Native American Alternative Medicine: Using Alternative DoctorsNative American Alternative Medicine is where many of our western medicines originated. The American Indians were natural born healers using all kinds of plant parts to heal wounds and cure the sick. Is it any wonder that many Native Americans are still using some of these same practices today? Many of the same ingredients used in various modern medications are actually derived from Native American cultures. Native American Alternative Medicine: Watching The AnimalsThe Indians loved watching the animals and for good reason. Animals are smart when it comes to eating out in the wild. They instinctively know which plants they can eat and those that are poisonous.Because of this natural born instinct in the animals, the Indians would closely watch a sick animal and see what he might eat to heal himself. This way they knew what might work on humans. The bear was often a very reliable source for herbal remedies.
Native American Alternative Medicine: Healing Mind and SoulThe Native Americans also believed in healing the mind and soul along with the physical body. They understood, just like many homeopaths today that mind, body, and soul work together to bring about optimal health.When one is out of balance, it could interfere with the others. Total health is being healthy mentally, spiritually as well as physically. We should all work towards the goal of total health. I think the world would be happier.
Native American Alternative Medicine: HerbologyHerbology is a wonderful restoration of health through the use of plants and their parts. Many of the practices used centuries ago are being reawakened by the western world. People are seeing that herbs really work.Herbs can be used in many forms such as supplements, tinctures, teas, poultices, and balms. Even your pets can be given herbal supplements.
Most prescription and over-the-counter drugs are chemically reproduced from the original natural substance. Herbs heal the body because they give the body nourishment. While pharmaceuticals only mask symptoms, and can make the patient sicker.
Native American Alternative Medicine: Whole FoodsTraditional Native American foods like cornbread, turkey, and cranberries have been introduced into the culture of the United States and have now become a Thanksgiving tradition for many Americans.Many Native Americans grew all of their own foods like corn, beans, squash, amaranth, and barly. All of which kept them well. Then refined sugar and flour became readily available. As with any culture, when refined food products are introduced, there is a decline in health. It used to be the Indians grew all their own food, ate simple, nourishing, whole, organic foods, and lived a long healthy life. Today, they live as long as anyone else on a poor eating diet. We should all go back to the simple way of eating and live a long, happy, and healthy life. …Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence. -- Mourning Dove-Salish 1888-1936
Source: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8190.asp
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