Abenaki Medicinal Use of Local Pollinator Plants with Dr. Vicki Motz

Abenaki Medicinal Use of Local Pollinator Plants

In this free presentation, hosted by the Pollinator Pathways NH and the Portsmouth Public Library, Dr. Vicki Motz will talk about native pollinator plant species that were used as medicine by the Abenaki and how they work.

Indigenous people had a vast knowledge of the local plants and used them in all aspects of daily life from building materials to food to medicine. In the lexicon of ethnobotany, it doesn’t matter if you are talking about a tree, shrub, or grass, if it grows and is used medicinally, it is referred to as a medicinal herb. In researching this region, it turns out were over 130 native plants used by the Abenaki.

Dr. Motz will explain how plants make chemicals to protect themselves from bacteria, fungi, and UV damage. These chemicals can be extracted from the plant for beneficial uses.  As an example, Mint (Mentha sp.) makes the chemical menthol to help deter pests, and increase the opening of stomata. The chemicals produced can be extracted and used to treat animal and human disorders. Depending on whether it’s used as a water-based tea, oil-based rub, alcohol-based tincture, or essential oil, menthol; can be used as an anti –viral, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, decongestant, expectorant, and analgesic. It also treats flatulence, dyspepsia, and intestinal colic. 

Join us for this free presentation to learn more about how local pollinators were used through history and are still important today! Refreshments will be provided. The snow date for this event is Saturday March 15. 

Registration is required. 

About the Presenter:
Dr. Vicki Motz taught human physiology and anatomy for 40 years and has taught courses in pathophysiology and medicinal herbalism.  Dr. Motz has been interested in herbal medicine since attending an herb day at the Shaker Village in Enfield over 30 years ago! She is active in local and national herb groups and was the garden chair for the Inniswood Metro Park Medicinal Herb Garden in Ohio. She has used herbs at home, taught courses in medicinal herbs, and published papers on herbal use and ethnopharmacology. Recently retired after over 40 years of teaching, Vicki returned to NH. She worked with Pollinator Pathways of New Hampshire while exploring local plants to add to the cleared area of her 8 acres of forest.

About the Pollinator Pathways NH:
The Pollinator Pathways of NH is an organization of individuals working to connect pollinators with the habitat they need to survive. Pollinators are in severe decline and need your help. With more than a dozen New Hampshire “partner towns” on board, Pollinator Pathways NH is rapidly growing! Please join us in promoting native habitat across New Hampshire. This natural habitat attracts pollinators, birds, other wildlife, and supports biodiversity.