Return to Specific Plants Discussed in Oral History Interviews page
Stinkweed or wormwood (Caiggluk in Yup'ik) is used as a medicinal plant by Alaska Native people throughout the state. For more about traditional Alaska uses of stinkweed, see UAF's Ethnobotany Program webpage: "Artemisia- Moon Plants for Women."
Listen to Howard Luke, Dene Athabascan from Interior Alaska, talk about using stinkweed to treat arthritis, cramps, pulled muscles, and sore eyes. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 96-35, Part 1).
Listen to Sarah Frank, Gwich'in Athabascan from Venetie, Alaska, talk about using stinkweed to treat arthritis. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 2002-13-18)
Listen to Karen Brooks, Yup'ik from Nelson Island and Dene Athabascan from Manley Hot Springs, Alaska, talk about the use of stinkweed as traditional medicine. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 2021-02-31, Part 1). To learn more about how Karen Brooks uses plants for traditional medicine and healing, listen to her full interview.
Listen to Willa Ashenfelter and Irene Aukongak, Iñupiaq from White Mountain, Alaska, talk about the use of stinkweed as traditional medicine. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 2004-17-16, Part 2).
Listen to Bertha Moses, Athabascan from Allakaket, Alaska, talk about using stinkweed to treat a cold. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 2004-17-14).
Listen to Vera Angasan, Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) from King Salmon, Alaska, talk about using wormwood in the steambath. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 98-22-05).
Listen to Ted Melgenak, Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) from King Salmon, Alaska, talk about using stinkweed. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 98-22-04).
Listen to Anesia Newyaka, Yup'ik from Kokhanok, Alaska, talk about using stinkweed in the steambath. Or read the transcript (ORAL HISTORY 98-21-07)