from the 1998 volume of HEALTH MATTERS© . . .  

Herbs for First Aid and Survival 

The Year 2000 (Y2K) is approaching rapidly.  As a reader of “The Open Line” you are aware of earth changes and the possibility of interruptions in power, problems with access to food, and other limitations to the current way of life in modern society, which may come about. 

Most alive today are not experienced in the impact of similar limitations which last occurred during the Great Depression.  Those that seemed to do best during this time of limitation were those who were able to live simpler lives.  These folk also were prepared with food and  natural medicines to see them through tough times. 

As we wait and prepare for the millennium, think about putting by some herbs and remedies for first aid and survival.  Hopefully you will find benefit from the information in this month’s column. 

My favorite herb, and perhaps one of the most important in your herbal first aid kit is Cayenne.   This is surely nature’s finest stimulant.  It is good for the heart, circulation, indigestion, tonsillitis, wounds, ulcers, liver problems, and more.  It is very high in Vitamin C.  Have on hand a high quality, high heat unit cayenne in powder and tincture form.  (Best to make you own tincture and it is a very simple thing to do!) 

Since Goldenseal remains on the endangered list, I suggest getting Oregon Grape Root for antibiotic use. 

No one should be without Garlic for treating bacteria, fungus, virus, and promoting good general health.  The oil is good for ear aches, equalizing blood pressure, killing worms, and eliminating congestion.  It is a good anti-histamine, too.  The tincture or syrup form fights off colds, flu, and even plague.  The powdered herb is also a good way to store your supply for making additional bottles of oil, syrup, or tincture. 

Every home should have Comfrey.    This herb is good to heal wounds, clear mucus in the lungs and intestines, heal broken bones, and even as a thickening agent in soups or stews.  Comfrey is very high in calcium and protein.  Dried leaves are good to keep on hand to make tea. 

Elder flower and peppermint is a good tea to keep on hand for treating children with dry, high fever.  This blend helps anyone with a cold, or fever.  Peppermint is a good choice to keep for stomach distress and calming nerves.  Catnip will also calm the nerves, relax the stomach, eliminate gas and colic, and is a good herb for children. 

Red Raspberry Leaf is high in calcium, iron, and Vitamin E.  It helps in pregnancy, and other needs of women.  It is very good for colds and flu. 

Marshmallow Root powder helps with wounds and gangrene.  It is very soothing to any part of the body lined with a mucous membrane.  It promotes the flow of mother’s milk and will prevent starvation as it is so very high in vegetable protein. 

Oak Bark is the basic astringent herb.  It helps with varicose veins, boils, skin eruptions, vomiting, hemorrhage, and more. 

Juniper Berry is helpful for the treatment of problems with the urinary tract, especially urine retention.

Black Walnut is a good source of iodine.  It is a fungicide and eliminates parasites. 

You might want to think about these additional herbs that are survival foods:

            Alfalfa contains essential hormones and enzymes for health of the pituitary and adrenal glands.  It has protein, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A-B12-K-C-P.

            Slippery Elm powder is high in protein and vegetable gelatin.  A person could survive on this food alone, coked with some water and honey into a gruel.

            Kelp or Dulse for protein, vitamins, and trace minerals.  These sea vegetables are a good substitute for salt, and keep the thyroid gland in good health.

            Licorice Root  will maintain energy, stamina, and strength.  It feeds the adrenal glands.  I can stave off thirst and hunger.  Mix one tablespoon of the powdered herb in a quart of pure water and shake vigorously.  Just a mouthful of this blend taken throughout the day will keep you going.  It is also helpful in high heat conditions. 

Clove oil is good to have on hand for toothache. 

Yellow Dock and Bugleweed herbs help detoxify heavy metals. 

Hawthorn Berry should be available for anyone with a heart condition. 

Think about your situation, and your family.  Build a medicine chest that will serve you well, and see you through tough times. 

Your suggestions and questions for this column are invited. 

HEALTH MATTERS is written by Gayle Eversole, MH, PhD, RN, AHG.  Gayle has been studying and using herbs and natural healing for more than thirty-five years.  She is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, and has more than twenty-five years experience as a nursing practitioner.   

Herbs and natural health products, meeting stringent standards, along with consulting, counseling, educational programs, and mediation are available through CHI.  We work best with chronic and complicated situations.  © 9,1998