There is a seemingly endless number of plants, fruits, vegetables, spices, barks, and herbs, in God’s creation. The WinePress will continually be posting articles on the massive variety and plethora of things out there, and all of their individual benefits.
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.
Ezekiel 47:12
The following information is from “How To Survive Off The Grid” by Tim MacWelch.
Blackberry Leaves: Yes, the berries are delicious, but did you know that the blackberry leaves are helpful for diarrhea? Make an infusion (like a tea) by pouring near-boiling water over the leaves and let steep 5 to 10 minutes. The usual amount to use is about 2.5 ounces (75g) of fresh leaf, or 1 ounce (30g) of dried herb to one cup (240ml) of hot water. The infusion must be taken same day.
Lemon Balm: This makes an outstanding topical agent for cold sores. Crush the fresh leaves and bind them over the sores – or use a cream with a high concentration of lemon balm.
Lavender: Used since ancient times for bug bites, burns, and skin disorders. To relieve itching, rashes, and swelling, apply crushed fresh leaves to the affected area. You can also make an infused oil for skin problems. Fill a jar with dried leaves and cover them with olive oil. Allow this to soak for 6 to 8 weeks, then decant. It’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or small children.
Comfrey: Cooked, mashed roots are a topical treatment for arthritis, bruises, burns, and sprains. (Avoid ingestion, as consuming this herb can potentially damage the liver if taken in large enough quantities.) Simmer the fresh peeled or dried root, about 3.5 ounces (100 grams), 1 pint (500ml) of water for 10 to 15 minutes, then mash into a paste and apply to the injury.
Yarrow: Crushed leaves and flowers can be placed on cuts and scratches to stop bleeding and reduce the chance of infection.
Burdock: The roots and leaves make an excellent liver tonic and help to purify the body and blood. Make a tincture of the dried root in alcohol and consume 10-20 drops daily. You could also eat the fresh leaves and roots (after boiling in water and discarding the water to remove bitterness).
Plantain: While not quite strong enough to tackle snake bites, plantain can still help neutralize the venom of bees, wasps, scorpions, or other pain-inducing creatures. Just keep the paste of plantain leaf on the wound and replace as it dries out. Relief should be swift.
Echinacea: If consumed at the first sign of cold symptoms, this can reduce the effects and duration of the common cold in adults.
Elderberry: This may shorten the common cold, and have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Just consume jam or wine made from elderberries. The raw berries are mildly toxic and they have drug interactions with diuretics (water pills), diabetes medications, chemotherapy, laxatives, theophylline (TheoDur), or immune suppressants.
Jewelweed: This stuff is a great cure for poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Crush the juicy, purplish-colored stalk into a paste, and briskly scrub it all over the affected skin. After two minutes of contact, wash off the mush with clean water. If you found and used jewelweed within 45 minutes of exposure to ivy, oak, or sumac, you should have little to no reaction.
Birch: Birch bark, particularly the bark of the Sweet Birch, can be an effective analgesic. The bark is scraped for the tree’s twigs before being brewed into a tea. Add 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon (1-2 grams) of bark to about 7 ounces (200ml) of water and then boil for ten minutes. This tea can be taken up to five times per day.
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