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 plants
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 its 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.
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