Native Americans used the inner bark of Sugar Maple as an expectorant cough medicine and to benefit the lungs of runners. An infusion of the bark and the sap were both used for sore eyes and vision problems. Maple decoction was used for blood cleansing and skin disorders.
Red Maple is also a source for maple syrup and medicine. As with Sugar Maple and other maples, the wash prepared from the bark was used by Native Americans for eye and skin problems. The bark infusion taken internally was used for cramps, menstrual disorders, diarrhea, sore back, hemorrhoids, and measles. Likewise, Silver Maple was used for skin problems, eye problems, coughs, etc.; and for syrup.
Box Elder was also used to make syrup, but I know of no one who has tried it. An infusion or decoction of the bark was used as an agent to induce vomiting (emetic). The wood was burned by Native Americans as incense and during ceremonies. Charcoal of the wood was used to make ceremonial face paint. The wood was also used to make prayer sticks and pipe stems.
Striped Maple was used by Native Americans as medicine for lung and kidney troubles; and as an emetic, laxative, and general tonic. Mountain Maple was used for eye troubles, coughs and intestinal diseases. The roots were used as poultices for wounds and boiled into decoction for hemorrhoids.
