News Letter Excerpts

Audreen Hourie, Cultural and Historical Researcher

Traditionally, the Metis lived a lifestyle that was in harmony with nature. The healing quality of plants, their roots, bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, oils, and seeds, were known to the Metis and this knowledge was passed down through the families, usually from mother to daughter. Healing teas, salves, poultices, liniments, preparations, and foodstuffs were a natural part of daily living.

Many of the traditional medicines were not recorded and may be lost, however, it is never too late to begin collecting and recording that which can still be remembered.

Disclaimer:
The following has been listed for Historic purposes only. If you, or a person who's care you are under, uses any of the remedies listed on this page, you are doing so at your own risk. The Metis Culture & Heritage Resource Centre will not be held accountable for your actions, nor the actions of the person (persons) who are caring for you.
Please use common sense.

Red Willow Tea

Simmer the bark to make tea, cool to lukewarm and drink as a healer for general ailments.

Yarrow (flower)

Used as a tea, yarrow is good for clearing mucous discharge from the bladder. Will produce perspiration by opening the pores. Reduces clotting time if used for internal bleeding.

Sage (leaves)

Used as a tea. Helps to eliminate spasms of the Gastrointestinal tract.

Nettle (leaves)

Used as a tea, nettle helps to expel gravel and stones from any organ where formed, especially the kidneys.

Echinacea (root)

Used as a cleanser and purifier. Heals infections, fevers, lung infections, wounds.

Dandelion (root)

Used as a tea, dandelion acts as a tonic to the system. It is a good blood purifier and builder.

Burdock (root)

Used as a tea, burdock is one of the best blood purifiers. Helps to reduce swelling and deposits in the joints in Arthritis.

Rosehips

Good source of Vitamin C, (do not eat the seeds). Used for infections, colds, sore throat, and cleansing toxins from the body.

Cranberry Juice

Drink as a tea. Used to prevent and heal infections of the bladder.

Prunes and Prune Juice

Eat boiled or drink juice to heal ailments of the digestive tract and to encourage movement of the bowels.

Onion Poultice

Slice onions, boil in milk, strain, and put onions in warm towel. Apply to chest to relieve chest cold, bronchitis.

Mustard Poultice

For the treatment of colds, croupe, and pneumonia

• 1 heaping tablespoon dry mustard
• 3 level tablespoons white flour
• Water

Combine the dry mustard and flour together, add enough water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste onto brown paper or plastic, cover with same and wrap in a towel. Lay the towel on the person's chest until it tingles, then lay the towel on thier back until it tingles. Discard the mustard plaster when finished.

Caution: The sick person must not go outside for 36-48 hours after having had the treatment, as, the body pores are now open and a draft could cause more illness than before.

Spruce Gum

Can be chewed or put into heated water and inhaled to relieve a cold. A good healer for cuts, sores, by chewing and applying directly to the wound.

Wild Ginger (root)

Used in cooking, also used to make a tea. Good for preventing ailments of the stomach and intestines. Adding 3 or 4 tablespoons of dry ginger to bath water will help rid the body of waste and toxins by opening the pores.

Frog Leaves

Excellent for healing cuts, sores, boils. Apply directly on the wound.