Foraging For Useful Medical Plants in Prepping
When it comes to prepping, it's important to consider all aspects of survival, including medical needs. While many of us rely on traditional medicine, in a survival situation, these may not be readily available. However, nature provides us with a wealth of medicinal plants that can be foraged for in the wild.
Foraging for medicinal plants is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. It is a skill that can be learned by anyone, and it can be extremely useful in a survival situation. Here are some tips on foraging for useful medicinal plants and their use in prepping.
Foraging for medicinal plants is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. It is a skill that can be learned by anyone, and it can be extremely useful in a survival situation. Here are some tips on foraging for useful medicinal plants and their use in prepping.
1.) Know What To Look For
Before you head out into the wild to forage for medicinal plants, it's important to know what you're looking for. There are many different types of plants that can be used for medicinal purposes, but some are more useful than others. Some common medicinal plants include:
Yarrow: can be used as a natural painkiller and to stop bleeding
Plantain: can be used as an anti-inflammatory and to soothe skin irritations
Echinacea: can be used to boost the immune system
Elderberry: can be used to treat colds and flu
Chamomile: can be used to calm the nerves and aid in digestion
These are just a few examples, and it's important to research and lookout the plants that are specific to your area.
2.) Be Aware of Poisonous Plants
While there are many useful medicinal plants in the wild, there are also many poisonous plants that can be dangerous if ingested. It's important to research and be able to identify these plants to avoid accidentally using them. Some common poisonous plants include:
Poison ivy: can cause skin irritation and blisters
Hemlock: can cause respiratory failure and are toxic to people & animals
Nightshade: can cause hallucinations and respiratory failure
Foxglove: can cause heart failure
Again, it's important to research the plants that are specific to your area to avoid any potentially dangerous situations
3.) Know How To Prepare The Plants
Once you've identified the medicinal plants that you want to use, it's important to know how to prepare them for use. Some plants can be used raw, while others need to be boiled or infused in hot water to extract their medicinal properties.
It's also important to note that the potency of the plant can vary depending on when it is harvested. For example, yarrow is most potent when harvested in the early summer, while elderberry is most potent in the fall.
4.) Use The Plants Appropriately
Finally, it's important to use the plants appropriately. While many medicinal plants are safe to use, some can have side effects or interact with other medications. It's important to research the plants thoroughly and consult with a healthcare professional before using them. I know sourcing for the right information could be difficult and time consuming, why not learn from the expert. Nicole Apelian is survival and foraging expert and she has got some interesting tips and experience in foraging. So, if beginner forager or prepper or know seeker than Nicole Apelian Foraging work is must check.
In addition, it's important to store the plants properly. Some plants can lose their potency over time, so it's important to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
In conclusion, foraging for medicinal plants is a useful skill to have in a survival situation. However, it's important to research and be aware of the plants that are specific to your area, be aware of poisonous plants, know how to prepare the plants, and use them appropriately. With these tips in mind, you can effectively use the plants in your prepping plan to provide natural remedies for a variety of ailments.
