The Conifer Trees In Native Medicine Traditions

This is the first of two articles on the medicinal and
wellness potential of conifer trees. In this first article,
I'll discuss some of the history of conifer trees in eastern
and northeastern North American Native medicine
traditions.

The conifers were widely used by medicine makers
in those traditional cultures. In fact, it's fair to say that
conifer trees were used as often as many of the
herbs and woody plants and bushes. So, it's not
surprising that the earliest reference to indigenous
medicines, in the journals of European visitors to
North America, refers to a conifer tree.

n 1536, Jacques Cartier and his crew were wintering
over at Stadacona (Now known as Quebec City). Their
ships were frozen in the thick ice of the St. Lawrence
river. His crew were dying of scurvy.

Nearby, an Iroquois Chief learned of the illness and
death amongst Cartier's crew. He sent branches of an
evergreen tree to Cartier, with instructions on how
to prepare it. The branches were from the "annedda"
tree (This is probably from the Iroquois word, "haneda,"
which I've read translates something like, "greens on a
stick".).

Within days the crew had recovered. Cartier wrote
in his journal (translated): "... had all the doctors of
Louvain and Montpellier been there, with all the drugs
of Alexandria, they could not have done so much in a
year as did this tree in eight days."

Two centuries would pass before the British medical
community discovered the cause and cure for scurvy.
And, to this day, the Annedda tree has not been
identified with any measure of certainty.

Other accounts of explorers and missionaries, make
mention of conifers, including Balsam Fir, Spruce, and
Pine. The Balsam Fir is legendary, and is the tree that
I personally feel is likely the fabled Annedda. Scholars
have suggested that it is White Pine, White Cedar, or
White Spruce. It has also been suggested that there is
etymological evidence to support Eastern Hemlock, in
this regard.

Whatever the case may be, the story of the Annedda
tree points out the long history of the Native medicine
maker tradition. It also illustrates the beauty and holistic
nature of that tradition -- the medicine maker's eyes
are not only pointed to the ground, to the herbs, but they
are in the trees, as well.

Good medicine always,
Laurie

Note: This article appeared in the 15 February 2009
edition of my Natural Healing Talk Newsletter.

This Melancholy Moon

Hi Everyone,

Over the years, I've noticed how the moon influences
me, emotionally. For instance, the January moon
impressed me with its strength and brightness.

Now, of course, the moon various in her brightness,
partly because of changes in our atmospheric conditions,
the seasons, and her distance from the earth. There
are probably other factors at work, as well.

But, what I really want to mention in this post, is
that for me, this February moon is a melancholy moon.
As it approaches fullness, it is having a strong
influence on my emotional or mental state. I'm feeling
melancholy.

I've often recognized such lunar influences in the
past. I'm very sensitive in this regard. The moods
leave me as the moon passes through fullness, and
begins to wane.

Perhaps this sensitivity is related to my Pisces
nature?

Does anyone else notice the moon's influence on
their emotions?

Well, I must move on and "twitter". if you are a
member of Twitter, you can follow me at this link:
http://twitter.com/laurielacey

All the best,
Laurie

p.s. By the way, I'm always trying to boost my
Natural Healing Talk newsletter subscriber base.
So, at the moment, I'm participating in a Self-Help
Gift Giveaway event. When someone signs up through
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If you'd like to help me out, and to grab some
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Thanks! It's much appreciated!

Walking In A Winter Storm

Hi Everyone,

Well, I dressed warm, put on my boots, and went
walking in the snow, sleet, and wind, earlier this
evening. As I walked along the old mines road, I
noticed a constant hum, as the wind danced and
darted its way through the needles and branches
of the tall spruce trees.

A couple of vehicles had broken a path through the
snow. So, the walking was made somewhat easier
because of that, although I still felt my feet slip
with each step I took. In the end, I soon turned
back, as my warm house and a cup of tea, beckoned
my return.

To some extent, I enjoy walking in storms, as they
show us another side of nature. They also make me
appreciate a warm home!

Now, as I type this message, I notice there's a lull
in the wind, and, in this calmness, even the sleet
has ended. Perhaps the storm has passed and moved
further east?

In the morning, I will prepare a feeding area for the
birds. I do this with snowshoes. How? Well, I walk
over the area until the snowshoes create a hard
surface for the birds to enjoy. I then scatter the
seeds and the birds have a grand time on their new
feeding grounds.

I hope everyone has a splendid February! I'll return,
soon.

All the best,
Laurie

White Dust

I went walking in the moonlight, again tonight.

This January moon, it's special -- such brightness,
such light!

I suppose it's because of the snowy landscape?
It reflects the moonlight so well. Seems like day.

I walked down the old road to Minamkeak Lake.
You should have seen it in the moonlight! Such a
powerful and special lake....

I looked out across the lake as the wind touched
my face. My vision was hazy. I realized this wind
was carrying snow over the lake like thick specks
of white dust.

I breathed deeply -- breathing the white dust....

"Minamkeak!" I spoke. "Mighty Minamkeak!"

I turned and left that place, walking slowly back
up the road. The wind tickled the back of my neck.

Now I'm sipping a cup of hot tea.

I feel good -- real good.

Laurie

Snow As Waves Of Movement In The Light Of A Waxing Moon

Hi Everyone,

Yes, I went walking in the moonlight this evening.

The sky was overcast, but the moon broke through,
occasionally. It was cold as I left the house to walk
along the old mines road. There was a breeze coming
in from the northwest, which made the -5 degree
temperature seem more like -15!

I walked at a fast pace and enjoyed how the snow
reflected the light from the moon, even while it was
under the clouds. When it broke through the cloud
cover, the snow glistened in the frosty light.

Altogether, I had a beautiful outing!

I love walking on winter evenings. At one point tonight,
as I walked along the road, my eyes watered from
the cold -- I also noticed waves of movement in the
air. At first I thought the movement was an illusion
caused by water-filled eyes. However, I soon realized
that the wave-like movement was in fact snow swirling
about in the air.

This was the first time I had experienced snow as
a wave movement. I couldn't see the flakes -- just the
motion they made in front and around me. I first saw
the flakes of snow, when I turned on my flashlight.

So, now, I'm off for a cup of tea, and then a bubble
bath before I hit the sack!

All the best for 2009!
Laurie

p.s. You can now purchase my Micmac Medicines
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5 Daily Practices to Help You Live in the Moment

Each day, many people are struck with feelings of anxiety,
worry, guilt, and fear; these are all related to the way
in which we approach the world. If we cannot get past what
is lurking in our minds, how will we ever be able to move
forward in a positive manner with our lives? What follows
is a list of some things you can do every day in your life that
will help you live happily in the moment.

Be Here, Now

While quantum physics may suggest otherwise, there is no
physical way for you to be in two places at once. Stop
reliving the low points of your life or anticipating the
coming day with worry. Open your eyes, your ears, and your
heart so that you can live in total awareness each day.
There is no reason to burden yourself with the problems of
the past or the uncertainties of the future. The only time
you truly have is now, so spend it wisely.

Stay Curious

As children, we lived in the moment and were deeply curious
about the world around us. Next time you are outside, try
looking at everything with a sense of curiosity. As the leaves
fall from the trees or the rain begins to drip on your front
porch, consider whence this all came. Curiosity in the
present moment helps to recapture that childlike innocence
we all once possessed.

Breathe Deeply

Monitor your breathing, especially when things feel like
they’re getting out of control. Try taking your breath in
through your nose and exhale through your mouth for twice
as long — as long as it’s comfortable. Simply saying, “in”
to yourself as you breathe in and “out” as you breathe out
can be very effective and calming. This activity returns
you to the present moment and helps you be aware of that
fact.

Practice Mindful Living

All of the things stated before lead up to this practice. To
live mindfully, you must reside in the present moment. Don’t
get caught up in things that are outside of your control.
Instead, do everything you can to ensure that you are living
fully and intentionally in all areas of your life, from taking
a walk to washing the dishes. Relish in the present moment;
own the present moment and you are living mindfully.

Be Compassionate

Life is full of suffering; this is a fact that all Buddhists
are aware of. Don’t let your problems become more important
than caring for all sentient beings. Have compassion for your
fellow beings in this world, and know that there is something
that can be done every day to help better this world. Use your
curiosity to find a way.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the
subject of medical code online training. She invites your
feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com