MOTHER NATURES MEDICINE CABINET. A SHORT GUIDE TO WILD MEDICINAL PLANTS.

So I recently wrote a post about wild foods now that spring is here. But with the arrival of the warmer weather it's not only a time to go out and find food, but medicine as well. Mother Natures medicine cabinet is often times a better option than most store bought remedies. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those people who thinks that herbal or natural remedies are preferable to modern medical science when treating a serious illness, but there are some natural remedies that are just as effective in regards to things like pain relief. Not to mention easier on your liver and kidneys.

So in this post I'm going to provide a guide to easy to identify medicines that grow in our hedgerows. I hope you guys enjoy.

WILLOW TREE:

(image credit: articulo.mercadolibre.com.mx)

I start with this easy to identify tree as it's common knowledge that it contains acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin in short. It's easy to identify and in regards to using it you can take a number of approaches. In a pinch you can chew green springs, or if you have time use the bark on young branches to brew a foul tasting tea. I have known it to be ground down and combined with things like plantain to make a topical poultice to relieve inflammation and treat a wound as well.

You want to avoid using it if you are on aspirin therapy, taking medications to treat heart disease, are on blood thinning medication, or have gastrointestinal issues. Oh, and to much of it has a laxative effect so moderation in dosing is crucial.

GUELDER ROSE/ CRAMP BARK


(image credit: birdsandtrees.net)

This plant is just now coming into bloom and has amazing medical properties not unlike willow. The same cautions apply that apply to willow as far as medication interactions, but I have used both and found this small shrub to be far more effective. The bark does make a horrible tea, but if you have a cracking migraine when out camping you can't beat it for a fast remedy. It gained its nick name "cramp bark" as it was used for centuries to relieve menstrual pain. It was also used by midwives to ease pain in child birth.

As it comes into fruit it produces beautiful clusters of extremely sour berry's that taste awful. However, they make an amazing jam and one cup of these horrible tasting fellows packs more vitamin C than a dozen oranges. It's a one stop shop if you're looking for cold and flu relief. It's three pointed leaves and cluster of red current like berries are keys to identifying it. Practice identification before you consume though.

TANSY:

(image credit: peridonk.com)

I include this herb not so much for consumption, but rather for its convenient effects on pesty insects. Tansy has a odor that packs a bunch when you boil it in water and bugs can't stand it. Even by it's self it's one of natures natural mosquito and fly repellents. Now it was used as a anthelmintic and consumed in a weak tea to treat intestinal worms, but it is toxic in large doses as it contains thujone. However using the leaves in a poultice sparingly does sterilize a wound and for that is worth knowing about. Think of it as mother natures iodine.

It's worth noting that it does have a look alike called ragwort. The leaves are darker on this poisonous plant and it's known to kill live stock so stay away from it. I've included a picture below. Remember, always practice identifying a plant before you use it. Practice a lot.

TOXIC RAGWORT:

(image credit: naturespot.com)

PLANTAIN:

(image credit: khkeeler.blogspot.com)

I know we see the name and think of the banana but it's not. This amazing plant kinda does it all. It helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea, has antiseptic qualities, and is edible and tasty in the right salad. Whether you're using it in a poultice, steaming it to eat, chomping on it raw, it's all around going to benefit you. The whole plant is edible as is its cousin the broad leafed plantain. I'll include a picture below.

BROAD LEAF PLANTAIN:

(image credit: preppingtosurvive.com)

SPHAGNUM MOSS:

(image credit: wildlifetrust.com)

This isn't something you eat, but rather apply. Sphagnum moss was used during WW1 when the allies ran short on gauze. It's incredibly absorbent. However, you will want to sterilize it and dry it if time permits as you never know what's crawling around in it. The moss itself has antiseptic properties though and can be used to dress a wound, or if you're really desperate on the trail and forgot toilet paper..... let's just say it's easier to use this moss than accidentally grab a hand full of poison oak leaves.

Well guys, thanks for reading. I hope you found the information useful. I look forward to checking out your amazing content in the future. Many blessings and Steem on.