Leigh Joseph, a botanist specializing in ethnoecology and native plants, discusses topics such as identifying plants, Latin names vs. traditional names, passing down or silencing knowledge, pharmaceuticals derived from Indigenous knowledge, ceremonial plants, harvesting do's and don'ts, skin remedies, and more.
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Quick takeaways
Ethnobotany involves documenting traditional plant knowledge of indigenous communities and incorporating cultural sensitivity and sustainable harvesting practices.
Identifying and cultivating native plants supports local ecosystems and requires understanding their habitat requirements.
Indigenous communities have a deep understanding of medicinal plant properties, and sharing and preserving traditional plant-based medicine is an act of cultural resurgence.
Deep dives
Ethnobotany and Indigenous Knowledge
Ethnobotany is the interdisciplinary field of study that explores how humans use and relate to plants. It has evolved from its colonial beginnings to include more indigenous voices and expertise. Ethnobotanists work closely with indigenous communities to document traditional knowledge of plants and their uses. The field is still in the early stages of incorporating indigenous perspectives, but there is a growing emphasis on cultural sensitivity, sustainable harvesting practices, and revitalizing traditional plant-based knowledge. Indigenous communities have a deep understanding of the healing properties of plants, passed down through generations. Cultural importance, sustainability, and respect for the land are key considerations in harvesting and utilizing plant resources.
Identifying and Cultivating Native Plants
Identifying and cultivating native plants is an important way to connect with the natural environment and support local ecosystems. Native plants are those that naturally occur in a region and have co-evolved with people in some cases. Building familiarity with these plants and understanding their habitat requirements is crucial in sustainable harvesting and cultivation. Engaging with local native plant nurseries can provide valuable information on growing and sourcing native plants. It is also important to differentiate between native plants and invasive species. While some invasive plants can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, their removal should be approached with care and consideration for creating space for native plants to thrive.
Medicinal Uses of Plants and Cultural Importance
Indigenous communities have a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of plants, passed down through generations. Traditional medicine often involves a combination of experiential learning, learning from elders and the plant itself, and observation of how animals interact with plants. Medicinal knowledge is culturally significant and varies among different communities. Sustainable harvesting practices and respecting cultural protocols are essential when utilizing plants for medicinal purposes. It is also important to recognize the impact of colonization on indigenous communities' access to and knowledge of medicinal plants. Sharing and preserving traditional plant-based medicine is an act of cultural and political resurgence.
Challenges and Controversies in Ethnobotany
Ethnobotany faces challenges and controversies, such as the use of cultivars and the commercialization of traditional plant knowledge. Cultivars, which are crossbreeds between cultivated varieties and native plants, can raise concerns about potential changes in plant qualities and dilution of cultural significance. Cultural appropriation and overharvesting of culturally important plants are issues that need to be addressed. It is important to approach ethnobotanical research and practices with respect, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to preserving traditional knowledge and sustainable harvesting practices.
The Power of Plant Knowledge in Health and Wellness
Learning about plants that can improve health and reduce the effects of lifestyle diseases empowers individuals in their own journey to well-being. Blueberry leaf extracts have shown potent anti-glication activity, preventing glucose from damaging tissues and nerves. Indigenous communities raise concerns about protecting their traditional knowledge and plant species from exploitation by big pharma. Ethnobotanists emphasize the responsibility to conduct research in a way that respects and safeguards indigenous knowledge.
Plants for Skincare and Remedies
Plants like roses have beneficial properties for skincare, including reducing inflammation and calming breakouts. Plantain, a versatile plant, is useful for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. The Boreal Herbal, written by a non-indigenous herbalist, provides comprehensive information on medicinal plants. Recommendations for learning about and identifying native plants include the book 'Plants of the Pacific Northwest' and the forthcoming coastal plant guide by Andy Buchanan and Jim Poacher.
The what, where, and who of native plants is … ethnobotany! Which is under the umbrella of Ethnoecology! The wonderful botanist Leigh Joseph shares what steered her to this field, how she includes her Squamish First Nation community in her research, and how we relate to plants – both native and invasive. She’ll chat about how to identify plants, Latin names vs. traditional names, how knowledge is passed down or silenced, the chilling history that inspired some of her work, uses for barks and berries and saps and teas, pharmaceuticals derived from Indigenous knowledge, ceremonial plants, the dos and absolutely do-nots of harvesting, skin remedies, white sage, and so much more. Also what should I put on my face?
