Unfortunately the citizens of Camden live in one of the poorest cities in the United States. The average income of a household is less then $25,000 making expensive healthcare almost impossible to pay for. One way to help this problem is Lenape Indian inspired medicinal butterfly gardens. These gardens would be the home of medicinal plants such as black cohosh, and elderberries. Plants such as these have medicinal properties in their leaves, stems and berries that the Lenape Indians used to utilize for health conditions such as depression, kidney disorders and even boost ones immune system. These plants are also a great way to help the ecosystem because they attract butterflies. While these gardens would only last while the weather is warm, when the plants die in the winter, people can uproot them and weave them into baskets using the tradition Lenape patterns. Citizens can also collect seeds from the plants to grow them the next season to not have to buy plants again.
“Long before there was pharmacology as we know it, the North American Indians cured illness and maintained health by natural means, using the healing plants of the forest, desert, and seashore. Ranging from analgesics, contraceptives, gastrointestinal aids, hypotensive medicines, sedatives, and toothache remedies. Over 25 percent of all prescription drugs contain plant derivatives, and the mainstream medical establishment is acknowledging the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating certain illnesses.”
-Weiner M. A. — Earth Medicine-Earth Foods. Plant remedies, drugs, and natural foods of the North American Indians
Content- One interpretation of the garden is that it is an homage to the practices of the Lenape Indians who called the land the city of Camden occupies home. This not only keeps their legacy alive but also teaches people that natural remedies and practicing skills such as basket weaving are still valuable in the modern day. Another interpretation is that it is a great way to help the citizens of Camden’s health. A majority of the citizens of Camden live below the poverty line, so they rarely have the funds for health care. Giving these people the ability to grow their own natural remedies and sell baskets can greatly improve their lives.
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