SPIRITUAL HEALING AND MEDICINES Mi’kmaq Studies. Medicine The Mi'kmaq had their own powers of...
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Transcript of SPIRITUAL HEALING AND MEDICINES Mi’kmaq Studies. Medicine The Mi'kmaq had their own powers of...
SPIRITUAL HEALING AND MEDICINES
Mi’kmaq Studies
Medicine
The Mi'kmaq had their own powers of healing
The source was found in the surrounding environment
Herbal medicines were readily available
When properly used, they had healing powers and remedial properties
Remedies
Were consumed in different forms (their natural state, drinks, etc.)
Many were cures, while others were preventive medicines
If used improperly, could be poisonous
The Plants
Knowing where to find these plants is another skill of the Mi'kmaq
Their natural habitat may include swamps, bogs, barrens, forests, or fields.
Certain plants should be taken only under proper supervision…consult a person who knows something about the plant before administering
Plants Used for Healing
Sweet Grass – for purification purposes and smudging
Sage – for smudging and purifying Ground juniper – for kidney ailments and
bladder infections, can lower sugar level White spruce tree – for colds, tuberculosis,
and laryngitis
Plants Used for Healing cont’d Alder – for stomach and kidney ailments,
fever, neuralgia, and headaches Cherry Tree – for colds and flu Flagroot – for preventative medicine
Good for colds, flu, stomach complaints, and colic in babies.
Plants Used for Healing cont’d Golden Thread – for blood purification,
stomach ulcers, diarrhea, colds, influenza, and diabetes, can also be used to treat external sores such as chapped lips, and minor cuts and abrasions
Spiritual Healing
In more serious illnesses a spiritual element is required in addition to the botanical element
The combination of medicines for one person may not be the same as for another person with the same condition
Spiritual Healing cont’d
A true Healer or Medicine Person will receive guidance from the spirits regarding what combination will work in a particular case
For this reason, it is generally ineffective (and possibly dangerous!) to try to use Native American healing preparations that have not been given specifically to you for your condition
Traditional Healing
Traditional healing treats your mind, body, and spirit.
Focuses on parts of the body and separates the body from the mind.
Believe healing takes time and that it can be intense.
The relationship between the healer and the person is important.
Spiritual Healers
Healers are recognized by their communities and have learned not by going to school, but from other healers and Elders
A healer's task is to restore harmony and balance using herbal remedies, or spoken formulas
Medicine Woman
Women were viewed as the life-giving force for future generations
Considered to have a special connection to the spirit world and that link is what empowered her to heal
Knowledge of herbal medicine was not confined to the women, but generally women seemed to be more familiar with various herbal potions and brews
Medicine Woman cont’d
Women learned the art of doctoring with herbs from their mothers and grandmothers
A medicine woman was not allowed to practice by herself until she reached middle age and older