Beyond Mint: 5 Healing Plants Native Americans Used for Pain Relief

For centuries, Native Americans across North and South America have harnessed the power of medicinal plants to treat various ailments and manage pain. They developed a profound understanding of local flora, relying on nature to heal and maintain their health. Here are five key plants that were used to relieve pain, along with their health benefits:

1. Mint – for Headache, Digestion, and Muscle Pain Relief 

Native Americans brewed tea from mint leaves as a remedy for headaches, stomach aches, and digestive issues. Mint contains menthol, a natural compound known to soothe muscles and alleviate muscle pain and migraines.

Health Benefits:

• Helps relieve stomach aches and bloating
• Reduces headaches and migraines
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe muscle pain
• Aids breathing and relieves nasal congestion

Native American Use:
Leaves were chewed for immediate relief from stomach pain, or boiled in water to make a drink for digestive issues.

2. Willow Bark – Nature’s Pain Reliever

Dubbed "nature's aspirin," willow bark contains salicin, the active ingredient also found in modern aspirin. Native Americans used it to treat joint pain, fevers, and inflammation.

Health Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation and acts as a pain reliever
• Treats muscle and joint pain
• Helps reduce fever
• Assists in alleviating headaches

Native American Use:
The bark was ground and soaked in hot water to create an infusion used as a natural pain reliever.

3. Arnica – For Injuries, Muscle Pain, and Bruises

The arnica plant was extensively used to treat pain from injuries, bruises, and falls. Native Americans knew that applying the extract to the skin helped reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.

Health Benefits:

• Reduces muscle pain and inflammation
• Aids recovery from bruises and swelling
• Improves blood flow to affected areas
• Treats joint pain

Native American Use:
Leaves and flowers were mashed and applied directly to bruises or wounds for rapid pain and swelling relief.

4. Skullcap – To Soothe Pain and Improve Sleep 

Skullcap is a calming plant used by Native Americans to treat anxiety, muscle pain, and headaches. It was also used to improve sleep and reduce stress.

Health Benefits:

• Alleviates pain and calms the nervous system
• Assists with headaches and migraines
• Contributes to better sleep quality
• Reduces stress and anxiety

Native American Use:
Leaves were steeped in hot water to make a soothing tea that helped with sleep quality and headache relief.

5. Chamomile Flowers – For Soothing Stomach, Inflammation, and Muscle Pain

Native Americans used chamomile flowers to brew a tea that treated stomach aches, digestive issues, and various bodily inflammations. The plant is also known for its calming properties, helping to reduce pain and stress.

Health Benefits:

• Relieves stomach pain and digestive issues
• Decreases inflammation and muscle pain
• Promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality
• Boosts the immune system

Native American Use:
Flowers were soaked in hot water to prepare a relaxing tea used for internal pain relief and to promote calmness and good sleep.