Sacred Plant Medicine by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Author:Stephen Harrod Buhner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Religion/Christian Studies
ISBN: 9781591439639
Publisher: Inner Traditions / Bear & Company
Published: 2010-11-21T16:00:00+00:00

Harriet Longley

8

MAKING PLANTS INTO MEDICINE

The Technology of Herbalism

Taking a pail containing about a quart of hot water, he placed a little spoonful of the three mixed ingredients on the surface of the water at the eastern side of the pail, saying Wa’bunong (“at the east”), then at the southern side, saying Ca’wunong (“at the south”), then at the western and northern sides, saying Ningbi’anong (“at the west”), and Kiwe’dinong (“at the north”). . . . The surface of the water was thus dotted with four small patches of powder. He then opened the tied packet of the principal ingredient, took out one scanty spoonful of the contents, and divided it equally among the patches of powder, placing it carefully in the middle of each, beginning with the east as before but not repeating the names of the cardinal points. The ingredients soon dissolved in the hot water. According to Main’gans the medicine was then ready for use, though some preferred to secure a stronger flavor by boiling it. He said that the taste was agreeable and that the medicine should be taken four times a day, the dose to be small at first and then increased, the full dose being taken in a measure which he gave to the writer. This is made of birch bark and contains about a tablespoonful. The drawings on the inside are said to represent animals and to indicate that the measure was to be used for this particular medicine.1

—FRANCIS DENSMORE

Plants are generally taken as medicines in four ways (though this is by no means exclusive): in water as infusions or decoctions; as tinctures from extended immersion in an alcohol and water combination; as salves from transferring the power of the herb to an oil base; and in an unchanged state either by chewing or eating the root, or grinding the plant and taking it directly or in capsule form.

When changing the plant into another form for use as medicine, it is important to say prayers as each stage progresses. If you sit with an alcohol tincture you can notice that it feels different from the whole, fresh-picked plant—the power of the plant is bound up in another medium. Sitting with the plant and calling on its spirit with ceremony and prayer brings it into aliveness and turns it into true medicine.

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