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Survival Food Series: Medicinal Plants for the Survival Garden

[1]Plants have been revered through out history for their magical healing powers.  In a dire situation where over the counter medicine is no longer available, many will be forced to turn their backs on modern medicine and reacquaint themselves with more homeopathic and natural forms.

In this type of situation, many will be turning to alternative medicines to alleviate and assist some of the more chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, migraines, anemia and arthritis.   Acquiring books on herbal medicines for a disaster scenario would be a great knowledge source to add to any preparedness library.

 In the book, Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way To Get Well and Stay Well [2] by Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph. D, the author advises how important natural medicine is.  She adds that, “Even though much of the medical community ignores, perhaps even disdains plant medicine as too old fashioned, plants are nonetheless the basis for some of the most effective drugs.”  This article is based on some of the author’s favorite medicinal herbs.

Top Ten Medicinal Herbs for a Survival Garden

1. Cayenne Pepper – (Capsicum minimum)

“Cayenne pepper is a powerful stimulant, producing a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow ove r the body without a narcotic effect.  A few grains in hot tea will aid in sluggish digestion and flatulence.” (Source – Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way To Get Well and Stay Well)

2. Chamomile – (Anthemis nobilis )

3. Dandelion – (Taraxacum officinale)

4. Echinacea –  (Echinacea Paradoxa, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida)

5. Marigold– (Calendula officinalis)

6. Peppermint – (Mentha piperita)

7. Sage – (Salvia officinalis)

8. St. John’s Wort – (hypericum perforatum)
  • St. John’s wort tea is used to treat sleep disorders, insomnia and feelings of general unrest.
  • If you have gastritis, St. John’s Wort can be used as a diuretic to treat this condition.
  • A vegetable oil preparation containing the flowers of the herb is used externally to relieve hemorrhoids.
  • St. John’s wort also can relieve anxiety and fatigue.
  • St. John’s wort relieves inflammation and bacterial infection.
  • St. John’s wort soothes wounds and the pain associated with contusions.
  • The analgesic ingredient in St. John’s wort helps relieve pain associated with arthritis and other joint conditions, and can also relieve neurological pain.

9. Tea Tree– (Melaleuca alternifolia)

10. Thyme – (Thymus vulgaris)

Although garlic is not considered an herb, I would like to list this as another medicinal must have for the medicinal garden because it all its healing and health properties.

5. Garlic – (Allium sativum)

As many are gearing up to buy seeds for a survival garden, please do not forget to purchase medicinal herbs.  Keeping a body as strong as possible from viruses, colds and flu’s will only help a person in the long run.  And supplying a home with organic healing medicines can, in an extreme emergency assist in saving their lives.