Medicinal uses of native plants

The medicinal section features Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum), Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza), Columbine (Aquilegia formosa), Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) and Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum). These plants and many others were used to treat a number of maladies from sore throats to wounds and stomach troubles.

Rubus parviflorus: Many parts of the thimbleberry plant were used for a great variety of medicinal purposes by Native Americans. Thimbleberries, high in Vitamin C and A, can be used to treat scurvy. A poultice of the dried, powdered leaves can be used to treat wounds and burns, as well as the fresh ones to treat acne. A tea made from its leaves or roots can be used as a treatment for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dysentery. Thimbleberry leaves can also be used as a natural toilet paper. 

Polypodium glycyrrhiza: Licorice fern acquires its name from its licorice-flavored rhizome, which was chewed for flavor by numerous Native American groups. The rhizomes were also usually used medicinally as a treatment for colds and sore throats.