Traditional Plant Medicine of the Houma People

The Houma people are a Native American tribe located in the state of Louisiana. In 1682, the Houma tribe was recorded by the French explorer Cavelier de La Salle as living along the Red River on the east side of Mississippi River. By 1706, the tribe moved down the Mississippi River to settle near the confluence of Bayou Lafourche after the Tunica drove them out of the site. The Houma then retreated into the coastal marshes where they remain today after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The United Houma Nation have been a recognized tribe since 1972 and there are about 17,000 enrolled tribal citizens residing within a six-parish service area: St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes.  The Houma culture has a rich tradition of using native plants for human health amelioration. Previous investigation revealed the Houma people used seventy three species native to the region, including elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L.) and Canada cocklebur [Xanthium strumarium var. canadense (P. Mill.) Torr. & Gray]. Knowledge and use of local plants still remains important, and individual Houma traiteurs (healers) use plant medicines in the community. Healing traditions are generally passed down from elders within certain families. The preservation of medicinal knowledge and tradition has been threatened by coastal erosion. Many species are quickly disappearing and no longer available due to coastal erosion, destruction of the habitat and development. Preservation of medicinal knowledge is further challenged by western medicine that is often driven by profit. Strategies to combat these obstacles include reaching out to tribal youth about traditions, plant preservation and the way of life.