Native Healing Plants
of Michigan
Reduction Woodblock Prints
9.5" x 14"
I was chosen to be the artist-in-residence at Villa Barr in
Novi, Michigan where I spent a month in July 2026. I spent my tumultuous junior and senior high school years in this region, so returning offered me an opportunity for healing and reconsidering Michigan more positively. For this project, Native Healing Plants of Michigan, I chose eight plants not only for their powerful medicinal properties, but also for their beauty and color.
Reduction printing is a demanding process because the same block is progressively carved away for each color, requiring precise registration every time the paper is printed.
Self Heal Prunella vulgaris, A tea can help relieve sore throat, accelerate wound healing, also used for painful and swollen eyes, headache and vertigo. It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and helps with immune regulation and may even be anti-tumor. The active compounds of this small plant are triterpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, organic acids, volatile oils and polysaccharides.
Bee Balm, Monarda spp., used to treat respiratory issues, digestive discomfort and skin infections. It has a high thymol content which provides antimicrobial, antifungal, and antispetic properties. Used as a tea for colds, fevers and nerve tonic. When applied topically it soothes rashes, wounds insect stings. Used by the Tewa, Ojibwe, Menomini and Hocak native tribes as healing herbs.
Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum, is used in Native American medicine to treat a range of illness including diarrhea and various mouth ailments as a root infusion, while powdered preparations are used to treat open sores or wounds. Historically it was used to treat menstrual issues such as abnormal bleeding and uterine problems. Presence of gallic acids and tannins provide astringent, antiseptic and bacteriostatic effects.
Gentian, Gentian quinquefolia. Tea or tincture of the root is a bitter tonic, an infusion has been used to treat diarrhea, sore chest, worms and bleeding also used to stimulate digestion and poor appetite. Cherokee, Iroquois, Meswaki used Gentian root for gastrointestinal issues. The active compounds include iridoids, secoiridoids, xanthones and flavonoids which aid in neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor and cardiovascular support.
Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare A tonic made of steeping fresh leaves in 100 proof vodka for three weeks provides an anti-inflammatory that supports health of joints and tendons. Active compounds
are phytochemicals such as sterols, triterpenes
and flavonoids.
Solomon’s Seal Polygonatum. This plant used as an infusion is good for strains, inflamed tendons, sprains, and muscle and joint health. It is considered an anti-rhuematic and is good for stiffness and muscle overuse. Allantoin is the active compound which works as an anti-inflammatory for injuries related to muscular-skeletal issues.
Mullein Verbascum thapsus, This plant is used to treat pulmonary problems, inflammatory diseases, asthma, coughs and migraine headaches. It helps loosen mucus and soothe inflamed airways. Topically oil or poultices are used for ear infection, wounds and skin inflammation. Mullein’s active compounds are saponins and flavonoids which are powerful antibacterial agents.
Virginia Waterleaf Hydrophyllum virginianum L Root tea was used as an astringent for bleeding and dysentery. The roots were mashed and chewed and used as a wash for mouth sores and cracked lips. The young leaves and shoots are edible and good in salads. The active compound is oxalate and the plant is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous as well as Vitamin C.