Documented Plant Traditions of Native American Tribes of the Plains, Southwest & West

Red Earth: Clay, Ochre, and Natural Sun Protection

Red Earth: Clay, Ochre, and Natural Sun Protection

When applied to the skin, clay and ochre form a thin layer over the surface of the body. This layer can help reflect sunlight and reduce direct exposure to the...

Red Earth: Clay, Ochre, and Natural Sun Protection

When applied to the skin, clay and ochre form a thin layer over the surface of the body. This layer can help reflect sunlight and reduce direct exposure to the...

Native Americans treating a wound with plants against a backdrop of mesas and wildflowers

The Plants of Healing: Traditional Skin Remedie...

The use of plants like yarrow, plantain, and sage reflects something deeper than herbal remedies. It reflects a long relationship between people and the land itself. Native peoples of the...

The Plants of Healing: Traditional Skin Remedie...

The use of plants like yarrow, plantain, and sage reflects something deeper than herbal remedies. It reflects a long relationship between people and the land itself. Native peoples of the...

An illustration of yuicca plants growing in the desert Southwest

Yucca: Nature’s Original Soap

Yucca roots contain natural compounds called saponins. When the root is crushed and mixed with water, these compounds create a gentle, natural lather. The foam works surprisingly well for washing...

Yucca: Nature’s Original Soap

Yucca roots contain natural compounds called saponins. When the root is crushed and mixed with water, these compounds create a gentle, natural lather. The foam works surprisingly well for washing...

An illustration of Native Americans cleaning cottonwood buds in bowls on a wooden table

Cottonwood Buds: The Balm of the Plains, West &...

For people living on the Great Plains and throughout the mountain West, cottonwood bud salves were practical remedies. The climate demanded it.

Cottonwood Buds: The Balm of the Plains, West &...

For people living on the Great Plains and throughout the mountain West, cottonwood bud salves were practical remedies. The climate demanded it.

Traditional Native American Skin Care Practices

Traditional Native American Skin Care Practices

Native peoples lived more fully outdoors than we do today and thrived in climates that were hot, cold, dry & windy. Their skincare practices were designed to protect the body from...

Traditional Native American Skin Care Practices

Native peoples lived more fully outdoors than we do today and thrived in climates that were hot, cold, dry & windy. Their skincare practices were designed to protect the body from...