Take a Hike! Spotting Indigenous Herbs in California

Happy National Parks month! Summer is an ideal time for exploring nature. Here in the Golden State, many of us may be unaware of the medicinal plants growing in the hills and forests around us. California is home to many different species of indigenous plants that were used as folk medicine since the days when only Native Americans inhabited the land.

Mt. Tamalpais and the Sierra Mountains are just two of the many regions in California where you can take in gorgeous sights and spot wild herbs in their native environments.

Marin County and Mt. Tamalpais

One of the most popular hiking spots in the San Francisco bay area is Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County. Affectionately called Mt. Tam by the locals, it’s the third largest peak in the region at an elevation of 2,752 feet. Getting to the top rewards you with a 360 degree view of ocean, cities, and nearby islands.

The Coast Miwok tribe were the first people to inhabit this area. Like many other Native American tribes, the Coast Miwoks utilized much of what the land had to offer and believed in a mutually beneficial relationship with nature. Besides food, they relied on indigenous plants to help treat many conditions including headaches, eye diseases, digestive troubles and to make antidotes for poisoning. One plant used by the Coast Miwok you’ll likely see is a blackberry bush. The fruit is not only delicious, but were used to help quell diarrhea.

Fennel, a plant with feathery fronds that smells like licorice when rubbed between your fingers, grows in many Northern California coastal regions. Historically brewed as a tea and used for treating intestinal gas, fennel helped with general discomfort in the stomach and intestines.

Also found in the region are white clovers, a small flower made up of white florets and usually found in clumps. These were used by the local tribes to treat coughs, colds, and symptoms associated with a fever.

Go on a guided tour to learn more about the area and its indigenous plants from some of the people who know it best. Check out Friends of Mt. Tam for more info.

The Sierra Mountain Range

Known the world over for its spectacular beauty, the Yosemite Valley is a place where you can experience the magic of nature. Hiking through the valley floor or exploring into the high reaching elevations, you’ll be surrounded by many medicinal plants the Ahwahnechee Tribe utilized well before the area became a protected national park.

You’ll notice many different plants and flowers along the sides of the trails. Among them is the yarrow flower, which is white in color and found in dense flattened clusters. Yarrow tinctures were used by the Ahwahnechee externally to treat skin rashes, itching, and other skin issues, and internally as a digestive aid.

If you’re hiking Yosemite in July you’ll likely see great willowherb. This herb with pink flowers topping a large hairy green stem can grow up to 6 feet or higher, towering over other plants. The roots of the great willowherb were used for its anti-inflammatory properties. The Ahwahnechee used yerba santa for respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, sagebrush for bacteriostatic, astringent, and antioxidant properties, and California barberry for many things, including rheumatism. We discovered more historical information about medicinal use of herbs at Camp Internet.

Explore Your Own Backwoods!

Although not every state has a National Park (there are 58 in the US), no matter where you live, there are many fascinating places to discover. During this National Parks Month, go camping or just take a hike. Learn about the local tribes from your region and the herbs they used for medicinal purposes to make your visit with nature all the more interesting.

And remember - look but don’t touch! While it may be tempting to pick these plants, it may be illegal to take anything growing on federal or state land.

Also, make sure you take along some Seasonal Nasal Support! Created as an herbal alternative, Seasonal Nasal Support helps combat the dust and pollen elements that may mar your pleasant day on the trails. Our formula, traditionally known as Pe Min Kan Wan, contains a soothing blend of magnolia flower, wild chrysanthemum, mint, and other beneficial herbs.

Happy hiking!