad blood and fever (Parker); skin erruptions, poisoning (6). For fever (5). Official - mild stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic (10). Sanguinaria canadensis. Bloodroot. Oo-na-qua (7). E. N. Amer. Root used to stop bleeding of fresh cuts, also to treat tuberculosis (7). As an emetic (8). Used to treat impetigo (6). Official - stimulant, emetic, tonic, alterative (10). Sassafras albidum. Sassafras. Ono'hsta?sh (4). E. N. Amer. Used to treat venereal diseases, rheumatism, as a diuretic, and as a tonic after childbirth (4). Used to treat bad blood and colds (Parker) (6). Official - carminative, stimulant, flavoring (10). Solidago spp. Goldenrod. Jitkw c ? (6). Used to treat colds, fevers, headaches (Parker); diabetes, gallstones, pneumonia (6). Official - S. odora cited as stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic (10). Taraxacum spp. Dandelion. Odjissonda (5); ga-je-son-don-ta (7). N. Amer., Eur., Asia. Used as a tonic for the stomach and liver (7). Official - root used as diuretic, tonic, mild laxative (10). Tilia spp. Basswood. O-o-sah (7). Used to treat kidney trouble (Parker) (6). Tsuga canadensis. Hemlock. O-nen-da (7). E. N. Amer. Used to treat scurvy and as a cold preventative (Parker) (6). Official - externally in a plaster as counterirritant, also as an astringent (10). Typha spp. Cattail. Ge-gon-sas-senh-gen-saw-ah (7). Used as a remedy for the gall (7). Ulmus rubra. Slippery elm. Oos-kah (7). E. N. Amer. Used in childbirth (4). To treat weakness and throat disorders (Parker) (6). To treat inflammations, blood poisoning (7). White Medicine - a demulcent in diarrhea, dysentery; also, as a poultice for abscesses (9). Veratrum viride. Indian poke, False hellebore. Oos-kah-ah (7). E. N. Amer. Used to treat catarrh (4). Official - hypotensive, cardiac depressent, sedative (10). Veronicastrum virginicum. Culver's root. Och-ge-jo-wah (7). E. N. Amer. Used in a tuberculosis remedy formula; also, as a laxative and to treat rheumatism (7). Used as a cathartic (4). Official - cathartic, emetic, alterative, for liver disorders (10). Vitis spp. Wild grape. Oo-nun-gwe-sa (7); oniung'wisa (5); o:ny kwi?sa? (1). Used to treat poison ivy (Parker) (6). Zea mays. Maize, Corn. Ona'o (5); on ? (1). E. N. Amer. Smoke from the burning husks used to facilitate delivery of the placenta in childbirth; ashes of the cob were used to make a lye used to induce vomiting and to treat cases of stomach worms and dyspepsia (5). Used to treat dysentery (Parker) (6). Official - corn silk as diuretic, corn oil as a solvent, corn starch as nutrient, demulcent, protective, absorbent (10). References (1) Chafe, W. L. 1963. Handbook of the Seneca Language. N. Y. State Mus. & Sci. Serv. Bull. 388. (2) Fenton, W. N. 1940. An herbarium from the Allegany Senecas. In Doty, et al., eds., Historical Annals of Southwestern New York. New York. (3) _____. 1941. Iroquois suicide: a study in the stability of a culture pattern. Bur. Amer. Ethnol. Bull. 128, Anthropol. Pap. 14, pp. 79-137, pls. 6-8. (4) _____. 1942. Contacts between Iroquois herbalism and colonial medicine. Ann. Rep. Smithsonian Inst. 1941: 503-526, 5 pls. (5) _____, ed. 1968. Parker on the Iroquois... Syracuse, New York. (6) Isaacs, H. 1972. Iroquois herbalism - the past hundred years. Unpublished Mimeogr. Paper, Dept. Anthropology, State Univ. of New York at Buffalo, 28 pp. (7) Skinner, D. P. (Undated.) Seneca notes... Pennsylvania Historical Survey, Federal Works Agency. (8) Stone, E. 1934. Medicine among the Iroquois. Ann. Med. Hist., n.s. 6(6): 529-539, 6 figs. (9) Uphof, J. D. T. 1968. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Cramer, Lehre. (10) Vogel, V. J. 1970. American Indian Medicine. Univ. Oklahoma Press: Norman, Oklahoma. (11) Wallace, A. F. C. 1970. The death and rebirth of the Seneca. A. A. Knopf, New York. ---- This article was originally published as Notes from the Clinton Herbarium, No. 5, March 1977, and is reprinted with permission of the author. ------------------------------------ HERBS AND HERBALISM: The Medicine Plants by Dan Salzler Traditional herbal medicines have been a part of civilization since the time of early man. Early medicine men held important positions in tribal communities as sages of wisdom as they blended herbal remedies with religious beliefs. Although little is known about the actual beginnings of herbal medicine, the earliest evidences come from China and India. Chinese Emperor Chin Nong is thought to have written about herbs in a medicinal context about 2700 B.C. Later, Egyptian civilizations offered an extensive utilization of herbs for medicinal purposes. Archeologists have found writings from about 2000 B.C. that list series of medicinal prescriptions. In later Egyptian civilizations, Throth was believed to have kept an active file of herbal formulas for healing and for maintaining general healthful vigor. Throth was represented as holding the symbol of life in his left hand and a staff with a serpent coiled around itself in his right hand - the symbol of physicians today. The ancient Greeks advanced the use and knowledge of herbal medicine through the works of men like Hippocrates (470-377 B.C.), the father of medicine, who established a scientific system of medicine without the inclusion of religious beliefs. Today, pharmaceutical medicines have taken the place of herbal remedies. Accompanying this increased use has come a heightened awareness and fear of the side effects of taking pharmaceutical medicines. In the not-too-distant past, families relied on favorite home remedies to control small medical problems and to prevent minor ailments from becoming chronic in nature. For example, willow bark, which was used for thousands of years by the American Indian as a pain killer and anti-inflammatory, was used by our grandparents (or great-grandparents) who lived throughout rural America, for the same purposes. It took nearly fifty years of research by a German scientist to isolate the active compound and learn its chemical code. In the lab it is known as salicylic acid (from Salix, the genus of the willow); its discovery and synthesis earned a fortune for Bayer; we know it today in a slightly modified form as aspirin. For generations, Grandma's chicken soup has been the home remedy for colds, fever and stuffy nasal discomfort. Common folk swore by it, but for years skeptics questioned this remedy as an old wives' tale until recent findings offered a new evidence for the debate. Most chicken soup is heavily seasoned with the herb thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Research has discovered that thyme contains a substance known as thymol, which acts as a decongestant. Although the debate about chicken soup continues, thymol, in its natural or synthetic form, is found in most pharmaceutical decongestant medicines on the market today. Legitimate herbal research is breaking new ground in areas of herbal medicine from cancer to head colds. Leading universities of the world are advancing our knowledge and understanding of herbs. Advance your knowledge of this interesting area of herbalism by reading one of the following books or others on the same topic: Herbally Yours by Penny C. Royal; Natural Healing with Herbs by Humbart Santillo; Magic and Medicine of Plants edited by Reader's Digest; Growing and Using the Healing Herbs by Weiss and Weiss. ----- Reprinted with permission of the author from the Cattaraugus County Independent, Nov. 2, 1986. Dan Salzler is the owner of Herb Hollow Farm located on Safford Road, East Otto, New York. ------------------------------------ CLINTONIA Magazine of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society, Inc. An Affiliate of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences Vol. 3, Issue 3, May 5, 1988 * * * Annual Meeting Issue * * * (Electronically Published Version: May 6, 1988)