Survival Herbs and Natural Supplements

I have given considerable thought to the herbs and natural supplements that I would need if I had to rough it for weeks, months or even years away from civilization. I have listed those below (in no particular order). These are what I believe are the most important herbs and natural supplements I would want to have with me.They are all important, but the ones highlighted in red are the ones I would not want to be without.

1. Cayenne.Cayenne or capsicum, is a standard in herbal medicine. It is considered anti-rheumatic(conditions of the muscles, tendons, joints, bones, or nerves),anti-carminative, diaphoretic (produces perspiration), and anti-hemorrhoidal. It is high in vitamin C and is a powerful stimulant. You can order cayenne powder from Pacific Botanicals.

2. Garlic. Garlic is considered a stimulant, diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant (it promotes coughing to break up phlegm). It is used to combat infection--it is anti-viral and anti-fugal, eczema, skin rashes, indigestion, urinary tract infections, respiratory ailments, joint pain and stiffness, fight high cholesterol (LDL) and it supports the circulatory system (heart). You can order garlic from Pacific Botanicals.

3. Baking Soda. Is good for just about everything. Indigestion, heart health, overall health and stamina. This is a must have. You can find baking soda at any grocery store.

4. Magnesium oil. Magnesium and baking soda go hand in hand to keep the body in good health. This is another must have. I order my magnesium oil from Ancient Minerals.

5. Supertonic. Contains cayenne and garlic along with other wonderful ingredients that can keep the body well. It can be used to keep you warm, increase and normalize blood circulation, prevent and cure headaches, treat cuts, bruises, burns, and insect bites of all kinds. In fact, if you have a strongly concocted bottle of super tonic you won’t need cayenne and garlic because they are already in the tonic. To make your own supertonic see our up-coming video that will soon be posted to the COFAH website.

6. Menthol crystals come from the peppermint plant. Menthol can be used in vaporizers or hot water to open up constricted airways. You can also pour drops of menthol oil into a cotton cloth and inhale the vapors to decongest your airways. You can order menthol crystals from Mountain Rose Herbs.

 Note: Sufferers from allergy-induced asthma may also experience areaction from the inhalation of menthol.  For safe and effectivetreatment, menthol should be introduced gradually into a treatment regime, withaccess to conventional medication to relieve any adverse reaction.

7. Slippery Elm. Slippery Elm is a soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, demulcent (stool softener) and an expectorant. It is good for inflammation and irritations of the chest, gastro-intestinal membranes, mucous membrane, and urinary irritation. It also works wonders for the appetite. This was the only thing I could eat when I had gastritis/colitis years ago. It is soothing and very nutritious. It is especially recommended for those who are ill and have no appetite. You can get slippery elm from Pacific Botanicals.

8. Epsom salts. Epsom salts can relive acute indigestion like nothing else I know. If you get sick with acute indigestion and can’t get medical attention, take you some Epsom salts. If this can’t move you nothing will. It works very quickly. You can get Epsom salts at any drugstore. Read the directions for use.

9. Spirulina, Chlorella and Barley powder. Chlorella and spirulina are microscopic plants that grow in fresh water. They contain a multitude of nutritious elements: enzymes, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, nucleic acids, chlorophyll (magnesium), and a vast array of other phytochemicals. It is believed that spirulina and chlorella contain almost every nutrient needed by the human body. Barley powder is the powdered seedlings of barley grass. Barley powder contains over 30 vitamins and minerals and is a powerful antioxidant. Spirulina, chlorella, and barley powder are often called superfoods because they are so nutritionally dense. You can order these from Pacific Botanicals.

10. Milk Thistle Seed. Milk thistle is a strong liver herb. Milk thistle is so very important as an herb because it protects and supports the liver. The liver is a major organ that detoxifies the body, aids in digestion of fats, assimilates carbohydrates, and proteins, converts sugar into a form that can be stored by your cells, synthesizes cholesterol and other substances needed by the body.You can get these from your local health food store.

11. Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 fights colds and the flu.You need at least 2,500 IU a day to keep colds at bay. You can get these from your local health food store.

12. Vitamin C. Vitamin C fights colds and prevents diseases like rickets. You can get the 500mg tablets which should last for a long time if stored properly. Check your local health food store.

13. Del-Immune V. Del-Immune V is a supplement first developed by the Russians. It is considered aprobiotic and it boosts the immune system. It is made from yeast and provides immediate immune system support, helping the body defend itself from environmental invaders such as viruses and germs. It is also used to help the body deal with other health issues by strengthening the body’s natural immune response. Del-Immune offers the body protection from radiation and man-made biological agents. You can read more about it here: Del-Immune.

14. Food Grade Hydrogen peroxide. Foodgrade Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, viruses and fungi on surfaces.  It is much safer than chlorine and more powerful in its ability to kill germs. It can also be used to treat drinking water. Unlike chlorine, properly diluted hydrogen peroxide is not toxic. If you get the 35% solution you only need a small amount to store for use. A few drops of this in a pint of water will kill most bacteria.You can get food grade hydrogen peroixde from Guardian of Eden.