Pine
Direction
East
Pinus virginiana and other species
All species of pine were considered sacred among the earlier Cherokee. Pine was used in many earlier formulas. The bark was used for treating swollen testicles and sexually transmitted diseases. The primary use as an East Medicine was for ceremonial purposes and for treating swelling of the breasts. According to Mary Chiltoskey, a pine branch or bundle of needles was placed on the hearth and would be used to rekindle the hearth fire after a death in a Cherokee family.
The inner bark of white pine taken from the east-facing side of the tree was used in the sacred fire on the seventh day of the Green Corn Ceremony. Other woods included in the ceremonial fire were Black Jack pine and chestnut; the ashes would be used for ceremonial purposes. White pine was also used in a Friends-making Ceremony that was held each year, along with cedar and hemlock. Other tree bark and roots were used for fire, including mountain birch, willow, dogwood, and spruce. The new fire would be carried to each clan and family home as a symbol of beginning-again. As an elder said, "The Great One gifted us with the pine that is used for everything in the physical circle, including the Universal Circle."
Direction
South
Pinus virginiana, P. palustris, P. strobus, and P. taeda
The pine was considered a "gift that is always giving from the Great One." Common pines such as jack pine, scrub pine, spruce pine, and Virginia pine were included in "a wash for skin ulcers and sores." The sap would also be used on stubborn sores that had difficulty healing. While longleaf pine (P. palustris) was used for making turpentine, the same sap was used on sores. The sap of loblolly pine (P. taeda) was used for treating skin problems. Eastern white pine (P. strobus) was crushed and soaked for dressing wounds. The sap was used on sores, according to Arnold Krochmal.
Pine bark is considered a sacred South Medicine. It is often named in Cherokee myths as an agent for sending messages to the spirit world, and pine is included in several healing formulas. The trunks of pine trees were also used by American Indians in earlier years as "long canoes."
Direction
West
Pinus virginiana, P. sylvestries, and other species
The inner bark of pine was used with balsam fir and alder for expelling intestinal worms and parasites. In earlier years pine was used as a stimulant and tonic, called no te. The needles and bark strips were used to make baskets, and the leftover bark would be saved and crushed for use in several formulas "of value for Medicine of the internals." There was mention of broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) and rattlesnake plantain (Gooyera repens) added to one formula with wild cherry, wild ginger, and twinleaf (Jefferson diphylla). Red root (Lachnanthes caroliniana) was also used by some Medicine men and women. Pine bark was considered as a sacred West Medicine used in several formulas for healing or the physical and the spirit.
Direction
North
Pinus virginiana, P. strobus, and other species
There are many species in the Pine family, including shortleaf (P. echinata), longleaf (P. palustris) spruce, pitch, eastern white, Scotch, and Virginia pine. "Scrub pine," white pine (P. strobus), was commonly used in a cough formula with slippery elm. It was also used with witch hazel and spicewood for reducing fever, according to Mary Chiltoskey. Pine bark and needles were used in a tea with apple for the ballplayers, in order that they "have good wind for running."
Pine bark is also considered a sacred Medicine for "wind and healing of the spirit." It is used today as an expectorant for treating congestion and coughs.
The Cherokee Herbal
Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions
J. T. Garrett
ISBN 187918196-7
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