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Scenario:
	Now "The Regime" has a firm hold in the city. Medical clinics are free for all 
	who carry the card, and those with the "Archangel" chip go to the head of 
	the line. But those of you without one or the other are mercilessly turned 
	away. You must fend for yourself, fix yourself, treat your own wounds and 
	illnesses. Regime troops are ordered to halt all medical supplies to 
	non-Regime clinics. The troops seek out and destroy unsanctioned medical 
	facilities with wanton abandon.
					WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO??

Medicine at the End of the World
This passage is taken from the introduction to "Survival and Austere Medicine (2005)" (213 page PDF File) 
 Background
	This book is a major revision of the Survival Medicine FAQ's (Frequently Asked
	Questions) originally written for the misc. survivalism Usenet newsgroup in 1997. It
	was written in response to recurring posts asking the same questions and the fact that
	many answers were often wrong and occasionally dangerous. It hasn't undergone any
	changes or revisions since then.
	While the original content remains valid we thought it was time it underwent an
	update. This is a significant revision – most sections have been re-written and a
	number of new sections added. We hope you will find it useful. It is offered in good
	faith but the content should be validated and confirmed from other sources before
	being relied on even in an emergency situation.
	There are very few books aimed at the "Practicing Medicine after the End of the
	World As We Know It" market – which is hardly surprising! So we hope this book
	fills a void. We also hope it will be useful for those people delivering health care in
	remote or austere environments.
	It is not designed as a "how to do x" reference – although there is some of that. There
	are plenty of books which tell you how to practice medicine. It is designed to provide
	some answers to commonly asked questions relating to survival/preparedness
	medicine and to provide relevant information not commonly found in traditional texts
	or direct you to that information.
	We have tried to minimize technical language, but at times this has not been possible,
	if you come across unfamiliar terms – please consult a medical dictionary.
	It has taken two years, and a lot of stopping, and starting but here it is. The authors
	and editors are passionately committed to helping people develop their medical
	knowledge and skills for major disasters. We hope you find it useful.
Medicine at the End of the World
	"With no antibiotics there would be no treatment for bacterial infections; pneumonia
	or a simple cut could kill again, contagious diseases (including those sexually
	transmitted) would make a come back, and high mortality rates would be associated
	with any surgery. Poor hygiene and disrupted water supplies would lead to an
	increase in diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Without vaccines there would be a
	progressive return in infectious diseases such as polio, tetanus, whooping cough,
	diphtheria, mumps, etc. especially among children. People suffering from chronic
	illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy would be severely affected with many
	dying (especially insulin-dependent diabetics). There would be no anesthetic agents
	resulting in return to tortuous surgical procedures with the patient awake or if they
	were lucky drunk or stoned. The same would apply to painkillers; a broken leg would
	be agony, and dying of cancer would be distressing for the patient and their family.
	Without reliable oral contraceptives or condoms the pregnancy rate would rise and
	with it the maternal and neonatal death rates, women would die during pregnancy and
	delivery again, and premature babies would die. Women would still seek abortions,
	and without proper instruments or antibiotics death from septic abortion would be
	common again. In the absence of proper dental care teeth would rot, and painful
	extractions would have to be performed. What limited medical supplies available
	would have to be recycled, resulting in increasing risks of hepatitis and HIV
	infection."
Response:
MEG, could you please post or forward me a copy of this PDF file? Taking insulin, I'm trying to get together 
comprehensive methods of keeping my insulin viable in SHTF situations, especially in (sub)urban settings. My 
other meds are all pill form, so stocking up isn't such a problem. There are always worst-case scenarios...
	Response:
	The problem is, sooner or later you and I will run out of pills. I have to ask myself if I would be willing 
	(assuming I have a choice) to submit to being micro chipped (as in our fictional scenario) in order to 
	get more medication? What if I desperately need antibiotics or a vaccine? Will I then submit? 
	God forbid I should need surgery or an MRI!
		Response:
		God forbid, indeed! I have all kinds of "what if?" examples that are logged in my head. 
		Some of them are scarier than hell, if you'll pardon the expression.
Reply:
	{Download link provided, above, for website visitors} 
	I'll be searching and posting what information I find for post-event Diabetes management.
Response:
It would be helpful to know herbalism so you can treat your illnesses from the plants that grow in your area. Or 
have homemade herbal remedies on hand. Learning advanced first aid is very important when SHTF.
I've developed a keen interest in learning both these things and plan on doing so in the near future. I already 
know how to take care of a few minor ailments with herbal remedies. 
Reply:
I think you're absolutely right, Steve - and that's the problem. {grin}
You see, most "Herbal Medicine" tomes of which I have dozens, cover too damned much. They have to, because 
they are going for a world-wide audience to sell enough copies to make printing, advertising and distribution (not 
to mention paying the author) worthwhile. I'll tell you, the first person to do micro-regional pamphlet-books on 
herbal medicine for specific areas is probably going to do real well - even if they have to self-publish.
I'm going to be posting a bunch of reprints of files and book segments that I have collected over the years, but 
each and every one of them MUST BE VERIFIED before you use the information I provide. I am a whiz at 
researching topics and finding information, but I can't personally verify everything contained therein. Be careful. 
Where possible, I will include as much source information as I have, but sometimes things that "sound" right come 
in, which I pass on, that HAS no source material. These must be scrutinized even more carefully... but truth be 
told, I wouldn't trust ANYTHING I heard or saw or read on the internet without validating it with other sources which 
I personally trust.
That Being said:
	From: http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Most-Effective-Herbal-Remedies&id;=3741712 
8 Most Effective Herbal Remedies
By Sean Franco
You have heard it a hundred times, herbs when mixed together in herbal remedies, can work wonders to your 
health. Herbal remedies are a form of alternative medicine that makes use of plants and plant extracts to address 
problems with your body, or to prevent problems for occurring. Herbal medicines have been used by different 
cultures centuries ago, and have also been attributed as one of the precursors to modern medicine.
Herbal remedies work with the help of enzymes, oils, trace elements, and minerals. Basically, these substances 
will address the physiological causes of your sickness or condition by providing the necessary levels of such body 
substance, therefore improving your body functions. Here are samples of famous herbal remedies:
	Boswellia. This herb is effective in dealing with arthritis and joint problems.
	Aloe Vera. It has been confirmed that Aloe Vera can help treat minor burns.
	Chamomile. If you are having problems with digestion, taking chamomile tea will relax and 
	improve your muscles in the digestive tract.
	Cranberry. Urinary tract infection problems can be addressed by cranberry juice.
	Gingko. Your blood flow will be improved. Consequently, the supply of blood and oxygen in 
	your brain will get better as well, so conditions such as Alzheimer's disease will be prevented. 
	Not only that, Gingko will also enhance mental acuity or memory. Moreover, Gingko can help 
	with altitude problems. If you experience headache, excessive thirst, and sluggishness when 
	going on a higher altitude (riding airplanes for example), then you have altitude sickness.
	Ginseng. This herb will enhance the efficiency of the heart and lungs, therefore, providing 
	you with better stamina. Aside from that, it will perk up your immune system so that your body 
	will be able to handle stress, virus, or infection much more effectively. Furthermore, Ginseng 
	can help with diabetes. Studies show that taking ginseng will lower your blood sugar. However, 
	you should consult a physician before taking ginseng for diabetes first.
	Hibiscus. This is one of the herbal remedies that can prevent hypertension. Systolic and 
	diastolic blood pressure will be reduced. This means that the blood entering and exiting your 
	heart, therefore preventing the occurrence of hypertension.
	Lemon balm. Do you want to relax? Having a cup of lemon balm tea will have a soothing and 
	tranquilizing effect that will surely relax your mind and body. This herbal remedy can help with 
	herpes as well. Because it has antiviral functions, lemon balm has been proven to be an 
	effective way to treat herpes.
Eight effective herbal remedies have been given and these are only a small portion of the many herbal remedies 
that can help improve your health. All of these are safe to use but it would still be best if you consult your 
physician first to see if there are no contraindications or any reactions with other treatments you are having.
Response:
If anybody hasn't already checked out this site, its well worth your time. There are some pretty controversial 
remedies here but I have researched them and tried them, one that's pretty interesting is urine therapy ( I know 
what your thinking but its really amazing) knowledge is the key not your gag reflex.

	EARTH.CLINIC - Folk Remedies and Holistic Cures
Reply:
	Thanks for the link. I just spent about 30 minutes browsing the site and learned a few things. The 
	individual pages need a bit of deciphering, and as with all medical advice found on the net, the 
	info needs to be checked three ways from Sunday, but all in all I found it very interesting.
	Response:
	I agree - this site has some interesting stuff on it. Especially the Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar.
	I have some and have had it for some time - just haven't used it in any organized manner - 
	but ove vinegar. I found that especially in the hot summer, a couple of tablespoons in water 
	seems to make me feel cooler. Thanks for the site ya'll!
Herbs For Ailments
ACNE:
	Burdock, chaparral, parsley, Echinacea, red clover, capsicum.
ANEMIA:
	Alfalfa, Red beet root, yellow dock root, strawberry leaves, chickweed, burdock root, nettle, 
	mullein leaves.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS:
	Comfrey, evening primrose oil, cayenne, golden seal, rose hips, garlic.
ATHLETES FOOT:
	Goldenseal, garlic, black walnut hulls, powdered turmeric, benzoin, myrrh.
BAD BREATH:
	Parsley, myrrh, rosemary
BED WETTING:
	Watermelon, cranberry juice.
BLOOD CLEANSER:
	Red clover, chaparral, dandelion, garlic, burdock.
BLOOD PURIFIER:
	Pau d'arco, red clover, chaparral, Oregon grape root.
BURNS:
	Try fresh aloe vera for burns. Studies show that aloe vera helps new cells form and hastens 
	healing. It is suggested you keep a plant on a sunny windowsill for treating minor (first degree) 
	burns. To use, cut open one of the plant's fleshy leaves and squeeze out the clear gel, 
	applying it directly to the affected area three or four times a day. Aloe vera heals best in the 
	open air, so leave the burn uncovered.
BURSITIS:
	Alfalfa, chaparral, comfrey, mullein.
CANKER SORES:
	Burdock root.
CHICKEN POX:
	Lobelia, cayenne, red clover.
COLIC:
	Catnip, fennel, chamomile, peppermint.
COMMON COLD:
	Red raspberry tea, chaparral, rose hips, honey, garlic, golden seal, chamomile flowers, slippery 
	elm bark, cayenne, peppermint, blessed thistle.
	Garlic can help prevent colds and help reduce symptoms because it contains a potent antibiotic 
	called allicin, which is released when cloves of garlic are chopped, crushed, or chewed. You can 
	add raw garlic to foods as a preventive measure or you can buy garlic supplements (which are 
	available in most health food & drugstores). The best supplemental form is enteric-coated 
	capsules, which are easier for the body to absorb. It is recommended that you follow label 
	directions for dosage; a typical dosage is 300 milligrams daily for as long as symptoms persist.
CUTS, SCRAPES, AND SCRATCHES:
	Keep an aloe vera plant on your windowsill (this is your living first aid kit). When you get a cut, 
	scratch, or scrape, break off one of the plant's fleshy leaves, squeeze out a little of the cool, 
	colorless gel from the center of the leaf, and apply it directly to the affected area. Reapply 
	three or four times a day for maximum healing. Aloe vera seals off the injury, relieves pain, 
	and helps cuts and scrapes heal more quickly.
DERMATITIS:
	Pau d'arco, aloe vera (topically), dandelion, golden seal, evening primrose.
EAR INFECTION:
	Blue cohosh, scullcap echinacea.
ECZEMA:
	Aloe vera, chickweed, red clover, yellow dock, Pau d'arco.
EYE DISORDERS:
	Eyebright.
FLU:
	To ward off the flu at the first hint of symptoms, take echinacea, an herb with powerful antiviral 
	and immunity-boosting effects. Echinacea is available in most health food stores in supplement 
	form, as a tincture, and as a tea. Follow the dosage recommendations on the label of the 
	product you choose. Echinacea works best over a short period of time. It isn't an effective 
	immune strengthener when taken long term. It is suggested to limit usage of the herb for no 
	more than a week.
GAS, INTESTINAL:
	Catnip, ginger, peppermint, horseradish.
GLAND INFECTIONS:
	Bee pollen (excellent although not an herb), golden seal, saw palmetto, echinacea.
GOUT:
	Yucca, stinging nettle, safflower, Pau d'arco, lobelia.
HEADACHE:
	For a headache caused by stress, try a soothing cup of this tea: Blend one part each of dried 
	herbs wintergreen, willowbark, and meadowsweet (available in most health food stores). Pour 
	boiling water over a teaspoon of this blend, steep for ten minutes, strain, let cool to a drinkable 
	temperature, and drink.
HEARTBURN:
	For immediate relief of heartburn, make yourself a cup of ginger tea. Put 1/2 teaspoon of 
	shredded fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water. Then let the ginger steep for about 10 minutes, 
	strain the tea so that no ginger remains, cool to a drinkable temperature, and drink. You can 
	also try this tea: Add two teaspoons of anise seeds, fennel seeds, or dill seeds to one cup of 
	boiling water. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain, allow the tea to cool, and drink 
	a few teaspoons every few minutes.
HEMORRHOIDS:
	Yellow Dock, butcher's broom, marshmallow, black walnut, lobelia. (all external as well as 
	internal application)
HIGH CHOLESTEROL:
	Scientific studies indicate that one clove of garlic or its equivalent, taken every day, is effective 
	in reducing cholesterol levels. One way to get the equivalent is with garlic supplements. There 
	are two advantages to these supplements: 1) The active ingredient in garlic, is best absorbed 
	in supplemental form. 2) Taking supplements allows you to bypass the bad breath that can be 
	an unfortunate side effect of eating fresh garlic. The most effect form for a garlic supplement is 
	enteric-coated capsules, which pass through the stomach and dissolve in the small intestine. 
	But no matter which form you choose, follow the dosage recommendations on the label.
IMPETIGO:
	Echinacea, red clover, licorice root, turmeric (made into a paste and applied externally)
INSOMNIA:
	Herbal sleep formulas--in teas, tinctures, and capsules--are available in most health food stores. 
	For best results, choose one that combines hops, valerian, chamomile, oats, passionflower, and 
	balm. Follow the directions on the product label for proper dosage. Valerian, which reduces 
	activity in the central nervous system, is the best-known herbal treatment for insomnia, and you 
	could take that alone if the herbal formulas don't work. Most health food stores carry valerian 
	products; follow the dosage recommendations on the label. Hops, a digestive tonic and sedative, 
	may also help you relax. Purchasing dried hops flowers, putting them in a small muslin bag, and 
	placing the bag under your pillow is recommended.
KIDNEY AND BLADDER STONES:
	Corn silk, dandelion, juniper, parsley, uva ursi, thyme.
LAXATIVES:
	Psyllium husks, flaxmeal.
LEG CRAMPS, MUSCLE CRAMPS AND PAIN:
	Horsetail grass, alfalfa, comfrey herb, oat straw, scullcap.
	For massaging out muscle tension, this herbal massage oil is recommended: Start with one cup 
	of extra-virgin olive oil or almond oil (available in most health food stores). Pour the oil into a 
	bottle or jar and add the following herbs in tincture form: 1 ounce of cramp bark, 1/2 ounce of 
	lobelia, and 1/4 ounce of willowbark or wintergreen. (If you don't have wintergreen tincture, 
	substitute 30 drops of wintergreen oil). These ingredients are also available in most health food 
	stores and through mail order.
LIVER DISORDERS:
	Horsetail, dandelion, cascara sagrada
LOWER BOWEL PROBLEMS:
	Psyllium seed husks, calamus root tea.
MIGRAINE HEADACHES:
	Feverfew, camomile.
MORNING SICKNESS, NAUSEA AND VOMITING:
	Red raspberry, peppermint leaf, alfalfa, catnip, ginger.
	For mild nausea, drink ginger tea. To make the tea, slice a piece of fresh ginger and put a few 
	shavings or slivers of it in a tea ball. Pour a cup of boiling water over it, steep for ten minutes, 
	then allow it to cool before drinking. When nausea is more intense, try a stronger dose of ginger, 
	available in gelatin capsules of 500 milligrams in most health food stores. Take one or two 
	capsules every four hours, or follow label instructions for dosage.
MOUTH SORES (Canker, Thrush, Pyorrhea):
	Aloe vera, golden seal, myrrh, red raspberry, white oak bark, lecithin.
PHLEBITIS:
	Calendula.
PROSTATE AND KIDNEY:
	Golden seal, corn silk, uva ursi, juniper berries, ginseng, cayenne.
RASHES:
	Try dried chamomile to make a soothing wash for poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac 
	rashes. Steep two tablespoons of dried chamomile in two cups of boiling water for about ten 
	minutes. Let it cool, dip a washcloth in the wash, and spread it on the rash. You can use this 
	remedy as often as you like.
SENILITY:
	Dandelion, ginseng, gotu kola, alfalfa, licorice, yellow dock.
SORE THROAT:
	Try gargling with goldenseal tea. To make the tea, pour boiling water over one to two 
	teaspoons of the dried herb, which you can buy in most health food stores. Steep for 10 
	minutes, strain to remove the herb, and cool before using as a mouthwash. Sage is another 
	good choice for a sore throat. Chop two teaspoons of fresh leaves, then pour boiling water 
	over them and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea to remove the leaves and cool before 
	using as a gargle. It is suggested that you repeat the gargles as necessary for a maximum of 
	two to three days.
STOMACHACHE:
	Peppermint and chamomile are two traditional herbal remedies for stomachache. Both work 
	gently to soothe an upset stomach, stop stomach spasms, and reduce gas. 
	Recommendation: You drink three to four cups of peppermint or chamomile tea daily to treat 
	minor digestive problems. You can also sip a cup of either of these teas after meals to aid 
	digestion. Peppermint and chamomile teas are available in tea bag form in most health food 
	stores.
STRESS:
	Siberian ginseng tones the nervous system and increases your resistance to stress. It is 
	suggested taking this herb in either capsule or tincture form, following the dosage 
	recommendations on the label. Siberian ginseng supplements are available in most health 
	food stores.
THYROID:
	Mullien, parsley, kelp, black walnut, irish moss.
TONSILLITIS:
	Echinacea, bayberry root, ginger.
TOOTHACHE:
	Try oil of clove to soothe the pain until you can get to the dentist. But don't use it full strength, 
	it's so strong that it can damage your tooth's nerve. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an 
	over-the-counter preparation containing oil of clove (sometimes called eugenol), such as 
	Orajel and follow the label directions for use.
VAGINAL PROBLEMS:
	Aloe vera, blessed thistle, garlic, ginger, golden seal root, red raspberry, slippery elm bark, 
	yellow dock root, comfrey root, uva ursi.
	Try a Saint-John's-Wort or calendula salve to soothe the itching and irritation caused by 
	vaginitis. These products are sold in most health food stores. Follow the application directions 
	on the label.
VARICOSE VEINS:
	White oak bark, calendula, witch hazel, yarrow.
WATER RETENTION:
	Dandelion, parsley, uva ursi, cranberry, juniper, buchu.
WHOOPING COUGH:
	Valerian root, cayenne.
HONEY AS HEALER!
Ancient Healer Effective in Treating Infected Skin Lesions
	Jem Bonnievale was 15 when he contracted meningococcal septicemia
	caused by an infection of Neisseria meningitidis. By the time the
	British teenager reached the hospital, he had multiple purple batches
	on his legs and fingers, which rapidly progressed to tissue death.
	Both legs were amputated below the knee as well as fingers on both
	hands. He endured multiple skin grafts and suffered for months with
	non-healing infected sores. His case was extreme and difficult to
	treat because of the severe pain it caused. "I can't even begin to
	explain how painful it was just to have a small piece of dressing
	changed.
	The nurses tried everything to make it easier, like changing the
	dressing in the bath, but it was agony," said Jem. Over the next six
	months the success of the grafts was variable and the sores showed
	heavy growth of Pseudomonas and Staphlococcus aureus. All traditional
	treatments were tried without success.
	When nothing else had any effect on the chronic infected sores,
	clinical nurse Cheryl Dunford and her colleagues turned to honey.
	Dressing pads impregnated with sterilized active manuka honey from
	New Zealand were applied to one leg and a traditional dressing to the
	other leg. Within a few days, the honey dressed leg showed a
	reduction of wound bacteria. Both legs were then treated with the
	honey dressings. Within 10 weeks, all lesions were healed. Jem was
	released from the hospital, fitted with artificial legs and is
	getting on with his life.
	The use of honey as medicine is mentioned in the most ancient written
	records. Today scientists and doctors are rediscovering the
	effectiveness of honey as a wound treatment. Peter Molan, Ph.D.,
	Professor of Biochemisty at Waikato University, New Zealand has been
	on the forefront of honey research for 20 years. He heads the
	university's Honey Research Unit, which is internationally recognized
	for its expertise in the antimicrobial properties of honey. Clinical
	observations and experimental studies have established that honey has
	effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It
	painlessly removes pus, scabs and dead tissue from wounds and
	stimulates new tissue growth. "Randomized trials have shown that
	honey is more effective in controlling infection in burn wounds than
	silver sulphadiazine, the antibacterial ointment most widely used on
	burns in hospitals" says Dr. Molan. The significance of the case of
	the British teenager, as reported in the June issue of Nursing Times,
	is that it is the first case in which honey was used on multiple
	meningococcal skin lesions. The antibacterial action was evident as
	the mixed infection of Pseudomonas and Enterococcus cleared from the
	lesions in a few weeks and the number of colonizing staphylococci
	diminished to a harmless level.
	Dr. Molan believes that if honey were used from the start in cases of
	meningococcal septicemia, there would be far less tissue damage
	resulting. "The remarkable ability of honey to reduce inflammation
	and mop up free radicals should halt the progress of the skin damage
	like it does in burns, as well as protecting from infection setting
	in," said Dr. Molan. "At present, people are turning to honey when
	nothing else works. But there are very good grounds for using honey
	as a therapeutic agent of first choice."
	Researchers believe that the therapeutic potential of honey is
	grossly underutilized. It is widely available in most communities and
	although the mechanism of action of several of its properties remains
	obscure and needs further investigation, the time has now come for
	conventional medicine to look at this traditional remedy. With
	increasing interest in the use of alternative therapies and as the
	development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreads, honey may
	finally receive its due recognition as a wound healer.
Ten Medicinal Herbs You Should Know
By Debra Nuzzi, MH
	(Debra Nuzzi holds Master Herbalist degrees from Dominion Herbal College and the School of Natural Healing. 
	She has been a student of herbal medicine for 22 years and has taught herbology since 1984. She is the author 
	of the herbal video series, Herbal Preparations and Natural Therapies-Creating and Using a Home Herbal 
	Medicine Chest She is president of Nature's Apothecary Inc, a fresh plant herbal extract company, and Essential 
	Aromatherapy, which manufactures aromatherapy inhalers. Both are in Boulder, Colorado - The editors.)
ONE hundred years ago, the kitchen garden was also the medicine garden, and plants which produced medicinal 
benefit were part of the working knowledge of the common people. Those plants which were difficult to cultivate 
were sought in the surrounding fields and meadows, then preserved and added to the harvest storehouse to 
soothe and heal the illnesses of winter.
With the advent of the chemically synthesized drugs, the home pharmacy has all but disappeared, and with it the 
knowledge of simple herbal remedies for common ailments. This knowledge is now resurfacing: researched and 
regenerated by people who want to take an active and independent role in their own health care.
A very necessary part of this renaissance is self-education. Starting is easy. Just familiarize yourself with a few key
herbs and begin to use them in your daily life. As you see how effective they are it will spark your desire to learn 
more, and you're on your way!
Following is a list of 10 commonly available herbs and simple ways to use them in personal health maintenance. 
These herbs are easily available and fulfill a wide range of benefits with a minimum amount of effort.
ALOE LEAF (Aloe Vera) - This plant has hundreds of uses, the most popular being its ability to alleviate the pain 
of burns and to speed their healing. It is very easily cultivated as a house plant, and should be in every kitchen. It 
is the best remedy for sunburn, often preventing later peeling. Immediately immerse the burn in cold water or 
apply ice until the heat subsides, then generously apply the aloe. It is best to trim the prickly sides off the 
succulent leaf, then split the leaf in half and gently rub the exposed gel onto the affected area. Aloe may also be 
applied to any cut or skin abrasion, and onto skin eruptions, remarkably speeding healing. To relieve the pain 
and itching of hemorrhoids, carve out a suppository sized chunk of the inner leaf gel and insert into the rectum.
BURDOCK ROOT (Arcticum lappa) - Well known as a blood detoxification agent and eaten as a vegetable known 
as Gobo in oriental cuisine, Burdock root is available throughout the U.S. It is used for skin eruptions and dry scaly
skin conditions. Burdock is also used as a digestive stimulant and to lower blood sugar. Its seed is used as a 
diuretic and kidney tonic. The root is now found in supermarkets and can be cooked as a vegetable or made into 
a decoction. Fresh plant fluid extracts of the root and seed are also available in health food stores.
COMFREYLEAF/ROOT (Symphytum officinalis) - Comfrey should be grown as a house plant in every home. 
Like Aloe, it is a natural herbal band aid, useful for cuts, scrapes and burns. It is styptic, which means that it will 
stop bleeding. Commonly known as "knit-bone," it stimulates tissue regeneration. Used externally as a poultice, it 
helps heal bone fractures and deep wounds. Recovery rate is accelerated with use of this fresh plant poultice on 
muscle, tendon and ligamentous injuries. Thoroughly cleanse the wound with an antiseptic first, because Comfrey 
is so quick to regenerate the tissue that it will seal over the wound with the bacteria still inside.
DANDELION ROOT (Taraxacum officinalis) - Dandelion is naturally high in potassium, making it a safe diuretic, 
increasing the ability to eliminate waste products through the urinary channels. It helps restore kidney function 
and relieves liver and spleen congestion. It is extremely beneficial as a spring tonic which stimulates sluggish liver 
function. The root should be made into a strong decoction, which means that it should be cut into small pieces 
and simmered in a glass or enamel vessel for at least 10 minutes before straining and drinking. The fresh plant 
fluid extract can also be used. Set 20-30 drops into a cup of hot water and drink as a tea.
ECHINACEA ROOT (Echinacea angustifolia) -A powerful immune stimulant, Echinacea has become increasingly
popular in recent years. Its antiseptic and anti-viral properties are used for sore throats, flu, colds, infections and 
allergies. It also has tumor inhibiting properties. The most potent form is a fresh plant fluid extract, however, 
medicinal benefit can also] be derived by mixing a decoction, as explained under Dandelion.
GARLIC BULB (Allium sativum) - Best known for its antibiotic effect, garlic bulbs or the milder garlic greens can 
be eaten raw at the onset of a cold or flu. A small piece of bread may be necessary to make the spiciness more 
palatable. You can grow garlic greens by planting the bulbs in a 4-inch-deep pot, and trimming them to use in 
salads or stir fry dishes. Garlic oil is effectively used for ear infections. It is easily made by finely chopping enough 
fresh organic garlic bulbs to fill a jelly jar, and covering them with organic olive oil. Cover the jar with cheesecloth 
held on with a rubber band. Let the mixture sit in a warm room for a week or a sunny window for several hours (if 
you need it right away). Strain the oil and store it in an amber glass jar. The warmed oil is then placed in the ear 
and plugged with a cotton ball. Leave in overnight and treat nightly until the infection is gone. This therapy is not 
to be used in cases of eardrum perforation. A wonderful garlic cough syrup can be made by simmering freshly 
chopped garlic in apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes. Strain the resulting liquid, add honey and simmer down until 
the mixture is thick and syrupy. The vinegar neutralizes the garlic taste, making it much more tolerable, yet 
preserving the antibiotic effect.
GINGER ROOT (Zinziber officiale) - Ginger has a carminative effect, which means that it will help relieve 
digestive problems which result in gas formation. It is also a diaphoretic, used both as a tea and added to a 
soaking bath to stimulate sweating and reduce fevers. In cases of abdominal menstrual cramping, a ginger 
fomentation can be made. A fomentation is prepared by slicing 1-3 large roots into a half gallon of water and 
simmering in a covered pan for at least 30 minutes. A cotton cloth is then dipped in the mixture, wrung out (wear 
rubber gloves, it's hot!) and applied to the abdomen as hot as can be withstood. Two folded bath towels are 
placed on top to help maintain the heat of the fomentation as the therapy progresses. Internally, 1/4 teaspoon of 
ginger or one dropperful of the fluid extract can be added to 1 cup of warm water to alleviate nausea/morning 
sickness/motion sickness and to aid digestion.
KELP (Nereocystis leutkeana) The kelp family, which includes kombu, wakame, arame and hijiki, is known for 
its ability to combat the effects of radiation in the body. Radioactive strontium-90, one of the more prevalent 
sources of radiation, is stored in our bones, and contributes to long term diseases such as leukemia, bone cancer,
Hodgkins disease, anemia, and decreased production of red and white blood cells. The sodium alginate found in 
the kelp family binds with the radioactive isotope in the gastrointestinal tract and forms an insoluble gel like salt 
called strontium alginate, which is safely excreted in the feces. (For more information on radiation detoxification, 
see Fighting Radiation with Foods, Herbs and Vitamins, by Steven Schechter, ND. Kelp is recommended as a 
daily addition to the diet)
ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) - The extract and oil are used externally for bruises, strains, 
sprains, contusions and wounds. The extract is used internally as an immune system stimulant, for retro-viral 
infections, as an expectorant and antibacterial. It speeds the healing of wounds and burns and aids the 
regeneration of damaged nerve tissue. It is used as an anti-depressant and to treat bed wetting and children's 
nightmares. It is also known as Klamath weed, a common pasture plant, and is found throughout the U.S.
VALERIAN ROOT (Valeriana officinalis) - Valerian is classed as a nervine and sedative with mild pain relieving 
properties, which makes it a good candidate for stress, anxiety and restless insomnia. It has also been used for 
intestinal colic, menstrual cramps, migraine headache, and rheumatic pain. Although it smells like well used socks, 
the extract and tea are both recommended.
It is vitally important to properly identify the plant you are harvesting before you use it. Forest Service visitor 
centers carry plant identification books for their region, and the Petersen Field Guide series plus a range of 
medicinal plant handbooks are also sources of botanical identification. Most of these books can be found in local 
bookstores. It is wise to take classes or go with an experienced guide when you are in the early learning stages. 
Herbs are precious natural resources, and should be ecologically harvested. The following guidelines for 
harvesting help insure herb potency and purity and help preserve the species for further enjoyment.
Medicinal herbs should be:
    	1) Gathered in the proper season. General rules are: Barks in the spring; leaves before the plant 
	flowers; flowers on the first day of opening; roots are best in the fall (although they are sometimes 
	harvested in spring, previous to aerial plant development).
    	2) Gathered in wild habitats where the plants naturally grow or should be organically grown 
	according to certification standards established by the state in which they were harvested.
    	3) Harvested in an area free of chemical/industrial pollution of air, water and soil.
    	4) Gathered at least 1/4 mile from any traveled roads, and at least 10 miles from any waste 
	disposal or toxic dumping areas.
    	5) Protected from over-harvesting by leaving at least 3/4 of the stand intact for reproduction 
	and continuance of the species. If roots are dug, root crowns and seeds must be replanted 
	to perpetuate the growth and proliferation of the plant.
Reprinted with permission AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE. JULY 1991 

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