The Environmental Action Lab
Syracuse • Puerto Rico • Brooklyn
Traditional Plant Medicine
Honoring the historical wisdom of Taíno, Haudenosaunee, and African diaspora communities in their use of plants for healing and wellness.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and represents traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Always consult with healthcare professionals before using plants medicinally. Respect indigenous knowledge and sustainable harvesting practices.
Taino People
Puerto Rico & Syracuse communities
The indigenous TaÃno people developed sophisticated plant medicine knowledge over centuries, understanding the healing properties of Caribbean flora.
Key Contributions:
Foundation of Puerto Rican herbal medicine, spiritual plant uses, sustainable harvesting practices
Traditional Plants Examples:
Hierba Buena
Guava
Ceiba
Yuca
African Diaspora
Puerto Rico & Syracuse communities
Enslaved Africans and their descendants brought extensive plant knowledge and healing traditions that blended with indigenous practices.
Key Contributions:
Complex herbal preparations, spiritual healing practices, cultivation techniques
Traditional Plants Examples:
Turmeric
Cerasee
Moringa
Ginger
Haudenosaunee
Syracuse, NY region
The indigenous people of central New York developed deep relationships with local plants for medicine, food, and spiritual practices.
Key Contributions:
Complex herbal preparations, spiritual healing practices, cultivation techniques
Traditional Plants Examples:
White Pine
Cerasee
Sweetgrass
Wild Ginger
Our Plant Database
Explore native and beneficial plants from Syracuse, NY and Puerto Rico that we work with in our restoration projects
