Celebrating Native American contributions to pharmacy

The first Americans were also the first American pharmacists. Long before Europeans conceived of ideas like aspirin or hypodermic needles, Native Americans were already using therapies and devices for the same purposes.

According to “American Indian Contributions to the World” (Emory Keoke and Kay Porterfield, 2003), “…more than 120 drugs prescribed by physicians today were first made from plant extracts, and 75 percent of these were derived from examining plants used in traditional indigenous medicine.”

November is Native American Heritage Month, which makes it an ideal time to appreciate the early insights into pharmacy by the first Americans. 

“Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.” 

-- Mourning Dove (Salish tribe), the first published female Native American author

Some of the plants used in traditional indigenous medicine included:

• Willow bark: Willow bark was historically used by Native Americans to alleviate pain and reduce fevers. The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin, which is chemically similar to acetylsalicylic acid, the active component in aspirin.
• Guaicum: Guaicum, or guaiacum, is a tree found in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. Its resin was traditionally used for the treatment of colds and respiratory issues.
• Dogbane: Dogbane was used for various purposes, including by some indigenous groups to address heart-related ailments or as a cardiac stimulant.
• Foxglove: Foxglove contains digitalis, a compound used in modern medicine for heart conditions. Native Americans used it for its sedative properties.
• Lady's Slipper: Lady's Slipper was often employed as a sedative or for various purposes, such as pain relief.
• Jimson Weed: Native Americans used different parts of the jimson weed plant for various purposes. They employed it as an anesthetic by creating poultices from the roots for external applications, particularly to alleviate pain or discomfort.

These plants were part of a broader pharmacopeia of natural remedies used by various Native American tribes for different ailments. Many of these traditional medicinal practices and remedies have been invaluable in contributing to the development of modern medicine and the discovery of new drugs.

Native Americans also created sunscreens, suppositories, and a way to inject medicines using a hollowed out bird bone and an animal bladder.

The history of observing American Indian Heritage Month has its roots in the early 20th century when various states began to acknowledge the significance of the contributions and culture of Native Americans. The first American Indian Day was established in 1916 in New York by the governor's proclamation. Over time, efforts to recognize and celebrate the heritage of Native Americans gained momentum.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution that designated November as "National American Indian Heritage Month." This formal recognition at the national level aimed to honor and acknowledge the rich history, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans to the country's cultural mosaic.

The Native American Heritage Month web site has many resources for further exploration, including articles, collections, and exhibits like “Meet Black Bull” (National Archives), “Keeping Our Words Alive” (Smithsonian Institute), and “Living Nations, Living Words” (Library of Congress).