Devil's Club: Tlingit Traditions of Helen Watkins

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
  • Ties to Alaska's Wild Plants- Devil's Club: Tlingit Traditions of Helen Watkins
    Tlingit Elder Helen Watkins takes us through every stage of processing the devil's club plant from making beads, medicinal powder and infused salve and oil. She also shares the spiritual significance of this powerful plant.

ความคิดเห็น • 156

  • @heatherbeltz4511
    @heatherbeltz4511 4 ปีที่แล้ว +255

    My beautiful aunty. She passed 2016 but loved by all. A traditional healer by heart and taught many the old ways

    • @peggyd3643
      @peggyd3643 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Heather Beltz How kind she was to share how to make Devil’s Club medicine with others. I really enjoyed learning from her. Wish she was still around.

    • @MandosaWright
      @MandosaWright 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      This makes me sad, she seems like a very kind and wise soul.

    • @darlenesmith2456
      @darlenesmith2456 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      I’m grateful she passed on her teachings

    • @jilleven67
      @jilleven67 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Blessings to you, for sharing this with us, our privilege..

    • @annadoll-storey1647
      @annadoll-storey1647 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My father just sent me a bag of this dried. Our friend was recently diagnosed with cancer. Can you tell me how much and how often to give her the grounded under her tongue? Please and thank you!

  • @DannaGesellchen
    @DannaGesellchen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    Every old person who knows these things is a treasure. When we lose one of these, a library is lost.

  • @cindywagner4623
    @cindywagner4623 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    You are so lucky to have this beautiful video of this beautiful Elder sharing her knowledge with us.

  • @barbaraaly9400
    @barbaraaly9400 6 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    We found this ointment when we took a vacation in Alaska. I suffer from arthritis from a defunct rotator cuff. I lost the jar before using for a year because we moved. Found it and truly felt a difference in pain and swelling. I bought more online and I sent some to my 82 year old Mom. Now she is 84 and her physical therapist uses it for her treatment. Mom suffers from swelling her back from a surgical rod that has displaced in her spine. One application and in 30 minutes the swelling and pain is gone. She buys six jars at a time and will never run out. I have two sister-in-laws in Egypt who are teachers. My husband went home for a wedding and took ten jars for his family (including 82 year old aunt). They also love the help. I am thankful my husband convinced me to buy the first jar despite misplacing for a year. It’s better than all the artificial pain stuff out in the markets.

  • @joeyquintana8916
    @joeyquintana8916 5 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Native elders got lot wisdom to offer we can learn lot from natives we are survivors of the land..thank u she knows her teaching she passing down to rest of you that listen and take this teaching thank u my elder

  • @3OHT.
    @3OHT. ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Very charming video, I like how she bit the cambium layer off using her teeth.
    I've lived around Devil's Club my whole life, beautiful plant with a stigmatized name.

  • @aaronpreston3037
    @aaronpreston3037 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    we will all be truly screwed when all this old knowledge goes to the next life and isnt passed on to the next generation. that is the true danger facing us all

  • @marleneabbott6853
    @marleneabbott6853 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Auntie Helen Walkins, I am happy to see you on TH-cam. I love and miss you. Mom would have enjoyed watching also.
    MAY YOU BOTH
    RIP All my love for all my family who has been Resting....

  • @mirnada1964
    @mirnada1964 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I am from Ketchikan and am grateful this video was recommended to me in an environmental anthropology class I am taking down in Seattle. I'm realizing how little I know about the land I grew up on, I always avoided devils club so I had no idea all of the benefits and things you could do with it. I look forward to coming home this summer and having a deeper understanding of the local plants. Thank you for sharing this video.

  • @kimberlycabanas2496
    @kimberlycabanas2496 7 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    Thank goodness for people like you, rekindling traditions and passing on this valuable respect for nature. I love everything about this. So glad you recovered.. you're quite the treasure.

    • @abbienormull
      @abbienormull 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Kimberly, I second what you've said.

  • @Re_Phil
    @Re_Phil 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Lately I’ve been developing a hunger for my traditional ways. As a Tsimshian in the PNW, it feels hard for me to connect with my roots. Thank you for posting

  • @eedeescottagegarden
    @eedeescottagegarden 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    what a beautiful lady. Her wisdom is a true treasure. I wish I had someone in my life like her to teach me all that she knows. RIP beautiful lady.

  • @Dave-ug4cd
    @Dave-ug4cd 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Gunal' Cheesh for sharing our Tlingit Traditions! This has inspired me to dive into the Devil's Club Realm of Reality. Amazing and Powerful!

  • @allisonfabling4459
    @allisonfabling4459 8 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Thank you for sharing this I am an indigenous Maori wahine from New Zealand and I love all " rongoa. (The blessings and healingof Mother Earth) I believe it is a blessing that was given to us for these times of stress and mindless-ness that we see as our present reality. Namaste sisStar again 'Im so grateful for sharing your Knowledge and life experience.

    • @kamiskenaw4340
      @kamiskenaw4340 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm an indigenous man from Canada, I'm Cree and Ojibway.

    • @kamiskenaw4340
      @kamiskenaw4340 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Shawn Boss That makes no sense bud. Unless you're a half breed.

  • @marinatrujillo8012
    @marinatrujillo8012 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    What a spectacular video to find, thank you so much for recording it and to Helen for having shared this knowledge with the public. May she be resting in peace

  • @adriannanorth
    @adriannanorth ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you so much for sharing this woman’s knowledge! I’ve lived in Alaska for 10 plus years and thanks to this video I plan on harvesting and making my own batches!!

  • @thewizzla
    @thewizzla 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Fantastic video. Really amazing wisdom that needs preserving oh and by the way she cured her cancer with wild plants and diet and surgery. Without chemo. Badass lady. Cheers.

  • @Beeni-wello777
    @Beeni-wello777 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Must be a universal medicine, amongst the coastal Indigenous communities like In the Wetsuwet'en territory, aay.

  • @lindalyn4345
    @lindalyn4345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Learning never ended Devil club is a new lesson I have learned today thank you for sharing your knowledge 😊

  • @jasquatch
    @jasquatch 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Thank you for sharing this powerful and ancient wisdom.

  • @kayladean3741
    @kayladean3741 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This really does help with arthritis. I have rheumatoid arthritis and my wrist is swollen and hurts. I put some of this salve on it because nothing else has helped today and it was my only relief and really helped. ❤

  • @kristinkleifgen9814
    @kristinkleifgen9814 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’m so glad you recorded this!

  • @carrielynnvictor6776
    @carrielynnvictor6776 8 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    What a lovely vidoe, thankyou Helen for your sharing

  • @richardmcdonald7565
    @richardmcdonald7565 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Dear Helen, I am an herbalist for 30 years now, and I appreciate the knowledge you have... AND wanted to suggest that you would find it much easier to press out the oil from the cooked root, if you grind it first, when it is still moist/fresh... and then put it in the oil... smaller pieces, yield much more medicinal strength, and the smaller pieces make a ball of herb material... from which the oil can be more easily pressed... Also, a small kitchen implement, known as a "ricer"... is handy to press out oil from the herb material..

    • @ashleypaull2811
      @ashleypaull2811 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Like put the devils club in eletric grinder before putting it in the oil ?

  • @algernoncalydon3430
    @algernoncalydon3430 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Collecting it is the hardest part, since it is almost impossible to avoid getting stuck. If you get below the thorns and collect the root, which can be three feet long as it runs shallow and along the ground, it's easier to peel and more potent.

  • @CarrmelGaona
    @CarrmelGaona 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Making my first batch of beads so watching this video helped me out a lot 😊

  • @howiegeorge74
    @howiegeorge74 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you 🙏🏼 I don’t know how to harvest devils club, Now I do 😊🙏🏼

  • @valemerine3676
    @valemerine3676 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you! Today I collected some near a stream after asking and giving something first. Now I know from your video gift how to use it. 💗⚘

  • @aurelienyonrac
    @aurelienyonrac 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you. Devil's club dissolve negative patterns. you feel so peaceful that you think you are sleepy. Because the only time we are that free and relax is when we sleep. Just proclaim " i can be relaxed and awake at the same time, for the well being of all that I am now."

  • @danquarterman
    @danquarterman 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My goodness such great info here. BUT the best part for me is listening to her, and watching her mannerisms. She's just like my Kwakwakawakw gran, they could be sisters, lol. I miss her so much.

  • @user-wg9cx8jo6d
    @user-wg9cx8jo6d 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    In 2001 I was ktired of getting sick so often so I dug up devils club root ...made a tea and drank a large glass of it 2x a day ...I didnt get sick for 2 yrs. I also, lost 20lbs due to it taking my appetite away.

  • @nonabusns3206
    @nonabusns3206 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love this so much! Oh My God, Helen, Thank You So Much for Sharing!
    I love you for that. So informative and extremely useful. I am sorry that your mom was gone by then.
    My mother and my Auntie also lost their mother at a young age. (Same cancer) After that, When the bad things happened, everything, changed for them.
    They missed many things. But your video gives me hope that the persistence of strong women like you, that the following generations can, and will, carry on. I love you for that, *Number 9", (by the way, I am *Number 7). God Bless.
    Anyways, I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and your skills. It is truly a good thing and I know that I am blessed to know and run across this video.
    God Bless You and Thank You For Sharing.

  • @BugzBrown
    @BugzBrown 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Many Blessings for this Teaching. I am Gitxsan with 3 children, living in Vancouver. I grew up in Prince Rupert....and ran into these all the time in the mountains....did not realize how sacred they are.

  • @wildwoodskimberlynewworldd5282
    @wildwoodskimberlynewworldd5282 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you so much for this video what a beautiful Elder you are to share this with everyone thank you

  • @michaelthomas7223
    @michaelthomas7223 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wonderful to see and learn about early medicine.
    Thank you.

  • @beckyoakley522
    @beckyoakley522 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank u for your guidance with devils club. Im am becoming a shaman and right now im learning about herbs,roots, and vines. Medicinal and spiritual.

  • @egidiaconsigliere8666
    @egidiaconsigliere8666 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wise woman ❤️

  • @nataleekline875
    @nataleekline875 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and powerful medicine. Blessings on you always.

  • @ericabax3649
    @ericabax3649 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    So amazing story and lesson about herbal medicine.. I'm from ketchikan and I have family there. I do miss everyone there. I do believe the spirit story of healing hands. Hope yo find more alike this. Great lesson.!! 🤗

  • @lindahuante
    @lindahuante 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this video, your auntie was a treasure

  • @elvishmaiden689
    @elvishmaiden689 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you very much for sharing all the helpful information about Devi's club may God Bless you & keep you

  • @mjf3570
    @mjf3570 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very interesting, thank you, I'll pass the information along.

  • @amegorica8902
    @amegorica8902 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you Helen

  • @babydollwatson1748
    @babydollwatson1748 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge❤

  • @Earloph_Shitler
    @Earloph_Shitler 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I cannot wait to try this! Thank you for your guidance ❤

  • @TREEHUGGAH1
    @TREEHUGGAH1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    much respect-PROTECT THE SACRED

  • @Earloph_Shitler
    @Earloph_Shitler 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is such a treasure. Thank you for sharing her wisdom with all of us ❤

    • @harrietbiehner2153
      @harrietbiehner2153 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh my such a wonderful wealth of information. We as a people need to keep this type knowledge going. We have let our government and medical groups stray us too far from our roots...may we one day all work together for a healthier future.
      But no matter what as an elder we need to teach our young so they will do the same or all shall be lost...

  • @crystalwilliams1841
    @crystalwilliams1841 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this so much 🙏❤ with honor love and respect

  • @camtunguyen416
    @camtunguyen416 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for sharing your story.🙏❤️

  • @kaecake9575
    @kaecake9575 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love from Diné Nation 🕊️

  • @egidiaconsigliere8666
    @egidiaconsigliere8666 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent!👍❤️

  • @ant-1382
    @ant-1382 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My only experience with devils club was when I was climbing out back of Maple Ridge. Reached out to grab a hand hold to help myself up!! Ooh big mistake. Nasty stuff. Good to know it has medicinal properties. Didn't like it that day!!

  • @thelifelongnomad
    @thelifelongnomad 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wonderful. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

  • @microwaveoven9170
    @microwaveoven9170 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is going to be a great reference for when I go collecting!

  • @whitewidow358
    @whitewidow358 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    what an amazing video and beautiful woman! Loved every second of this.

  • @IcedReality
    @IcedReality 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for this! This answered the myriad of questions I had.

  • @rhealgodin4522
    @rhealgodin4522 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for all your knowledge much appreciated . 💓

  • @sumtingwong5451
    @sumtingwong5451 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Not sure, but similar wild plants exist in Korea and are used as health supplements. But it is smaller in size. In Korean, it is called "가시오가피(gasiogapi)".

  • @Beeni-wello777
    @Beeni-wello777 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sne kalyegh 🤲 for sharing 🌱🕯fr the coast Salish territory

  • @Binkitastic46290
    @Binkitastic46290 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your knowledge and sharing it with the people.

  • @lordfrida5293
    @lordfrida5293 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    i think it’s crazy that literally every alaskan kitchen looks the same

  • @zemog4540
    @zemog4540 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you mam for sharing your wisdom with the world

  • @shannon2228
    @shannon2228 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you !!!! Sharing on Minds social media

  • @kaohsi4173
    @kaohsi4173 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Yes ,dear lady we will miss her.
    Can I buy some of the salves? Thank you very much.

  • @FoodForestPermaculture
    @FoodForestPermaculture 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic ! Thank you kindly for sharing . Much love and respect . Food Forest Permaculture

  • @cindywagner4623
    @cindywagner4623 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I put one above my wall phone, when we used to have those. Kept bad news from your ears.

  • @heavencantwait1218
    @heavencantwait1218 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved your video thanks for sharing .. 🤗

  • @sophiebella53
    @sophiebella53 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely wonderful medicine! Thanks for sharing!

  • @shorty001ca
    @shorty001ca 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you 🥰

  • @ClaudiaReneFuentes
    @ClaudiaReneFuentes 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was wonderful! Very informative and fun :)

  • @lisaedenshaw-krieger4241
    @lisaedenshaw-krieger4241 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Where are you from? I'm a tlingit from Klawock. Loved your video. Gunalcheesh

  • @tlakwagila
    @tlakwagila 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Hello, I live this video on our medicine. It is popular among the Tsimshian. Can I purchase or trade for this medecine. I am a sweatlodge leader and Chief from the Owikeeno people. Tlakwagila from the House of Walus.

    • @tlakwagila
      @tlakwagila 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you for your message. I am interested.

    • @dustinhargrove2129
      @dustinhargrove2129 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Also making some this year too if you want more

  • @reganbeebe3141
    @reganbeebe3141 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing ❤️

  • @ledacedar6253
    @ledacedar6253 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such awesome medicine that’s a true healer! I learned about Devils Club powers from the Gitxsan-Wet’suwet’en traditional medicine project in 2001 at the BC Dze l Kant Friendship centre. O SURE WOULD LOVE TO BUY SOME; no access to wheels but no one is! Wise woman is a medicine woman. 😊

  • @glynnphillips9703
    @glynnphillips9703 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love you ma'am

  • @1969rett
    @1969rett 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    She looks like my Mom!

  • @generaldiego
    @generaldiego 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    dope

  • @mistyannh.1577
    @mistyannh.1577 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bless her heart! Gunalcheesh Ho ho…

  • @luoz7874
    @luoz7874 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi.I am flowing your beautiful aunty’s way to make my first devil club salve.what a Treasure gift that she passed on for everyone!!!!Thank you!Aunty.
    Now I have a question,I have finished steam it with olive oil over night. If I don’t have time To complete the rest.how should I keep the olive? Should I leave outside or keep it into the refrigerator?and should I take the devil skin?

  • @mariolazataj-ostrowski8051
    @mariolazataj-ostrowski8051 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Salve comes good to spread on a body if you use 1to 7.
    7part of oil and 1part of bebe wax

  • @carlamann3316
    @carlamann3316 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Can you use coconut oil or other oils, jojoba oil, Shea butter?

  • @veronicagrills7649
    @veronicagrills7649 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Then can you use the bark for something else after?

  • @1969rett
    @1969rett 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Falling on the devils club is mother natures way of immunization.

  • @beverley-memawmawclarkwhit5102
    @beverley-memawmawclarkwhit5102 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    where might one get some of the devil's club beads she is wearing???

  • @pereboom23
    @pereboom23 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can I find devil's club in the Netherlands? Northern West Europa

  • @blinky0h9
    @blinky0h9 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do i need a slow cooker or can i just use a stovetop

  • @emmasmythe1432
    @emmasmythe1432 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello: I have a good bunch of Devil’s Club bark but had kept it too long after peeling it and now it is dry and brittle. Would I still be able to use it as you have demonstrated in this video? Will soaking it in the oil rehydrate it? Will there still be a potent amount of the medicinal properties? Thanks for any information you can provide on this.

    • @BarefootInAK
      @BarefootInAK 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Take the dried bark and break it up and use as a pain reliever. Chew on it and suck the juices. An elder told me this. You could probably still make a salve, just soak the dried devils club in your oil for a longer amount of time. Technically you could add your dried DC to a jar, pour your oil, cap and leave for a week and then do a heat soak as shown in the video. Dried product just takes longer to reconstitute. Blessings and healing to you~

  • @Krootayahvasola
    @Krootayahvasola 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello, just wondering that bark that was ground up..is it the bark used to infuse into oil?
    Very informative video thank you ❤️

  • @leoguy1030
    @leoguy1030 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can I use devils club that I found in November?

  • @kristinakysar3302
    @kristinakysar3302 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is devil club and walking stick the same the one in my area has white flowers on top

  • @AmmaNonna
    @AmmaNonna 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is this the same as Devil's Walking Stick?

  • @chaz4471
    @chaz4471 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How do you drink it?

  • @dustinhargrove2129
    @dustinhargrove2129 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does anybody else get a metallic/funky taste in their mouth while processing the bark? I harvested a lot to give to elders of my wife’s tribe and family (we live on her Rez) I had to stop halfway through my haul and put it down for a few days

    • @dustinhargrove2129
      @dustinhargrove2129 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      And a warm feeling in kidney/lower back area

  • @isabellawright6818
    @isabellawright6818 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Would it be ok for someone to do this who isn't Tlingit?

  • @Shylows
    @Shylows ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow do you sell this I'm in montreal

  • @garyharris3159
    @garyharris3159 ปีที่แล้ว

    I borrowed A Herb Book He Says Has A Cure Cancer Blue violet Burdock Rock Rose skull cap Red Clover Blossoms blue the barium yellow Dock All Mixed Together I'm Not Sure How Mixed had To Return Book That's Parts I remembered

  • @Hayley-sl9lm
    @Hayley-sl9lm 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I read that it was used as a deodorant... She says it smells good... I'm curious, what does it smell like?

  • @linneaweilacher6168
    @linneaweilacher6168 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! 😍🤗 Devils Club is strong medicine!! Ive always thought it was an amazing old plant, but stayed away.
    Have you ever harvested in fall? Do you think the medicine is sttonger when harvested in spring?
    Thank you and many blessings!!

    • @farthestnorthfilms
      @farthestnorthfilms 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hi Linnea. Helen passed soon after this film was complete. I am the filmmaker who worked with her on the video. She always suggested the spring for being the best time to harvest because of all the medicine in the inner bark. Fall is ok, but less medicine and harder to peal off from the inner stalk.

  • @petemaxwell8043
    @petemaxwell8043 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know this is a video from a couple of years ago but over night for how long 8 10 13 hours and what temp

    • @farthestnorthfilms
      @farthestnorthfilms 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hi Pete. She would typically put in on a heat source for 8 hrs.

  • @dosbox907
    @dosbox907 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is helen still doin good?

    • @farthestnorthfilms
      @farthestnorthfilms 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am sad to say that Helen passed about a month after giving approval of the final version of the film.