Manda Gibbs

Southern Magnolia Flower

Louisiana is home to hundreds of native plant species and, for centuries, Native Americans have used these plants to not only heal the body but purify their souls. Today, pharmacists are using the extracts from the same species to improve medical treatments. 

Plants Used by the Houma Tribe

Common Cocklebur 
Xanthium commune 
The roots are boiled to make a tea that will reduce high fever.

Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis 
Mixed with small quantities of powdered oysters shells which have been burned in fire, drunk to cure venereal disease..

Snake Vine
Hibbertia scandens 
A decoction made of the plant is drunk as a tonic for poor general health.

Plants Used by the Choctaw Tribe

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis 
The bark of the root and of the tree to create a decoction cures dysentary.

White Snakeroot

Eupatorium ageratoides 
Chew the roots and hold them in your mouth to cure toothache.

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea 
They have been used to cure bad coughs and dyspepsia by chewing and swallowing the roots. 

Plants Used by the Chickasaw Tribe

Watermelon

Citrullus vulgaris
The black watermelon seeds are mashed and boiled. The decoction is drunk to stop blood in the urine.

American Pennyroyal

Hedeoma pulegioides 
The roots are soaked and places on the eyes to relieve itching.

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