Women's Health Among the Chumash

Abstract

Plants were, and still are, widely used for a number of conditions affecting women in California. This article discusses traditional remedies of the Chumash for dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, feminine hygiene, heavy menstruation, urinary tract infections, parturition, lactation, infant care, menopause, sexually transmitted diseases, fertility, contraception and abortions. Many plants are presented includingArtemisia douglasiana,Paeonia californica,Trichostema lanatum,Salvia apiana,Ephedra viridis,Leymus condensatus,Vitis californica,Eschscholzia californica,Rosa californica,Scirpus acutus,Anemopsis californicaandPhoradendron macrophyllum. By providing the specific uses of plants for specific diseases and discussing chemistry, efficacy and safety concerns for each plant, we hope that this article gives direction to women seeking to use plants in their health care.