Healing Secrets of the Native Americans by Porter Shimer

Author:Porter Shimer
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
Published: 2004-01-29T21:00:00+00:00

SQUAW WEED

Senecio aureus

As the name suggests, squaw weed, also called “life root,” was used primarily to treat problems experienced by Native American women. The Catawba of the Southeast, for example, used a squaw weed tea to ease the pain of childbirth and to relieve symptoms of difficult menstruation. The herb was used by other tribes to stop internal bleeding and was also thought to be a stimulant.

According to herbalist David Hoffmann, squaw weed was sometimes used as a douche to treat leukorrhea, a condition that causes excessive vaginal mucus.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Squaw weed is a small perennial, between one and two feet high, with an erect, smooth stem. Rounded leaves grow sparsely at the bottom section of the plant and feathery fern-like leaves grow from the top portion. It bears small yellow flowers during May and June.

WHERE FOUND

Squaw weed grows primarily in the eastern United States. It prefers wet areas such as marshes and the banks of rivers and creeks.

METHODS OF USE

Squaw weed is best taken as a tea, using a teaspoonful of dried herb (root or leaves) in a cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep 10 to 15 minutes, strain, and drink three to four times a day.

Caution: Don’t drink squaw weed tea more than four times a day because it can be toxic in large amounts.

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