The Native Americans used substances from the life-giving earth for all their health needs. This is true concerning the majority, but in each country, the poisonous and narcotic properties are well established. They can be roots, seeds, bark, fruit, berries, leaves or flowers. Many hold their most potent healing powers in their roots but are rarely harvested by the root since it would destroy the plant. Our lovely Dandelion, for instance.
Every part is edible from root to flower.
Patients were put into sweat lodges of almost stifling amounts of moist heat to eliminate toxic conditions. Fractured bones were held in splints made of a number of rods tied together at the ends and covered with leaves and bound with deer skins. Herb roots were pounded fine and used as a poultice for bad cuts and sprains. Sore eyes were treated with a wash consisting of an infusion of a certain root. In this way the original Americans were their own physicians.