List of medicinal plants of the American West facts for kids
Many plants growing in the American West have been used for a long time in traditional and herbal medicine. People have learned from nature how to use these plants to help with different health problems.
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Amazing Medicinal Plants of the American West
Many plants in the American West have special properties that make them useful for medicine. Here are some examples of these incredible plants and how they have been used:
Black Sage
Black sage (Salvia mellifera) is a plant that can help with pain. People would make a strong "sun tea" from its leaves and stems. This tea could be rubbed on sore areas or used to soak feet. Black sage contains natural chemicals called diterpenoids, like aethiopinone, which are known to help relieve pain.
Broadleaf Plantain
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a very common plant found all over the world. It is known for its healing powers. If you have a cut, sting, or sore, a poultice (a soft, moist mass) made from its leaves can be placed on it. This helps the wound heal faster and stops infections. Plantain has special ingredients like aucubin, which fights germs, and allantoin, which helps new cells grow and tissues repair. It also has mucilage, a gooey substance that reduces pain. A tea made from plantain leaves can also help with diarrhea and soothe upset stomachs.
California Bay
The leaves of the California bay (Umbellularia californica) tree were used by the Tongva people, a Native American group, to treat pain.
California Poppy
The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was used by California Native Americans. They would chew the plant to help with toothaches. It was also used by nursing mothers to decrease milk production.
Ephedra
Different types of Ephedra plants (Ephedra spp.) have been used as a diuretic, which means they help the body get rid of extra water. They were also used to treat urinary tract infections and asthma. Ephedra contains chemicals like ephedrine that can act as a stimulant, making a person feel more awake. However, it's important to know that products containing ephedra have been banned in the United States because they can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Horsetail
Horsetail or Scouring Rush (Equisetum spp.) is another plant used as a diuretic. It has high amounts of certain chemicals. If not prepared properly, it can irritate the throat.
Matilija Poppy
The Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) is used on the skin, or topically, to help treat sunburn.
Willow
Different types of Willow trees (Salix spp.) have been used to treat headaches and to reduce fever. This is because willow bark contains salicylic acid, a chemical similar to what is found in aspirin.
Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a versatile plant used for various health issues. It can help with cramps, fevers, and toothaches.
See also
- List of plants used in herbalism
- Traditional medicine
- Herbalism
