Our bodies have various systems that must work together for a strong immune system. Filtering systems like lungs, liver, skin, and kidneys need to be strong for a healthy immune system. Certain plants can aid, heal, and boost our health. Here are some teas that can soothe and support our bodies.
Body System Boosting Plants
Elderberry > This rich and powerful tree contains beautiful flowers and dark berries that are rich in antioxidants. Both were used for food and drink and makes a good immune builder. The berries were boiled before consumed and were also dried for food and drink, the flowers also makes a wonderful tea. The leaves and bark are toxic to ingest.
Pineapple chamomile> This sweet little plant loves the sunlight and grows alongside the roads. Their pointy flower heads provide a soothing tea. That comforts and calms an upset stomach. The plant can be used fresh or dried
Plantain>Khuzbunt'an (big leaf) This hearty plant proved to be quite a healer. In cases of cuts, sores, blisters, and boils. The leaves could be chewed and directly put on the skin. The leaves could draw out slivers or calm bee sting or other insect bites. The seeds were picked in the fall and used as a thickener for soups or pounded into a flour.
Yarrow-Lacholbai Referred to as a Warrior plant due to its ability to stop internal and external bleeding. The strong aromatic oils can be smelled in the air in the fall. A sign that the plant was ready to harvest. The ferny leaves could be rolled up and put in the nose to stop bleeds and also rubbed together and used as a bug repellent. The strong volatile oils in the plant were often used on the fire to keep flies away and were good for smudging to remove human scent for hunters. This is a diaphoretic plant that helps us to sweat out toxins.
Wild Rose: Whuschun This fragrant plant has many uses in building and strengthening one's heart and vessels. All parts can be used twigs, leaves, roots, buds, hips, and flowers. Flowers were soaked in water and used as an eye wash and skin toner. The hips are one of the highest Vitamin C berries in the forest. The hips and petals make a wonderful relaxing tea.
Mint-Soolthsun These river-loving plants sends a fragrance of sweetness through the air that calms the heart. It is no wonder it's good for the stomach and nerves. Traditionally this plant was boiled with labador tea for colds and fevers. Also mixed with animal fat to serve as a salve for aches, pains, and a chest rub for colds. Additional used to mix with meats and other dishes as a flavoring. The plant was also used to attract lynxs and put on traps.