Let’s face it: at some point in life, there is a
distinct possibility that you will, in fact, have to make a trip to the
doctor’s office. Surgery, a broken bone, stitches - these are
situations an untrained person such as you or I would probably not want to
deal with at home, nor should we. However, whether you are
living thirty miles out of town or in a town apartment, one should not
have to run to the doctor for the everyday cuts, scrapes, and bruises that
come from hard work.
Granted, you could just keep a few basic OTC’s in
your first-aid kit - but then that wouldn’t be particularly self-reliant,
would it? Nor would it be, and I stress this, particularly FUN!
And, since you are reading this, I can only assume that you are interested
in living a somewhat self-sufficient life in which, for fun and
function, you just might have to get a little creative on occasion.
Who knows, maybe you can work out a barter with the neighbor. With
all of that said, let’s get to the goods...
Some Basic Herbs to Have on Hand
To make any salve or tincture, including the two
preparations I’m going to explain, you will need herbs. No matter
where you live, you can get access to the following basic list.
Plant them in your garden, on the deck, or in the window-planters for a
fresh, year-round supply.
While best fresh, you can dry the excess for a winter
stock, or purchase pre-dried stock in the bulk section at the health food
store.
Please note that there are many, many more individual herbs, as
well as combinations, beyond what I have listed here. My goal for
this list was to give a basic selection that will take care of some of the
more common day to day maladies. So, here's
The List:
Plantain
Parts Used: Leaves
Common Historical Uses (CHU): cuts, stings, stops blood flow, astringent,
anti-inflammatory, swelling, or as a poultice to draw out thorns and
splinters.
Witch Hazel
Parts Used: Leaves
CHU: anti-septic, relieve pain, muscle aches
Lavender:
Parts Used: Flowers
CHU: headaches, burns, stress, insomnia
Peppermint
Parts Used: Leaves
CHU: digestive aid, headaches, increase circulation, congestion aid
Rosemary
Parts Used: Leaves
CHU: headaches
Chickweed
Parts Used: Whole Herb
CHU: cuts, burns, rashes
Calendula
Parts Used: Flowers
CHU: wound healing, anti-inflammatory, canker sores
Mullein
Parts Used: Flowers, Leaves
CHU: lung issues
Any of these can be combined or used individually for salves or tinctures
to create the desired effect. Please consult your doctor before use.
