The Medicine Trail is home to various species of trees and plants used in Mi’kmaw medicine. Here are just a few:

Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)

The black ash, or Wisqoq as it is called in Mi’kmaw, is rare in Nova Scotia. It flowers in May and June, and its wood is used to make baskets.

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

The Yellow birch flowers in the spring and is known in Mi’kmaw as Nimnoqn. The inner bark, which smells and tastes like wintergreen, is used to make tea, or can be chewed for nourishment, extra energy, or the relief of stomach cramps.

Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)

Also called Gtjigaoapi in Mi’kmaw, Wild Sarsaparilla flowers from July to August. The root of this plant is used to make tea and serves as an all-purpose medicine.

Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina)

A member of the Bayberry family, the Sweetfern, or Eniqsimus, as it is called in Mi’kmaw, flowers in May. The leaves and twigs are used to make tea and poultices for the treatment of poison ivy rash and other external sores.

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum Marsh)

This tree is known for the delicious syrup made from its sap. Its Mi’kmaw name is Snaoei.

White Ash (Fraxinus americana)

This tree is important to the Mi’kmaq of this area because its wood is commonly used in the making of traditional baskets. Known as Akomahq in Mi’kmaw, the wood, or growth rings, are also used in cures for stomach cramps and fevers.

Mayflower (Epigaea repens)

The Mayflower, also the provincial floral emblem for Nova Scotia, flowers from April to May. The leaves of this delicate pink flower, are used to make tea for kidney disorders and stomach aches. Users should be cautious as the leaves can be toxic.

Pink Lady's slipper or Moccasin flower (Cypripedium acaule)

A member of the Orchid family, the Lady's slipper flowers from June to July. The roots are used to make tea for nerves.

Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

The blueberry, or Kwimanoksi as it is called in Mi’kmaw, produces its tasty fruit from July to August; they are considered a good general tonic. The leaves and roots are boiled in water, and the liquid is used to rub on painful areas.

Indian Pipe (Monotropa un.flora)

Otherwise known as a Ghost flower, Indian pipe flowers from June to October. The whole plant is used to treat aches and pains.

Photo Credits
All photos: Communications New Brunswick / Image Bank