The superpowers of Native American medicine.

Amerindian medicine is the traditional medicine of Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia and Peru. Countries with a history, unique knowledge of their kind. Between the Guaranis, the Quechuas or even the Matsés, traditional knowledge in medicine has made it possible to develop medical centers associated with effective, even if unconventional, practices.

A unique medicine, with a unique philosophy.

The medicine that reigns in this region of Amazonia is very exceptional. The holistic approach is at the heart of all treatment processes. Each treatment takes into account the physical and emotional aspect (mental and spiritual). In the native american medicinecaring then comes down to taking care of one’s body, but also to ensuring its relationship with its environment (relationships with nature and with others).

The search for complete alignment with this set, designated by cosmos, is the guarantee of perfect health. In this type of medicine, introspection also plays an important role. In addition to being a physical therapy, it is the moment when the individual refocuses on himself and begins a work of self-knowledge.

An unusual doctor.

No white coat or stethoscopes, in Amerindian herbal medicine, it is a shaman who plays the role of doctor. As a spiritual doctor, it is therefore he who will serve as a bridge between the visible entities and the invisible world that surrounds us.

To be able to establish contact between these two worlds, this type of medicine uses several things: dances, songs and music, fumigation rites… so many things that allow access to a much broader consciousness, very close to the state of hypnosis. Once the shaman has reached this state, he will be able to impart these new insights and strength to his patient.

A herbal medicine.

Indeed, Native American medicine uses plants. To best support the patient, the shaman has at his disposal a significant number of plants. Sage, for example, is a plant that is known to attract the maximum energy in our environment, and also has purifying properties. And in the plant pharmacopoeia on which this type of medicine is based, plants are stars. If we were to write a book and call it “Plants of the native american medicine », it would be a unique reference work.

This is for example the case of the sap of the dragon’s blood. A liquid obtained from a tree called Croton Lechleri ​​and which is used above all to accelerate the healing process. Another product that the Amerindian culture holds in high place is the willow. Chewing willow bark is a very effective painkiller. Indeed, the main active ingredient in its bark is salicin. A natural glycoside that will lead to the discovery of aspirin in 1897. Salicin is also at the heart of the development of salicylic acid (very useful in the manufacture of dandruff shampoo, etc.).

Berries and fruits to stay alive:

Amazonian cherries top the list. Berries that are known to cure skin problems and digestive disorders. And you know what ? These berries contain a lot of vitamin C (more than an orange) and serve to prevent fatigue and stress.

Guarana is increasingly used in modern medicine. But the Native Americans had known for a long time that it was a tree and a fruit with a thousand virtues. Indeed, Warana (the other small name of guarana) has astringent, aphrodisiac, analgesic, diuretic properties… Fruits which however do not represent all the possibilities offered by the Amazonian forest. In other words, the Amerindian people are still far from having delivered all their secrets in medicine.

What modern medicine owes to Native American medicine.

Native American tribes in all countries have long used plants and botanicals for medicinal purposes. In fact, many of the most popular herbal remedies used today were discovered by Native Americans. For example, the Cherokee tribe has used willow bark to treat pain for centuries, and modern medicine has since isolated the active ingredient, salicylic acid, which is the main component of aspirin.

Similarly, the Seminole tribe used the sap of a type of citrus fruit to treat colds and fevers, which led to the development of lemon juice as a treatment for scurvy.

In addition, Native Americans also taught early settlers to use tobacco for medicinal purposes. Today, tobacco is still used in some Native American healing ceremonies, and it is also being studied for its potential in the treatment of various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

For example, and not least, the notion of protecting oneself against disease. Principle that will lead to the development of vaccination. These are tribes that understood early on the importance of staying healthy in the jungle. By taking certain substances in small doses, they built up powerful antibodies.

It is thus thanks to the Amerindian peoples that the discovery of infant formula and baby bottles was born. Concepts and inventions that once saved infants from starvation.

It is clear that modern medicine owes a debt of gratitude to Native American tribes for their invaluable contribution to the field of herbal medicine.