Saskatoon Gen Web Region in Central Saskatchewan
The Tamarack pine tree nestled in with Spruce pine trees. The Tamarack is perhaps the only pine tree that turns color in the fall and sheds its pine needles before winter as opposed to the other pine trees which stay green all winter long. The soft inner bark or 'tamarack fat' was used as a poultice on burns and boils by the Chipewyan. The Cree also used it by boiling it first making a tea to apply externally to stop bleeding, and treat hemorrhoids, jaundice, and melancholiac. Some tribes dried and powdered the 'needles' and inahled the powder to relieve colds and sinus problems. European travellers made a tea from the needles to help prevent scurvy as the 'needles' are high in Vitamin C. It is noted to only imbibe in evergreen teas in moderation as too, too much can cause cramps and paralysis. Tamarack burns very hot and very fast, and makes a good fire starter.--Source for some of the above information abstracted from Johnson, Kershaw, MacKinnon, and Pojar. Plants of the Western Boreal Forest and Aspen Parkland. 1995. ISBN 1-55105-058-7. Lone Pine Publishing and the Canadian Forest Service. Edmonton, Alberta.
Please comment on the pictures if they remind you of any of your family stories, or if you would like to contribute information about them in regards to Saskatchewan history or current practices. View comments
|
| The Tamarack pine tree nestled in with Spruce pine trees. The Tamarack is perhaps the only pine tree that turns color in the fall and sheds its pine needles before winter as opposed to the other pine trees which stay green all winter long. The soft inner bark or 'tamarack fat' was used as a poultice on burns and boils by the Chipewyan. The Cree also used it by boiling it first making a tea to apply externally to stop bleeding, and treat hemorrhoids, jaundice, and melancholiac. Some tribes dried and powdered the 'needles' and inahled the powder to relieve colds and sinus problems. European travellers made a tea from the needles to help prevent scurvy as the 'needles' are high in Vitamin C. It is noted to only imbibe in evergreen teas in moderation as too, too much can cause cramps and paralysis. Tamarack burns very hot and very fast, and makes a good fire starter.--Source for some of the above information abstracted from Johnson, Kershaw, MacKinnon, and Pojar. Plants of the Western Boreal Forest and Aspen Parkland. 1995. ISBN 1-55105-058-7. Lone Pine Publishing and the Canadian Forest Service. Edmonton, Alberta. |
| | |
| Please comment on the pictures if they remind you of any of your family stories, or if you would like to contribute information about them in regards to Saskatchewan history or current practices. View comments |