How to Use Cherokee Medicine in Childbirth

Nvwoti is a 4,000 year old medical and spiritual system developed by the Cherokee as a way to administer herbal medicine. Cherokee herbalists use Nvwoti to communicate with plants, which they call "Green People," by asking for guidance and nourishment from the "Great Life," or nature. Cherokee believe that by finding the energetic balance that the Green People offer, common ailments, such as the pain of childbirth, can be lessened by creating harmony and energetic symmetry.

Things You'll Need

• Black cohosh
• Partridgeberry
• Black cherry bark
• American licorice
• Buckwheat

Instructions

1. Increase the chances of a rapid delivery by using one of two Cherokee medicines: black cohosh or partridgeberry. Make a tea from either of these herbs by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried herb, drinking three times a day in the last weeks preceding the expected delivery date.

2. Drink wild black cherry tea make from the inner bark of black cherry trees to ease the pain during the early stages of childbirth. Wild cherry bark can be harvested in the summer, while the tree is flowering, or can be purchased at your local health food store. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of cherry bark, steeping for 10 of 15 minutes and drinking every few hours, as needed, for pain.

3. Make a strong tea from American licorice, a Cherokee medicine used to help promote the delivery of the placenta. Pour 3 cups of boiling water over 2 tbsp. of American licorice, drinking after or during childbirth.

4. Harvest the entire buckwheat plant, a Cherokee medicine used to stop bleeding after childbirth. Cover the plant with water and boil for 10 minutes before straining. Drink 1 cup of warm tea four or five times a day until bleeding subsides.

Tips & Warnings

• Black cohosh is often more available for purchase in health food stores than partridgeberry; however both plants are effective medicines to aid in childbirth and can be harvested fresh when possible.