heroic actions of everyday life. We can read about the ancient interpretations on the art of healing. Praising the temples and cult of Asclepius, Hippocrates and Gallen— establishers of European medicine as a science; Susruta— immortal surgeon of Old India; Phases and Arabia medicine. And others including Egypt, Palestine, Persia, Greece and ancient Asiatic continents, India, Russia, China and Japan. To imagine oneself on the very summit of the mountain and in perspective study of the past and present, a feeling of equal magnetism is in balance.
We admit without our old and new predecessors of genius healers the present and future would be uncertain and fearful. While viewing our panoramic scope we feel as if a heavenly ray or special sign should be seen in reverence. There are no temples and prayers; or songs of legend about the wise Indian medicine man, only a few words of“ quack”,“ Medicine Man” or“ Witch Doctor” in neglect.
Training as an Indian healer began very early. Selection was from the family or from signs of devotion, wisdom and honesty. It was more than a career, as is of our time, he was elected by ability. Trusted with all secrets, rituals, habits and legends of their people, while attending all ceremonial celebrations and critical meetings of the people he was at the side of their leader. The trainee must know and remember the many herbal species, their properties and uses. They knew their limitations and that flowers of the garden are not an agent against the fate of death, but there are flowers for sickness and health and flowers to prolong life. All medical plants in the area were used. The flora and fauna differed in each locality, but each knew their immediate supply.
Modern medicine and natural healing still practise their theory. Both used strong steam to create perspiration, isolation of communicable diseases, fasting for health, physiological moments, special diet as to case, and of course herbs. As a healer to all people he was above tribal restriction, he cared for the wounded or needy. The Indian healer was an artist in the best tradition of Hippocrates’ principles, so much treasured by us.
INDIAN HERBS FOR THE GLANDS
In the course of the book we will find herbs for the glands and blood. Today we dispense these corrective supplements as routine procedure, as do the European Herbalists, adopted from the generations of Indian usefulness. They depended on the proper function of the system, including all glands and a healthy blood supply, which as a unit is known as the endocrine system of ductless glands, incorporating the pinal and pituitary glands, thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, thymus gland, islands of langerhans of the pancreas, ovaries and testes. Other structures such as the gastro-intestinal mucus and the placenta also have an endocrine function, which contributes to an internal secreting fluid carried to all parts of the body by the blood and lymphatic system.
The Indians did not care too much about the name of sickness, only physical endurance,“ mens sana in corpore sana”( he can not chance a time of failure). Nervous tension, adrenal failure, heart attack, etc., was not a part of their early life; they could overcome a running deer, swim for days at a time, dance ceremonial dances for weeks. They used herbal tonics, and herbs as food for daily nourishment from on-the-spot location.
In our time, news of hunters or persons stranded in remote areas conclusively stress exhaustion from either fear of starving, exposure, or hunger. If for survival alone, identification is worth while for those involved and reassuring for those concerned that stay at home. Due to physical dependence they had to build energy for bravery in hunting, or fighting, which is known in our time as nerve strength, adrenal secretions, and hormone balance.