Medicines

Birch Medicine (tree/bog birch)

Here is a little information about the power of the birch tree, considered by some Anishnawbe teachers as the "tree of life". Please consult with professionals before using these medicines for proper preparation, use, quantities.

• Food: Inner Bark/Sap (Spring) Food or Drink
• Leaves/inner root bark for a drink (Urinary Tract Infections)
• Leaves: to be chewed and placed on strings to extract poison
• Bark: applied as a poultice for aching bones
• Sleeve of bark can be used as a cast for a broken arm. (powdery lichens for sprained ankles)
• Bark is steamed for bandages (anti bacterial/anti fungal properties)
• Reddish inner bark steamed to treat asthma (drank for women's troubles/babies teething. Gargle for sore throats, colds, and tonsillitis
• Inner bark as poultice fro wounds & burns
• In ointment (with pitch/sap) for sores or rashes
• Buds mixed with lard for skin infections/ STDS?
• Compound medicine for headaches, back pain, migraines, heart
• Finely powdered rotten wood for baby powder