Natural Cures & Madrone Trees

While used by Native Americans prior to European discovery, it was Catholic priest Father Crespi partaking in the Spanish Portola Expedition in California in 1769 who first dubbed the madrone tree "madrono" due to its resemblance to a similar tree in the Mediterranean. In the 19th century the species was formally christened with the Latin name Arbutus. Despite the discovery and naming of the tree by Europeans, it was the native tribes of California who recognized the trees' leaves, berries and bark as medicinally beneficial for a variety of ailments.
  1. Background and Description

    • With a distribution range from British Columbia to northern Mexico, the madrone tree grows well in a variety of climates due to a natural tolerance to extreme temperatures, drought, elevation and shade. The tree can survive on very little water and is adaptable to many different types of soil, often growing in poorer quality soil. Standing up to 98 feet tall, the madrone tree is a broadleaf evergreen with an angled or crooked trunk and twisted branches that grow in an upward direction and form a rounded crown. Its leaves range in size from 2-3/4 inches to 4-3/4 inches in length and have a dark, glossed appearance with a pale underside. In April or May, the trees develop groupings of white, urn-shaped flowers. Small red-orange berries also grow from the branches. The bark of the tree is a distinct with thin, red-brown appearance that, when peeled, comes off in thin strips or flakes exposing the underlying newly matured bark.

    Madrone Tree as a Cure for Digestive Ailments

    • While not all of the Native American tribes in western California utilized the madrone tree for its medicinal properties, many tribes used it in the treatment of digestive ailments. The Cahuilla, Concow, Miwok and Yuki tribes used different parts of the tree to different effects. For example, Cahuilla, Miwok and Yuki procured leaves for the treatment of stomach aches and cramps. The Concow and Yuki promoted the eating of the entire plant as a vomit inducer, while the berries -- which were used as food by many tribes -- were processed into a fermented cider by the Miwok, who believed it to generate an appetite.

    Madrone as a Topical Skin Treatment

    • In some cases the processing of leaves and/or bark into liquid by the Pomo and Yuki tribes created medicines for various skin problems. The Pomo boiled down the bark of the mardone tree to produce a wash that helped clean skin sores while also being used as a beauty aid to shrink pores and soften the skin. A bark and leaf infusion produced by the Yuki tribe was believed to have similar benefits and was used to treat skin cuts and sours. The Yuki also used the leaves of the tree to help treat skin burns and rheumatism.

    Madrone as a Cold and Sore Throat Treatment

    • In addition to recognizing the skin-healing properties of madrone, the Pomo and Yuki tribes are also distinctive for their use of the tree's component to treat cold symptoms and sore throats. The same bark decoction used by the Pomo to help the skin was also gargled to help relieve sore throats. An infusion containing madrone leaves was used by the Pomo tribe as a treatment for the common cold. The Yuki also used a tea-like infusion containing madrone leaves for the treatment of colds and sore throats.

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