History of Magic in the American Continents
written by Wayah Barry
Shamans, medicine men, magical creatures, astronomy, divination. The influence of magic had strong impact on the communities that inhabited the continent pre-Columbus and continues to effect the magic community in America today. About the author: I am Eastern Band Cherokee and grew up hearing myths and stories of my tribe. This is my attempt to creatively tie my research of Native American mythology with the Harry Potter Universe. *This is not meant to offend anyone, it is purely fictional. I will respect the spiritual practices and beliefs of Native American tribes and be as factual as I can.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
12
Reads
787
Herbology: Medicinal Uses for Plants in America
Chapter 3
Native American tribes relied on native plants for the diverse range of healing properties they had, and also grew crops in certain areas to serve as an important part of their diet. Medicine men (see next chapter) were responsible for accumulating and passing on knowledge of various plants and their healing properties, and other uses. Today this is called ethnobotany in the Muggle World, but the Native American's medicine men were very advanced herbologists who applied their knowledge on the property of plants to treating illnesses. It was also believed herbal remedies could purify the soul.
The healers would prepare potions and other remedies from the plants and use them to heal the sick and wounded, and also serve in ritualistic ceremonies. One example of this is the use of tobacco to not only treat a wide variety of illnesses, but was also smoked in certain ceremonies and rituals. Sage was also use in ceremonies to protect oneself from bad spirits and also had uses in healing the colon, kidneys, stomach, lungs, liver and skin.
Aloe, witch hazel, chamomile, sarsaparilla, mint, dandelion, sumac, and wild ginger are just a few examples of plants and herbs that had medicinal properties used by Native American tribes across the continents to treat illnesses of the body and spirit.
The tribal medicine men were important figures in Native American tribes because their extensive knowledge of herbology served practical purposes that protected the tribe from illness and harm. Also, different tribes depending on where they lived took advantage of different plants depending on the type of plants native to that region.
The healers would prepare potions and other remedies from the plants and use them to heal the sick and wounded, and also serve in ritualistic ceremonies. One example of this is the use of tobacco to not only treat a wide variety of illnesses, but was also smoked in certain ceremonies and rituals. Sage was also use in ceremonies to protect oneself from bad spirits and also had uses in healing the colon, kidneys, stomach, lungs, liver and skin.
Aloe, witch hazel, chamomile, sarsaparilla, mint, dandelion, sumac, and wild ginger are just a few examples of plants and herbs that had medicinal properties used by Native American tribes across the continents to treat illnesses of the body and spirit.
The tribal medicine men were important figures in Native American tribes because their extensive knowledge of herbology served practical purposes that protected the tribe from illness and harm. Also, different tribes depending on where they lived took advantage of different plants depending on the type of plants native to that region.
