Native American Medicinal Plants: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary

by Daniel E. Moerman

In Native American Medicinal Plants, anthropologist Daniel E. Moerman describes the medicinal use of more than 2700 plants by 218 Native American tribes. Information—adapted from the same research used to create the monumental Native American Ethnobotany—includes 82 categories of medicinal uses, ranging from analgesics, contraceptives, gastrointestinal aids, hypotensive medicines, sedatives, and toothache remedies.

Native American Medicinal Plants includes extensive indexes arranged by tribe, usage, and common name, making it easy to access the wealth of information in the detailed catalog of plants. It is an essential reference for students and professionals in the fields of anthropology, botany, and naturopathy and an engaging read for anyone interested in ethnobotany and natural healing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Health, Nature, Native American, Reference, Gardening

800 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2009

Reviews

[Iroquois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well organized and comprehensive.

[Solidago · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s in the name, but this is a really dry dictionary of surface level uses of plants in North America. I appreciate the usage of scientific names and collection of info, but it’s all so shallow in context and application. There are also entire tribes missing, I live around central Texas and the Tonkawa and Sanna tribes are entirely missing. Maybe the scope of the study is where I found the misstep. I’m going to continue to look for more information on the subject.

[Heather Forensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was genuinely surprised at the vast TB and Gonorrhea remedies. The vast amount of medicinal use for Yarrow did not seem to surprise me but I had no idea that versions of the plant grew in the North America continent.

This book is very helpful for anyone looking at pharma professions or herbalist specialties. I wish I could have a copy of this book on my bookshelf because it would be so useful for me and my family.

[Ash Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only critic is that I wish it was longer.