Gathering Herbs Tsalagi Way

Sovereign Amonsoquath Band of Cherokee

Gathering Herbs Tsalagi Way

The Cherokee have been gifted by the Creator with an understanding of

the gathering, use and preservation of medicinal herbs. The Cherokee

believe that these plants were put on this earth to provide not only

healing methods, but preventative measures, as well.

Many plants have disappeared throughout the years, or have become

extremely scarce. Because of this, we recommend extreme care in

gathering wild herbs and other plants. The old ones taught that

when you gather, only pick or dig every third plant you find.

This will ensure that enough specimens remain to continue propagation.

Many traditionalists carry on the practice of asking the plant’s

permission to be gathered, and leave a small gift of thanks. This

can be a small bead or other such item. It is also recommended by

Cherokee traditionalists that should you find a wild crop of useful

herbs, do not share it’s location unless it is to a person very

close to you. This will ensure that large numbers of people do

not clean out an entire wild crop in a short time.

Additional information regarding the gathering, usage and

application of medicinal herbs can be found by talking to the

elders of a Cherokee family. Many of these people will still

recall some of the home remedies that their families used, as

well as provide information on herbs which they themselves use.

Please remember that these plants are very valuable as

medicines because of the great chemical powers they contain.

At the same time, these chemicals can be potentially dangerous

if used in the wrong way. Cherokee herbalists have great

experience, and have gone through extensive training and

observation. Novice herbal practitioners are advised to seek

out and develop a close relationship with Cherokee herbalists

or their elders to learn how to use these medicines properly.