By Sandy LittleLizard
CHEROKEE MEDICINE SERIES
MEDICINE OF THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
NORTH MEDICINE and LAVENDAR and MULLEIN
LAVENDAR MULLEIN
The medicine we draw from our planthelpers when we look to the North is beneficial for relaxation, breath of life and calming. The North is the place of Air, The Four Winds and the place of silent reflection. This lets us know that when we draw from these planthelpers, these are the plants that will bring us healing to our lungs and to our nervous system.
Featured above are two herbs. One for stress that is my favorite, Lavender (left) and one for the lungs, Mullein (right). Both herbs are commonly used in herbal treatment. Lavender is aromatic and the oil of the lavender flower or the lavender flower itself is often used to induce relaxation. Also seen with the purple English Lavender above is sage (to the right). This too is often burned in ceremony to induce relaxation and release of negative energy. Commonly, sage tea is also found to be healing. Caution here though, this as well as Lavender should be used with caution when taken internally this way. A little goes a long way.
Some other choices of the Northern Medicines for calming effect is Chamomile, Jasmine, Skullcap, Passionflower and Motherwort.
Mullein is commonly found along roads and is used in herbal tea to aid in respiratory ailments, rheumatism, glaucoma, nerves, earaches, asthma and bronchitis. Interesting, this is one of the herbs that fits into the Doctrine of Signatures. The planthelper itself tells us that it aids in breathing because of it's hollow stem, resembling our own passageways for breathing.
Nettle is also a common herb and one of my favorites for treating upper respiratory difficulties. I have found this to be a must in relieving sinus problems and coughs due to allergies.
My favorites that work both for breathing and the nerves are the mints and Chamomile. Included in the effective mint family are Catnip, Peppermint and Spearmint. Catnip is a wonderful herb that is soothing to the nerves and the digestive system, safe for the young ones. Works great for colic when made into a weak tea. Just a little, and the colic settles down and sleep finds them.
Chamomile is a miracle herb for me. This is considered by the Cherokee as "the blessing herb". This can be used for headaches, calming the body, skin washes and is great for sinus and digestion. What a wonderful gift from Mother Earth.
There are many ways to receive medicines from the herbs. Smoking catnip and mullein can effectively aid in glaucoma. Smoking Chamomile can be very calming. Mixing Damiana, Mullein and coltsfoot can be a wonderful cleansing smoke for the lungs.
Lavender bloom is harvested commonly. Can be used in eye pillows for aiding in sleep and headaches.
Mullein leaves are harvested commonly.
reference the book - Cherokee Herbal Medicine by J. Garrett. A wonderful reference for herbal medicine and the way the Cherokee used the directions and herbs for healing