As the days of adventure travel continue to evolve, so too have our methods for healing and health in the wilderness. For hundreds of years, frontier medicine has offered innovative healing techniques and remedies for the unique dangers of life in the wilderness. From snakebites to dysentery, from unexpected ailments to broken bones, frontier medicine has persistently provided innovative solutions to keep adventurers safe while traversing the outdoors. From the pioneers who crossed the continent on foot to the nomads who have migrated through the desert for generations, frontier medicine has always been integral to healthy wilderness living. This article takes a closer look at the complexity and ingenuity of frontier medicine, illuminating its contributions to health and wellbeing in the most extreme of conditions.
1. Navajo Healers and Frontier Medicine
In the days of the Old West, many Native tribes, including the Navajo Nation, relied heavily on traditional healing and medicine. Native American healers, known as hataali, were respected and looked to for help in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. These healers used both traditional healing practices and holistic treatments such as herbal remedies, massage, and metaphysical practices.
Herbal Remedies
The Navajo people used and continue to use natural remedies derived from plants and herbs for a variety of ailments and conditions. These remedies were usually in the form of teas and decoctions. Some of the most popular herbal remedies used by the Navajo included yucca root, juniper berries, and cedar for digestion and arthritis. They also used herbs like sweetgrass and sage for cleansing, purification, and protection. Lastly, they used a variety of flowers and bark for sleep and to boost immunity.
Massage
The Navajo Nation relied heavily on massage as a part of their healing practice. Massage was used to release tension and treat chronic pain, while it could also be used for spiritual healing. Massage was also used after giving birth and during labour. Navajo healers would use a variety of techniques such as kneading, stroking, and pressure point releases. These practices were also used to support general wellbeing and stamina.
Power and Blessing Objects
Navajo healers also relied heavily on power and blessing objects for spiritual healing. These items were carefully chosen and typically included items such as feathers, stones, shells, bones, and wood. These items were believed to carry positive energy and help instill feelings of joy, happiness, strength, and balance. These objects were often placed on the body and would be used to direct the healing energy to the desired area of concern.
Metaphysical Practices
Metaphysical practices such as divination and dream interpretation were also an integral part of the Navajo Nation’s healing practice. Divination relied on the interpretation of symbols and energy found in natural items such as stones, bones, and trees. Dream interpretation was also very important and was used to gain insight into the person’s current situation and help move them forward on their healing journey. These practices were often used in combination with other healing practices such as herbal remedies and massage.
2. Mandan Métis and Herbal Remedies
The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people whose culture is a mix of Indigenous and European traditions. As such, many Métis continue to practice traditional healing practices that combine Native American healing methods with medicinal herbs.
Harvesting Herbs
The Métis traditional practice of gathering and harvesting medicinal herbs is still alive today. Traditionally, herbs are gathered from their natural habitats and then prepared for healing purposes. The herbs are used to treat physical and spiritual ailments.
Herbs can be harvested from the wild by Métis harvesters through, planting, collecting, and drying them. Once collected, the herbs are then prepared by either drying, boiling, or pounding them. Once ready, they can then be prepared to make herbal remedies.
Making Herbal Remedies
Once the herbs are prepared, they can be used to make remedies. Generally, the remedies are made by boiling the herbs in water, and then straining it for a tea. Depending on the remedy, the boiled herbal tea may then be reduced further by simmering it to make a thicker extract.
There are a variety of remedies, each with its own ingredients, specific usage, and purpose. Commonly used herbs and remedies include:
- Bearberry, used to treat skin ailments
- Ginseng root, used to reduce fatigue
- Yarrow root, used to reduce fever and promote digestion
- Mint, used to treat nausea
Herbal remedies are a critical part of the Métis healing culture, and can be extremely helpful for treating both physical and spiritual ailments. They are widely used in Métis culture, and the use of herbal remedies continues to be passed down through the generations.
3. Survival and Sustenance: Treating Illness in the Wild
When venturing outdoors, you must always be prepared to deal with any illness or injury you may experience. Knowing how to properly treat illnesses or injuries in the wild can be the difference between life and death.
1. Know Your Symptoms:The first step is to identify the symptoms and determine the source of the illness. It’s important to note any signs of malnutrition, dehydration, and exposure to the elements as these can all contribute to the illness. It’s also essential to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction, as this can be deadly in the wrong circumstances.
2. Gather Supplies: Water is essential for maintaining hydration while in a survival situation. Fruits and vegetables can also provide nutrition while out in the wilderness. Medicines and herbs are useful for treating most illnesses and not every ailment will require antibiotics or extra medical attention.
3. Be Prepared to Receive Medical Attention: Even if the illness is treatable on-site, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of needing medical attention. This means being prepared ahead of time and having the supplies and resources needed to get to a medical facility.
4. Apply Treatments Carefully: When administering treatments to any illness, it’s important to do so with caution. Herbal remedies, medicines, and natural cures may provide relief, but remember to stay within the recommended dosages. Don’t overdo it or overdose, as this can be very dangerous.
5. Know When to Quit: While there are many ways to treat illnesses in the wild, they are not always successful. Knowing when it’s time to call for help is critical. If the illness is not responding to treatment or is getting worse, it’s important to get medical attention right away.
4. Nature’s Medicine: Natural Cures for Wilderness Woes
When heading out on a wilderness adventure, being prepared for any health or medical emergency is of utmost importance. Mother Nature can provide natural cures for a variety of common ailments and ailments, so understanding these definitely has its benefits when trekking outside of civilization. Here are some excellent remedies found in the macrosphere of the wilderness environment:
- Calendula – This brilliant yellow flower is chock-full of antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, and anti-inflammatory activities. It is particularly effective in calming spider and insect bites, as well as soothing irritated skin, cuts, and burns. Simply steep calendula flowers in hot water, boil, then strain. Apply liquid externally to irritations and minor wounds.
- Yarrow – Recognized by its feathery, aromatic leaves, yarrow is an excellent herb for treating wounds, stopping bleeding, and calming inflammation. To utilize, steep fresh or dried yarrow in hot water, and strain and cool. Cooled liquid can be applied topically to a wound, or used internally like a tea.
- Self-heal – Easily identified by its small, purple, flower spikes in summertime, this tiny plant is extremely versatile when it comes to treating bumps and bruises. Boil self-heal stems in water to create a hot compress, wrap in a towel or clean cloth, and apply directly to bruises or even swelling on the body.
- Plantain – Held in high respect in natural medicine, the plantain plant offers astringent, anti-inflamatory, and expectorant qualities. To apply, simply chew fresh leaves and either apply directly to wound or sip in tea.
Of course, when heading into the wilderness always make sure to make sure a medical kit is on hand and be prepared in case of a more serious emergency. However, it certainly pays to know these natural cures that are readily accessible from the environment around us. Knowing how to use nature’s medicine can make a world of a difference when out in the wild!
Nothing compares to the healing power of the great outdoors. Frontier medicine shows us that sometimes all it takes to promote health and well-being is to strip away the distractions of everyday life and seek to embrace that which is most essential—contact with nature. As the sun rises on a new day, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings and open yourself up to the positive vibes of the wild.
