Herbal Medicine
It's essential to supplement any first aid training with herb-based healing methods, since both prescription and over-the-counter medicines may become unavailable in a long-term emergency. Using herbs is not as unconventional as you think. Half of all pharmaceutical remedies in the United States are derived from plant sources.
Once you learn to identify the healing properties of different plants, you'll be ready to meet the exigencies of a survival situation, especially if you evacuate to a wilderness area. With the right herbs, you can prepare teas, poultices, syrups, and other remedies to treat many types of injuries and illness.
For instance, the active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, traditionally extracted from the bark of a willow tree. The herb Black Cohosh is wildly popular nowadays, since it's routinely used as a substitute for hormone replacement therapy. In fact, the vast majority of people living around the globe still use bark, leaves, roots and flowers to heal everything from a skin rash to cancer.
In addition to reading up on the subject (see our detailed overview below), consider signing up for seminars, symposiums and field trips sponsored by garden societies and private herbalists. Formal apprenticeships and academic herbal studies curriculums are taught at a handful of private schools, but tuition costs can be a little pricey. If you need help identifying substitute herbs for your medications, one option is to hire a private herbalist for an hour or two of consultation. That way you can get information that's specific to your needs.
You should also assemble a small medical dispensary to supplement your emergency first aid kit. This is easy to do, since most natural food stores carry a good selection of healing herbs in bulk. You'll also want to pick up some cheese cloth, wicker tea strainers and other accoutrements required for preparing herbal remedies.
And don't forget to scour the dozens of plant databases now available online. These resources are surprisingly vast in scope, so don't overlook them. Below we've provided a brief explanation of how to prepare your remedies and list some common herbs used in the United States.
Methods
Herbal remedies are applied both externally and internally. Here are the basic procedures:
Decoctions and Infusions
Better known as "herb tea". Decoctions are simmered over heat in a non-metal pot for 10 minutes or more and usually involve roots, which require more energy to extract the healing chemicals. In the case of infusions, you simply pour boiling water over tea leaves or flowers and steep for 5 minutes. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herb per cup of water.
Tinctures
Alcohol is used to dissolve and preserve the active ingredient(s) of an herb. (Some plant materials aren't soluble in water.) To make a tincture, one or more handfuls of herb are tossed into the alcohol (usually 90 or 100 proof Vodka) and bottled. The bottle (or jar) is then sealed and shelved for 3 to 6 weeks.
Here are the instructions from Gardenguides.com: Place 4 ounces of dried herb in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and add 2 cups vodka. Leave for two weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain through a cloth into a brown glass bottle.
YouTube has several how-to videos on the process. Tinctures sold in stores include droppers. A typical dose of 15 to 30 drops is diluted in a little water and drunk two or three times daily.
Syrups
A sweetener like honey or sugar is added to a decoction of the appropriate herb and heated until it dissolves and thickens the tea into a strong syrup.
Powder or Capsules
Dried plant material is ground up and placed inside gelatin capsules, which you can buy at health food stores. You can also administer the herb without the capsule by pouring an eighth teaspoon of powder (or other appropriate amount) in a glass of water and drunk. Note: some herbs can be toxic in higher dosages so make sure you know what you're doing.
Infusions
Oil infusions are used externally. Fill a jar with fresh herb and cover the plant material with olive, sunflower or almond oil. Then place the closed jar up to its neck in a saucepan filled with water and simmer for a few hours. Strain and bottle the infusion. For a stronger brew, repeat the process, adding more herb(s) to the already brewed liquid.
Compresses
Soak a cloth in a hot decoction, squeeze most of the liquid out, then apply the compress to the affected area of the body. Once the compress cools, repeat the process as needed. It's also common to add essential oils of other herbs to the liquid for a greater effect.
Poultices
Poultices have been used for thousands of years to treat boils, abscesses, sprains, chest colds and respiratory infection. Mix fresh herbs or powdered seeds into boiling water to make a pulp. Then wrap the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area while hot. According to GardenGuides.com, calendula cream can be spread on the skin first to prevent the poultice from sticking.
Steam and Inhalants
Use steam for skin problems like acne and an inhalant for bronchial problems like sinusitis and laryngitis. Add a strong decoction, one or two drops of essential oils, or 2 teaspoons of tincture to boiling water. Have the patient lean over the tub with a towel over his or her head, so they can breathe in the healing vapors.
Common Herbs
Angelica (dong quai)
Used to combat digestive problems, gastric ulcers, anorexia, and migraines. The root can be eaten as food but is also used as local anesthetic. Angelica's anti-bacterial properties also make it good for teeth. Just chew on the root.
Belladonna
Used to treat neuralgia, gout, rheumatism and sciatica, and to reduce muscle spasms.
Birch leaves and bark
The white birch tree, which thrives in the U.S. and Canada, provides leaves that heal rheumatism, arthritis, gout, arteriosclerosis, water retention, cystitis, kidney stones, skin rashes, psoriasis and eczema. The astringent effect of the tree's sap also helps tones the skin and combats oily and greasy hair.
Black Cohosh
A perennial shrub native to the eastern deciduous forests of North America and widely prescribed substitute for hormone replacement therapy. Also effective against PMS and other menstrual dysfunction.
Chamomile
Prescribed for fever, flu and to calm nerves. Also given to small babies and children for colds, stomach trouble and colitis.
Chickweed
For chest infections. hemorrhoids, varicose veins, psoriasis, inflammation, ulcers, vaginitis, boils, abscesses and allergies. An anti-inflammatory used to support healthy urinary tract function and cystitis. Also used to treat sore throat and flu symptoms.
Dandelion
A rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves are commonly added to green salads. Dandelion roots are brewed as a coffee substitute. As a blood purifier, dandelion aides liver, gallbladder and kidney function, especially in conjunction with Milk Thistle.
Echinacea
The famous flu prevention herb and natural antibiotic, Echinacea is a wildflower native to North America and Europe. It enhances the body's immune system and treats infections. Apply internally or externally.
Eucalyptus
The oil of this plant is the key ingredient in products like Vics vapor-rub. The plant treats numerous symptoms in both humans and animals, including distemper, muslce aches and skin irritations. It's used as an antiseptic gargle and a stimulant to increase cardiac activity. You can also rub the oil on your temples and above your nose to relieve sinus pressure.
Fennel
Fennel water mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup is used to treat flatulence in infants. Fennel tea is made by pouring half a pint of boiling water on a teaspoonful of Fennel seeds.
Feverfew
This herb is a preventative for migraine, and numerous clinical studies have proven its efficacy. For best results, drink feverfew tea regularly as a preventative, since the plant is high in serotonin. (For the actual headache, use willow bark and other pain-relieving herbs.) Feverfew also promotes the onset of the menstrual cycle.
Golden Seal
A natural antibiotic, Goldenseal is a multi-purpose remedy used to fight infection and fever-based illnesses. Like prescription anti-biotics, you can develop a yeast infection from overuse, so use only when needed and remember to replace your pro-biotics with lactobacillus culture found in yoghurt or something similar. (Note: an ounce of chlorophyll extracted from a plant can be inserted in the vagina with a turkey baster to combat a yeast infection.)
Lavender
An anti-viral and calming herb. Heat water, add the lavender, then breathe in the fragrant steam to cleanse the alveoli in the lungs, where respiratory infections begin.
Lobelia (a.k.a. Asthma Weed)
Helpful in treating asthma, epilepsy, tetanus, diphtheria and tonsillitis.
Milk Thistle
Aides nursing mothers with lactation. Studies have shown it to be extremely effective in promoting a healthy liver and healing any deficiencies in this organ.
Mustard seed
The mashed seeds are used as a poultice to relieve muscular and skeletal pain.
Nettles
Boil the herb and drink to combat anemia, hemorrhage (especially in the uterus), heavy menstrual bleeding, hemorrhoids, arthritis, gout and eczema. The roots are used to combat allergies and reduce prostate enlargement.
-----------------------------------------------
Return to: Mega-Disaster Guide
Copyright 2009-2010 TheCityEdition.com
More Resources
Quick Links
Foraging for wild ediblesRecommended Books
Growing 101 Herbs That Heal by Tammi Hartung.Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality by Rosemary Gladstar
Jude's Herbal Home Remedies: Natural Health, Beauty & Home-Care Secrets by Jude C. Todd
The Herbal Home Remedy Book: Simple Recipes for Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Tonics, and Syrups by Joyce A. Wardwell
Aromatherapy: The Complete Guide by Kathi Keville and Mindi Green
A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: Eastern and Central North America by James A. Duke, Steven Foster, and Roger Tory Peterson
The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook: A Home Manual by James Green and Ajana Green
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch
Schools and Training
Directory of organizations in the U.S.Groups Worldwide
HerbNet
Sierra Institute of Herbal Studies
California
The Philo School of Herbal Energetics
Boston
Sacred Plant Traditions
Virginia
Home Study Course
Sage Mountain
New Hampshire
Oak Valley Herb Farm
California (offers field trips abroad)
Websites
Traditional Formula Guides
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
Guide to Herbs and Herb Gardening
by Suzanne DeMuth, USDA
Herb and Food Substitutes for Top Ten Prescription Drugs
How to prepare herbal remedies
Remedies for specific complaints
GardenGuides.com (scroll down the page)
Backwoods Remedies
blog post
Foods that Heal
Global Health & Fitness
Folk remedies
KountryLife.com
Herbal Preparation Methods
Rain-tree.com
The Woman's Guide to Herbal Medicine
by Carol Rogers
Medicinal Herbs Guide
HerbsGuide.net
King's American Dispensatory(1898)
Classic text on plants and their uses.
Materia Medica: the Tinctures (1901)
Classic text on remedies.
An introduction to flower essences
by Suzanne E. Sky
Herbal remedies - women's health
Herblore.com
Medicinal Herb Encyclopedia
From HerbNet.
Essential Oils and Herbal Extracts
Oak Valley Herb Farm
Wild Berries - nutrition and medicinal uses
by Katsi Cook, Akwesasne Mohawk
More herbal remedy suggestions
You-Tube: "How to Dry Herbs"
You-Tube: "How to Make Tinctures"
Oregon Grape Root
Grown in Oregon and California, the root is for skin diseases and as a treatment for prostate infection. It's a blood cleanser, promoting healthy liver and gall bladder function. Can be used as a mild laxative. Externally, the bark serves as a liniment for arthritis.
Peppermint
The dried leaves make a tea that effectively treats acid indigestion and other stomach discomfort.
Poplar
American Poplar has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. Used for intermittent fevers, chronic diarrhea, arthritis and urinary infections.
Rose
Nostradamus successfully used rose petals as a primary herb for fighting the plague in the 16th century. Rose geraniums, oregano, bay laurel and rosemary all posess anti-viral properties.
Spruce
The tree's oils disinfect and clean the lungs. They treat a variety of respiratory functions. Spruce needles are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Boil them to make tea and you'll get as much C as a glass of orange juice.
Stevia
Stevia is a sugar substitute not only for diabetics, but anyone wanting to avoid refined sugar. Stevia does not have the negative renal side effects of other artificial sweeteners.
Slippery Elm
Treats sore throats and stomach distress.
St. John's Wort
This trendy anti-depressant is also used to treat pulmonary complaints, dysentery, worms, diarrhea, hysteria and jaundice.
Tea Tree Oil
Anti-fungal and anti-biotic. Apply externally or as an infusion. May be strong enough to knock out a staph infection or even MRSA, but the tree only grows in Australia.
Witch Hazel
A standard remedy used by Native Americans, you can apply the leaves and bark as a poultice on wounds, burns, hemmoroids, sprains, arthritic limbs, tumors, bruises, acne and insect bites. Witch-hazel helps to shrink and contract blood vessels back to normal size. It's present in hemorrhoid medications and can also be used to treat postnatal tearing of the perineum. As a tea, it's prescribed to treat colds, fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, ulcers and tuberculosis
Wintergreen oil
Useful in combatting the chronic discharge of mucous.
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Used as an anti-septic to heal cuts and wounds.
