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In the event of an emergency and people are hurt or sick do you have the knowledge to help them? 

I would like to encourage you to grow your knowledge on herbal first aid, wilderness first aid, first aid, wilderness survival, in the event that you can not get medical help. Meaning no hospital, no doctor, no EMT's  and/or you are many hours away from help.  

Ask yourself these questions.  

Do I know what to do if someone is bleeding really bad?  

Do I know what to do if someone has a broken limb?

Do I know what to do if someone is shot?  Shot in the chest?

Do I know what to do if someone is impaled by an object, such as a knife in the leg?  

Do I know what to do if some one is bit by a Snake?  Brown Recluse?  

Do you know what to do if someone reacts to a bee sting?  Anaphylactic Shock and there is no epi-pen? 

There are many more questions I can ask you, but are you ready to deal with any of those?  If not then it is time to educate yourself.   

Self Defense comes in many forms and protecting yourself, loved ones, friends and neighbors by knowing how to help them in the event of needing first aid in my opinion is vitally important.     Protection comes in many forms and First Aid is definitely one of them.  

I am compiling a small list of herbs for this particular blog.  I am trying to keep this list as local as possible.   I feel if we are using herbs for first aid, sickness or other health issues that are not local, and then something happens, what will you do if you do not have the knowledge to use the plants in your area or the ones you have grown.  

I feel these days people are always looking for the popular herb, the in herb or the cure all herb.  Most of the time these herbs are coming from far away.   People get excited about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) , Ayurveda Medicine (is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent) but forget the Native American Indians used many plants on this continent.  We should also remember that the Europeans brought over the healing plants and seeds that they used.   We have beautiful healing herbs right in our own backyards, in our cities,in our mountains and out in the desert.  Plus, the herbs coming from TCM and Ayurveda Medicine are testing high for toxins.   It is time to bring ourselves back to the plants that are here, that know us better and what are needs are.   

Take a first aid class.  Learn what to do if the above questions happen in your life.  There are going to be situations that require first aid applications before herbs so, in the event of an emergency, example, someone bleeding severely, herbs are going to be used as a secondary action your first action is compression badge.  

As with all healing modalities apply the first rule, "First Do No Harm.

Herbal First Aid Basics: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/herbal-firs...

First Aid Kits and other products: 

Emergency Medical Roll (Bag) 

https://www.lapolicegear.com/emmerobl.html?utm_source=emmerobl&...

Medical Bag Ideas: 

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/medical-bag/

First Aid Kits Plus

http://www.bookbind.net/First-Aid-Kit-Plus-p/e-first-aid-plus.htm

Interesting Perspective On Invasive Plants:  I Do Agree With It

https://gathervictoria.com/2015/09/21/ending-the-toxic-costly-and-u...

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source on Medicinal Plants.   There are many great herb books on identifying plants, such as Michael Moore  and in his books there is a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions. 

Local  Herbal First Aid

But first I need to say this.  This list is not all the way tested and there are no guarantees of how they may work.  What I am saying is part of this list is my thoughts and ideas of what to use when we do not have anything else.     I am at the experimental stage of some of these local herbs.  We have many many medicinal local plants around us and I want to tap into their healing power.  More then ever, this year  I am focusing on using what we have available in the wild and what I can grow.  I Love researching what to use for first aid and taking classes on it.  But, every time I take a class, the instructor uses herbs I can not get to, which, makes since because they are using what resonates with them and what they have harvested.     A couple awesome first aid plants are chaparral and prickly pear  but we can not find those plants in our area.   My daily weekly curiosity is what I can  use around me.    I guess you or I could try growing them but in the mean time what do you use in the event of a first aid emergency?   

Again there are no guarantees because some of them I have not used and when a first aid situation happens in my family I will try them out.  So before the shit hits the fan, try some of these plants, when a very minor first aid situation happens and only if you feel good about it.  Plus YOU SHOULD research the plants you would like to stock up and use.  Don't just take my world for it or anyone else.   Knowledge gives you confidence  and if your are confident, you can handle the situation.  

This compiled list is a local list of herbs to use for first aid for our area, which means within three to four hours of where we live (McMinnville, Yamhill County) 

Japanese Knotweed:   This is not a forest growing weed.  It has many many medicinal uses.  It is super invasive and there are places where you might find this.  

Devils Club: 

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue62/article2697.html?ts=15...

Rose:   Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic,  aphrodisiac,  antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue (promoting the flow of bile) , antibacterial, hemostatic (stop bleeding),  uterine, nervine and emmenagogue(promotes menstrual discharge).

Flowers: Make a strong tea out of the flowers for a skin wash to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds.  Also a gargle to relieve sore throats, use it to heal mouth sores and tighten bleeding gums.  Flower tea  to relieve diarrhea ,calm the nerves and/or lift the spirits.   

Rose Hips: The fruits slightly aperient (used to relieve constipation) and good in treatment of female ailments.  They are very rich in vitamin C.  Great tonic helps with exhaustion  Culpepper's book, dried powdered and taken in white wine, they will remove strangury (painful urination in which the urine is emitted drop by drop to muscle spasms of the urethra or urinary bladder) and to strengthen the kidneys.  Can help in cases of mild gall-bladder problems.  Boiled in a strong decoction of the roots they are good for venomous bites.   The hips made into a conserveand eaten occasionally, help digestion and dry up the moisture from a cold. They will help the body's defences against infections and the development of colds.  

Leaves (wood rose):  The Okanagan-Colville Indians used the leaves as a poultice for bee stings and added to smoking mixtures.   Thompson Indians made a tonic for general illness from the stems.  

Juliette de Bairacli Levy book says,  use the flowers leaves and fruits.  Treatment of catarrh, diarrhoea, haemorrhages.  Tuberculosis.  Eye ailments. The fruits all female ailments including leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge, could be normal discharge or possible infection), and metritis (Inflammation of the uterus).  The essential oil of roses is an active stimulant of the nervous system and the uterus, it is an important nerve heart and brain tonic, and is also a tonic for he ovaries and uterus.  Petals of white rose for sore inflamed eyes.  

Side Note: In an emergency situation, you are not going to find rose essential oil.  Essential oils take a ton of plant matter.  Example, it takes 60 roses to make ONE DROP OF ESSENTIAL OIL or 10,000 roses to make a 5ml bottle.   

I personally feel if you have oil and fresh or dried roses you can make a simple infused medicinal oil to use.   

Pine Trees:

If you don't have pine, you can use Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Spruce, Other firs.  Most of the Pinaceae Family.   

Do not use the yew which is the Taxaceae family  

The cypress family there are some trees in the cypress family that you can use for certain health problems, but caution should be taken with this family.  Examples juniper, cedar and redwoods 

Northfold Island Pine (do not use) is not a pine it is in the Araucariaceae family

Pine

Parts Used: bark, needles, pitch, pollen, young green cones

Pungent, bitter, dry and neutral

Has the ability to warm or cool, depending on the situation

Medicinally:  analgesic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic 

Pine, along with the spruces and firs, has traditionally been used for food, medicine and shelter.  

Nutritionally pine needles contain super high vitamin C.   They also have calcium, beta carotene, iron, potassium thiamine (B1) riboflavin (B2) niacin (B3), sodium, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Jethro Kloss, Back To Eden: 

White pine is a very old reliable remedy for chest ailments such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, croup and influenza.  It is excellent for use in tonsillitis, laryngitis and sore throats.  Found useful in rheumatism, kidney troubles and scurvy. 

Pine Needle Tincture: 

For treating coughs, colds and other respiratory conditions.  It is antibacterial, antiseptic antiviral and expectorant. Opens the sinuses, breaks up stuck phlegm, increases secretions to clear the lungs of mucus.  Will dry up excessive flowing mucus, resolve respiratory infections,coughing and soothe sore throats. 

Adults:  15 - 60 drops 4 x a day

Children ages 2 to 6 - 2 - 10 drops 

Pine Needle Vinegar:

Use as a liniment or as a tonic and can be used in place of balsamic vinegar.  Add to water with some pine needle syrup or infused honey and you have a yummy tasting tonic. 

As a liniment it as analgesic (pain relieving), antispasmodic (relieves spasms) properties and acts as a rubefacient (increases blood flow to the area).  It can energize the body (stimulate) and can be used as a tonic.  Pine has antioxidant benefits, so it may help protect cells against the effects of free radicals. 

Pine Needle Vinegar Recipe: 

http://www.thegreenkitchen.co.nz/recipes/sides/kahikatea-pine-needl...

Pine Syrup Made With Honey:

http://www.herbgeek.com/winter-medicine-evergreen-syrup/

Pine Pitch: is antibacterial and antiseptic.  Chew pitch to release warm aromatics into the lungs.  Use like you would pine needle tincture.  Pitch is warm.  Soft pitch is pliable and  you can put directly on the skin pulls out splinters, other foreign objects and insect bites.  Works for small cuts and wounds. Because of its antiseptic qualities it acts as a natures band aid by keeping out germs, facilitates healing and eases pain.  

Infuse the pitch in oil and you can use as a chest rub, relieve or soothe sciatica, boils, spinsters, sore muscles, sprains, strains, bruises and some skin conditions.   The pitch oil can be made into a salve and use the same was as the oil.  

How To Make Pine Pitch Salve

https://theherbalacademy.com/make-pine-resin-salve/

Pine Needle Tea: 

Super high C tea.   I personally would use it the same as the tincture, making it a gentler medicine that really is  a strong medicine that heals.   Plus, if you don't have alcohol, you can't make tinctures.  

Pine Needle Tea: 

https://www.wildedible.com/pine-needle-tea-natural-vitamin-c

Fir Spruce and Western Hemlock Tea: 

http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/fir-hemlock-and-spruce-tips/

Pine Bark

Can be used as a  powder for urinary track infections.  Because of its diuretic and demulcent properties it is used for kidney and bladder problems.  

More on Pine Bark 

https://draxe.com/pine-bark-extract/

Harvesting Wild Pine Pollen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9pimnqbU54

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ2YewIdUnQ

Pine Pollen For Sale:

https://harmonicarts.ca/product/pine-pollen-powder-wild-harvested/

Pine Needle Steam for Congestion: 

Make a strong tea and use as a steam and inhale for sinus and congestion 

Make A Compression Bandage Out Of Pine: 

Pine Pitch Glue Recipe:

If you do not have charcoal powder you can use wood ash.  

http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/general-survival/how-to-make-pine-res...

http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/pine_pitch_glue.html

Pitch Varnish

Dissolve about one part crushed pitch to four parts rubbing alcohol 

Make A Compression Bandage

When you can't get to a hospital and you need a compression bandage. 

1 Pound of pine (conifers), branches with their needles

1 Gallon of water 

Put pine and water in a big pot

Boil until it is reduced by half

Then: 

Strain and boil until a thin syrup forms

DO NOT PUT THE STRIPS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE SKIN

Wrap the joint in a soft clean cloth. Follow with a layer of cotton, cat tail down or other soft filling 

Dip strips of flannel or muslin into the syrup

Now you are ready to make a compression bandage

Make sure the sprained joint is in a good position

Put the wet cloth strips, so that they form a firm but not overly tight bandage.

Part Two Will Be Coming Soon 

ALWAYS LABEL YOUR PRODUCTS RIGHT AWAY

The Kitchen Is Your Lab:

Your kitchen will supply you with most of the utensils you need for preparing herbal products.

Rule Number One:  Never Use Aluminum.  No aluminum pans, bowls, molds ect. 

Aluminum is "Toxic" and the toxicity is easily released by heat into your, food and herbal products. 

Use:  Glass, stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron or enamel cookware. 

Other useful items:  beeswax, organic olive oil, other carrier oils, some essential oils of choice, herbs, alcohol, canning jars for storing herbs and making tinctures and liniments, cheesecloth or fine muslin for straining herbs, coffee grinder reserved for grinding herbs, not coffee, grater reserved for grating  beeswax, large, double-meshed, stainless steel strainer, measuring cups, stainless-steel pots with tight fitting lids. 

Recommended Books:   Please Support Your Small Business Book Store! 

Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

The Herbal Home Remedy Book , by Joyce A. Wardwell 

Purchase Of Bulk Herbs and More: 

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Herb Learning Site: 

http://www.herbmentor.com/

Infused Herbal Oil 

Herbal infused oils can be used on their own or as a base for salves and ointments.   You can either make strong medicinal oils or sweet scented massage oils.   I like to use organic olive oil but you can use other good quality organic  oils, such as almond, apricot, coconut, sunflower, jojoba ( do not use soy or canola)

Solar Infused Oil:

Place the herbs and the oil in a glass jar, cover tightly.   Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and let steep for 2- 3 weeks.  Strain the oil through cheesecloth or muslin.  When the oil has been poured off, put the herbs in the cheese cloth or muslin and wring thoroughly and squeeze all the oil you can get.  If you want a stronger oil, add a fresh batch of herbs to the oil and infuse for 2 more weeks.  Strain again.  This will give you a very potent medicinal oil.   

Use of the solar infused method is the preferred method to extract all the healing benefits of the herbs. 

Double Boiler Method: 

Place the herbs and the oil in a double boiler and bring to a low simmer.  Slowly heat for 30 to 60 minutes, checking frequently to be sure the oil is not overheating (preferably between 80- 100 degrees Fahrenheit).  The lower the heat, the longer the infusion, the better the oil.  

Turn off let sit a few hours, then repeat the above instructions.  Do this for a third time. 

Strain, wring, squeeze, bottle and label. 

Much care needs to be taken when creating herbal oils this way because you do not want to deep-fry your herbs! When placing herbs into a crock-pot, double boiler, or electric yogurt maker  cover with organic extra virgin olive oil (or other carrier oil of choice) leaving at least an inch or two of oil above the herbs. 

Second Quick Option:

Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (preferably between 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for 1-5 hours until the oil takes on the color and scent of the herb.  Some texts recommend heating the oil 48-72 hours at a controlled temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  Turn off heat and allow to cool. Once that the oil is ready, strain using cheesecloth, and bottle into dry and sterilized amber bottles for storage.  Store in a dark and cool place.

Crock Pot Method: 

 Place herbs and oils in crockpot and set on lowest possible heat. You will have to experiment with your own crockpot as the strength of the heating element can vary quite a bit, but as a general rule 2 to 4 hours will do it.  One of my crockpots  is just too hot for this method, so I do one hour and a few hours off.  I repeat this method for a few days.

More on Infusing oils:

 http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart_remedy.php?prep_ID=30

http://wildroseherbs.blogspot.com/2012/05/savvy-tips-for-herbal-sal...

Making A Salve: 

Step one, prepare an infused oil following the above instructions.

Step two, to each cup of herbal oil, add 1/4 cup of beeswax.  Heat until the beeswax is completely melted.  To check for consistency, place 1 tablespoon of the mixture in the freezer for just a minute or two.  If it's too soft, add more beeswax, if too hard add more oil

Step three, remove from heat immediately and pour into small glass jars or tins.  Store any extra salve in a cool, dark place.  Stored properly, salve will last for months, even years. 

Making Salves: 

http://mountainroseblog.com/diy-herbal-salves/

Compress

A compress is made by soaking a cloth in an herbal tea for 5 to 10 minutes, wringing the cloth out and then laying it on the affected area.

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.

Add 1/2 ounce of dried herbs

Cover and steep 20 minutes.

Soak wash cloth in tea for 5 to 10 minutes.

Wring out cloth (you may need to let it cool in a separate bowl for a few minutes before wringing).

Place cloth on affected area and lie still for 20 minutes.

Repeat as needed for healing.

Do not reuse, if you are treating infection or open wounds! 

Poultice

A poultice is mashed plant material applied directly to the body on the affected area or wrapped in thin cloth and then applied.

A poultice is similar to a compress, except that plant parts are used rather than liquid extraction. Dried herbs or fresh, if you are using fresh, mash or crush fresh plant parts.  Add herbs to a pot of boiling water turn off, put lid on and steep for 5 minutes . Apply the pulp directly to the skin, as hot as can be tolerated, holding it in place with a gauze bandage. 

When making poultices from fresh plant material you can use the spit poultice method (simply chewing up the plant material and mixing it with your saliva) or add water and crush the plant material in a mortar and pestle or blender.

Apply directly to the wound and hold in place with a band-aid.

Poultices can also be wrapped in thin cloth and then applied to the skin.

Herbal Wash: 

A wash is simply an herbal tea splashed on an affected area of the body.

Edible Wild Fir, Evergreen And Cedars

Side Note:  The Yew is not edible

Cedar Infused Oil

Place some needles into a mason jar one quarter full; add olive oil until all the needles are covered. Let infuse for 4 weeks (out of direct sunlight), then strain.  You can use this to make salad dressings or to cook with.

Nutrients in Coniferous Trees

Pine needles are loaded with vitamins A and C, and it doesn't end there. The vitamin C levels are so high (on average 5 times greater than lemons) who needs oranges! 

• Vitamin C is considered to be important in preventing cancer.
• Pine oils, according to Russian studies,  lower cholesterol and aid in lowering the blood pressure.
• Proanthocyanin and resveratrol are potent anti-aging compounds.

Making Coniferous Teas

It was once believed that vitamin C will be destroyed if extracted into boiling water – this is not true. Vitamin C boils at over 500 degrees centigrade and this is a temperature that cannot be reached from boiling water on the stove or in a kettle – therefore you will benefit from all that vitamin C!

Fir, Pine or Spruce Tree Powder

Take the dried needles and powder them in your blender. Store the final product in a mason jar. Use this powder to add a lemony taste (yes, there is a lemon-taste to these) to your cooking – fish, chicken, and even in some of your desserts! To make tea, use one teaspoon of powder per cup of boiling water and infuse twenty minutes.

Balsamic Vinegar

Fill a mason jar with (preferably) white pine needles. Douglas fir, balsam pine or spruce will work as well.  Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar and let infuse minimum six weeks in a dark location.  Strain and decant. (Important – do NOT use a metal lid from the mason jar as the vinegar can cause it to corrode. Use plastic wrap or a sandwich baggie to seal the jar.)

Pine Needle Syrup

Fill a mason jar with finely cut up organic lemon with the peel and pine needles.  Pour honey into the mason jar until the jar is filled.  Cover and let sit for 3 weeks.  Strain and decant.  This is am amazing syrup which can be used as a beverage, poured over ice cream and it tastes great. Some people use this as a cough syrup due to the healing power in honey and the high content of vitamin C in the pine needles.

Cedar

Take a fresh sprig of cedar and place it in your mug – add water and let infuse twenty minutes. Cedar can also be dried and powdered and stored to be used for tea.

Herbal Liniments:  EXTERNAL USE ONLY 

Note: Rubbing alcohol is typically used to make liniments because it extracts the therapeutic herbal constituents, rapidly penetrates and evaporates from the skin.  I personally will not use rubbing alcohol because it is made from petroleum.  I use Everclear to get the same effect as rubbing alcohol.

 You could also use Vodka, Witch Hazel Extract, or Vinegar as a solvent.  Basically, you’ll need a menstruum to extract the properties of the herbs which will absorb quickly and deeply to penetrate skin.  If alcohol alone is too harsh or drying on your skin, try mixing it with Witch Hazel Extract or Vinegar until you find a medium that works for you. - 

Simple to make, herbal liniments are a great element for any home medicine cabinet!  They offer instant relief for pain, inflamed muscles, bruises, and sprains.

Depending on which botanicals are included, liniments can be used to disinfect cuts and wounds, and may benefit a variety of conditions including sore and inflamed muscles, joints, circulation problems, arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, and bruises.

More On Liniments:

http://mountainroseblog.com/making-herbal-liniments/

Muscle Liniment: (we made this in class)

In this liniment we are using cayenne and cinnamon as a warming herbs that will help increase circulation in the area affected.

The valerian root will work to relax the muscles.

The comfrey and calendula are soothing herbs that will help with healing bruises and injuries. This combination can also be helpful in easing the pain of arthritis.

1 ounce (weight) of comfrey root (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce valerian root (NOT powder) 

1/2 ounce calendula flowers (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce cinnamon (powder) 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (powder) 

1 quart  grain alcohol such as Everclear (available in liquor store in some states).

A quart jar

A strainer

Cheesecloth

A #4 coffee filter with filter holder (for straining out the ground herbs)

How to make;

Weigh out the appropriate amount of each herb and put them into a quart jar.

Pour  grain alcohol (preferred) over the herbs to fill the jar.

Stir to release any bubbles, and put a lid on the jar.

LABEL the jar.

Stir or shake once each day for two weeks.

Strain through cheese cloth, squeezing the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.

Pour into new jar through coffee filter to get out any extra particulates.

LABEL the jar you are storing the liniment in.

How to store your liniments:

Store the liniment in a spray bottle or small jar in your medicine cabinet. Be sure to label the jar with the words: “For external use only.”

Dr. Kloss Liniment: 

The Herbal Kloss Liniment is an extremely old but very strong remedy created by Dr. Kloss. Together with the revisions made by Rosemary Gladstar in her book Family Herbal, it is one of the most effective recipes for disinfecting wounds you could ever have on hand. However, this liniment is not only useful for disinfecting, it is highly beneficial in treating the following:

-all pains
-insect bites
-painful swellings
-bruises
-boils
-skin eruptions of any kind (i.e. pimples, eczema, etc.)

How to Make the Herbal Kloss Liniment

-1 ounce Echinacea powder
-1 ounce goldenseal root powder
-2 ounces myrrh gum powder
-1/2 ounce cayenne pepper powder
Everclear to cover, approximately 1 quart

Directions: In 1 quart glass jar combine all of the powders. Pour alcohol over herbal powders to fill jar, leaving 1-2 inch head space. Mix thoroughly. Place lid tightly on jar and let mixture stand in a warm and dark location.

Let jar stand for at least 4 weeks, shake well every day. After 4 weeks strain liniment well using a piece of cheesecloth and re bottle. Note: Be sure to clearly label For EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

Dosage: Apply the liniment every few minutes for an hour or two in acute instances. Otherwise, use freely until desired results are achieved.

Tips:

Re- bottle  liniment in 2-4 ounce spray bottle for ease of use.

- By applying the liniment to the temples, back of the neck, and to the forehead it can be used as an excellent remedy for a headache.

-Spray on to painful and swollen joints to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

-Useful as a treatment for athlete’s foot. Apply frequently and saturate the affected area thoroughly.

-Treat a toothache or sores in the mouth by saturating a cotton ball with the liniment and then cleaning the mouth with the medicated swab. Focus on the area surrounding the toothache/mouth sore. Take extreme caution not to swallow the liniment; spit it out.

First Salve We Made:  

Solomon Seal- for treating injuries to the musculoskeletal system. It is used  to treat broken bones, sprains, injured tendons and ligaments, tendonitis, arthritis, dryness in joints and "slipped"/herniated discs. Solomon's Seal has the remarkable ability to restore the proper tension to ligaments, regardless of whether they need to be tightened or loosened. This makes it a valuable remedy for sports & activity related injuries, used either before resorting to or along with conventional surgical procedures.

http://www.herbcraft.org/solseal.html

Birch Bark is a natural pain reliever containing salicylate, the compound found in aspirin.  Birch Bark relieves the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and generalized muscle pain. Another reason birch calms arthritis and gout is it's cleansing diuretic action that eliminates toxins and excess water. 

Comfrey Root - Rich in allantoin and mucilage, comfrey is highly valued for its soothing qualities and is a common ingredient in poultices, salves and ointments.  It facilitates and activates the healing of damaged tissue.  It is one of the best herbs for treating torn ligaments, strains, bruises, and any injury to the bones or joints.  Comfrey root and the leaf have similar properties; the root is stronger, but the leaf is more palatable.  use them both in salves and ointments.  

Juniper Berries - The juniper berry has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s of great help to those suffering from arthritis, gout and other diseases such as rheumatism and pain in the joints and muscles. These joint related ailments occur because of the fluid retention around these joints, and the juniper berry with its diuretic action relieves this pressure considerably. Juniper also helps in reviving the muscle tone and significantly reducing the effects of ageing for most people.

Peppermint- Cooling, for swelling, inflammation, and areas that are hot due to sprains, bruises, and other injuries. 

Essential Oil Of Rosemary

Second Salve We Made:  Added Cayenne and Cinnamon:  Name:  LR Salve 

Soloman Seal- for treating injuries to the musculoskeletal system. It is used  to treat broken bones, sprains, injured tendons and ligaments, tendonitis, arthritis, dryness in joints and "slipped"/herniated discs. Solomon's Seal has the remarkable ability to restore the proper tension to ligaments, regardless of whether they need to be tightened or loosened. This makes it a valuable remedy for sports & activity related injuries, used either before resorting to or along with conventional surgical procedures.

Birch Bark--is a natural pain reliever containing salicylate, the compound found in aspirin.  Birch Bark relieves the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and generalized muscle pain.  l. An other reason birch calms arthritis and gout is it's cleansing diuretic action that eliminates toxins and excess water. 

Comfrey Root- Rich in allantoin and mucilage, comfrey is highly valued for its soothing qualities and is a common ingredient in poultices, salves and ointments.  It facilitates and activates the healing of damaged tissue.  It is one of the best herbs for treating torn ligaments, strains, bruises, and any injury to the bones or joints.  Comfrey root and the leaf have similar properties; the root is stronger, but the leaf is more palatable.  use them both in salves and ointments.  

Juniper Berries- The juniper berry has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s of great help to those suffering from arthritis, gout and other diseases such as rheumatism and pain in the joints and muscles. These joint related ailments occur because of the fluid retention around these joints, and the juniper berry with its diuretic action relieves this pressure considerably. Juniper also helps in reviving the muscle tone and significantly reducing the effects of ageing for most people.

Peppermint-   Cooling, for swelling, inflammation, and areas that are hot due to sprains, bruises, and other injuries. 

Cayenne - excellent warming and circulatory herb

Cinnamon - warming and aids circulation

The Art Of Making Herbal Remedies

Herbal First Aid Basics 

It is always a great idea to take a First Aid/CPR class.  Contact your local fire department for a class or go to www.redcross.org and look for a class in your area. 

Red Cross first-aid training teaches that before you do anything, assess the situation as a whole. Then assess your level of ability to handle it.  If it is beyond the scope of your strength, ability, or training, do what you can to stop any imminent dangers that may cause more harm, then go for help. The same holds true at home.  Step back and calmly view the situation before embarking on any treatment.  

A great first aid kit, would handle more than just cuts and scrapes. Ideally, I would not include any chemical preparations. For me the medicines would be all-natural, potent and effective.  Please keep in mind if there are some things you need to add to this please do.

OBSERVE THE FIRST RULE OF FIRST AID

You are assembling your home medicine chest with the hope that you'll never use it....It is your homemade insurance policy.  However the chances are good that you may have to use it, and before you do, be sure to heed the first rule of herbal medicine.  Written down by Hippocrates thirty-five hundred years ago, its truth is universally recognized.  

"FIRST DO NO HARM"  

Factors Affecting What's In Your Family's Medicine Chest 

Ages of members

Personal health needs

Personal goals and temperaments

Lifestyle demands 

Access to herbs 

Travel requirements and interests 

While there are specialty preparations you'll want to have handy tailored for you/roomates/neighbors and your family's particular health needs, there are a few standard items that are useful to have in almost any herbal medicine chest.  

My Personal Favorites: 

1.  Bach Flower Essence/Rescue Remedy: The Rescue Remedy Flower essence  deals with emergencies and crises.   It can be used for  any stressful situation, from last-minute exam or interview nerves, to the aftermath of an accident or bad news. Rescue Remedy  helps you relax, get focused and calm.  

2. Activated Charcoal:  is a potent natural treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn't reabsorb them.

Activated charcoal is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous substances up to 60%.

It works by absorbing chemicals, thus reducing their toxicity (poisonous nature), through the entire length of the stomach and small and large intestines (GI tract).

Activated charcoal itself is a fine, black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.

Activated charcoal is often given after the stomach is pumped (gastric lavage). Gastric lavage is only effective immediately after swallowing a toxic substance (within about one-half hour) and does not have effects that reach beyond the stomach as activated charcoal does.

I have used activated charcoal for nausea from Giardia and it works great.   Also Activated charcoal can be  used as a poultice for infections.   Activated Charcoal Poultice: http://www.charcoalremedies.com/how_to_make_a_charcoal_poultice

3.  Oregon Grape Root UPS (untied plant savers):  Exceptional anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral properties.  Works great for treating skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.  A decoction made from the root helps with poor digestion and as a tonic for the liver.   I've had great results using it for fighting systemic infections, cleaning wounds and as topical wash for external infections.

4.  Echinacea UPS:  Immune system booster, first sign infection fighter, boils, venomous bites, abscesses, clean wounds, colds and flu. 

5.  Pine: antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.  Treat wounds – apply it to cuts like you would super glue.  Follow first-aid protocol for cleaning/flushing first.  Stop bleeding – apply a soft glob (heat if necessary) to help stop bleeding.  Treat skin rashes and eczema with ointments,tinctures, and salves. For tinctures, use 190 proof Everclear since resin won’t dissolve with watered down alcohols.  Use the tincture for  colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Chew softer sap straight off the tree like a gum for sore throats and colds.   More information on Pine:  http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pine-Keeps-You-Fine.htm

6.  Garlic:  Kills parasites, lung ailments, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal 

7.  Calendula:  Promotes cell repair, antiseptic (prevents infection from occurring in injuries) anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Use for bruises, burns, sores, skin ulcers and as a tea wash. 

8.  Lavender Essential Oil:  To clean wounds 

9.  Plantain:  Soothing, drawing herb.  Use as poultice/spit poultice for bee stings, bug bites, blood poisoning and skin irritations.  Spit Poultice:

 http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/06/30/herbs-for-irritated-skin-spit-poultices/

10.  Yarrow:  Fights bacteria, helping to cure simple infections. Poultice or a tea wash for deep cuts and slow healing wounds.    I have used this herb for very serious infections and it worked great!  Aid in healing skin conditions and is anti-inflammatory

11.  Comfrey:  For treating torn ligaments, strains, bruises and any injury to the bones or joints.  

12.  Elderberry:  Immune enhancing properties and  is a good preventive.  This herb rocks! 

13.  Honey:  Powerful antibacterial properties.   Pure honey literally sucks the moisture out of bacteria, effectively killing them while leaving you unharmed.   Applied straight it heals external ulcers, wound and cold sores.  Apply to burns.  Other techniques using honey, blend equal amounts honey and tincture, or mix equal amounts of freshly chopped herb and honey let rest for twenty minutes then apply as needed.   

Herbal First Aid Kit: 

1.  Comfrey Calendula/Injured Healing Salve:  Clean wound first.  Use on minor cuts and scraps.  Moisturizes dry skin. With calendula’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and comfrey’s ability to help heal wounds, this salve is perfect for minor cuts and scrapes.

2.  Lip Balm:  Dehydration  

3.  Valerian Tincture:  Helps with stressful situations, frazzled nerves and sleep. The sedative properties of valerian make it useful for relieving anxiety, insomnia and tension; it may also provide mild pain relief.

4.  Dried Yarrow:   anti-bacterial, styptic( a substance capable of stopping bleeding when applied to a wound), circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, astringent, anti-microbial, bitter, anti-inflammatory, for wounds, fevers, colds, flu, insect repellent stopping bleeding, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, cystitis. It is especially good for deep, clean cuts. Bruises, too. It’s one of the best herbs to stop bleeding.  Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed. Its use is not recommended while pregnant.  

5.  Lavender Essential Oil:   disinfects cuts and scrapes. Can use for an eye compress. Multi-purpose lavender has sedative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s helpful for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds and burns. Most people can tolerate lavender essential oil applied directly to the skin, or apply to a cotton ball and apply to the area dabbing with the cotton ball.  Headaches (place cold compress on forehead)  and inflamation make a cold compress:  Ice water, soak cloth add 4 to 5 drops lavender essential.  Toothache, muscle aches make a warm compress. 

6.  Peppermint Tea Bags:  Heart burn and gas. Peppermint soothes an upset stomach, eases congestion from the common cold and curbs itching from insect bites.  For some people peppermint tea may aggravate heartburn.

7.  Chamomile Tea Bags:  Ease nausea, helps with anxiety and pink eye.Gentle enough for children, chamomile tea promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion and, applied topically, soothes skin irritations.

8.  Slippery Elm Lozenges:  Sore throat 

9.  Echinacea Tincture:  Take when you feel something coming on, helps boosts immune system. 

10.  Wormwood Tincture:  Food poisoning, parasites. The tincture is recommended for gastritis, , fever, flu, pneumonia, intoxications and infections with Giardia.      Do not ingest in large amounts and for extended periods of time. Not to be used while pregnant. More information on wormwood: http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_wormwood.htm

11.  Yarrow Tincture:  Disinfects, helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms, brings down fevers, can use to make a bug spray. Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed. Its use is not recommended while pregnant.  More information on Yarrow:  http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_yarrow.htm

12.  Tea Tree Oil:  Use on herpes, cold sores, disinfectant for abrasions.  

13.  Arnica Homeopathic 30C:  Use Immediately, helps with bumps and bruises   Helps reduce inflammation from injuries  

14.  Bach Rescue Remedy:  Helps settle nerves after an accident 

15.  Small Bag Bentonite Clay:  Poison oak, bug bites, can take a little for diarrhea  With drying and drawing properties, clay is useful for healing skin rashes and insect bites. Store in a small plastic container.

16.   Ginger capsules, tea bags and crystallized ginger: The antispasmodic and gas-relieving properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) soothe digestive upsets. Ginger also has been proven to relieve motion sickness better than Dramamine, the conventional drug treatment. 

17.  Witch hazel extract: Distilled witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has mild astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for insect bites and skin irritations. It’s also an excellent base for diluting essential oils for a variety of simple, topical herbal first-aid remedies. Do not take it internally.

18.  Aloe vera gel: Cooling and healing, aloe vera (Aloe vera) soothes the inflammation of sunburn and common kitchen scalds and burns.

19.  Eucalyptus essential oil: A potent antibiotic and antiviral, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is excellent for treating colds, flus and sinus infections when used as a steam inhalation. Dilute with oil or witch hazel extract before applying to the skin, and do not take internally.

20.  Goldenseal capsules or powder or Oregon Grape(Oregon grape may be used as an effective substitute for the goldenseal) : A powerful antimicrobial, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is effective against a variety of microorganisms that cause traveler’s diarrhea. The powder has antiseptic properties and can be sprinkled onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding. Do not take goldenseal internally during pregnancy. Oregon grape is a great substitute for Goldenseal and considering goldenseal in on the endangered plant list you might want to look into using oregon grape . Information on Oregon Grape:  http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_oregon_grape.htm

21.  Arnica oil: Arnica (Arnica montana) flowers have anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating properties; the gel or cream is excellent for sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. Do not apply arnica to broken skin.

22.  Cayenne:  Stops bleeding 

23.   Chaparro:   Gastroenteritis, giardia, parasites, fungal infections and where to purchase it:  http://www.desertortoisebotanicals.com/products/chaparro-amargosa-tincture/

Additional First-Aid Essentials

• Adhesive bandage strips: Various sizes, including butterfly closure bandages.

• Bandage materials: Sterile gauze pads, a roll of gauze, adhesive bandage tape.

• Elastic bandage: For sprains or strains.

• Electrolyte replacement: Powdered drink packets such as Emergen-C.

• Moleskin: Blister treatment.

• Scissors: Small pair for cutting bandages, adhesive tape, moleskin.

• Thermometer: Instant-read type.

• Tweezers: For removing ticks and splinters.

* Cotton Balls 

*Small Flash light

* Ice Pack

*Small tissue packs 

*Latex gloves

*syringe

Quick Natural Remedies for Common Conditions

Anxiety: 
• Drink chamomile tea, 3 cups a day.
• Take valerian tincture, 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon up to 3 times daily.
• Take a bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil or place a drop of lavender oil on a tissue and inhale as desired. 

Blisters: 
• To dry a blister, soak a gauze pad in witch hazel, lay it over the blister and cover with an adhesive bandage. After blister has broken, wash with a mixture of echinacea tincture diluted with an equal part of water. Finally, apply calendula-comfrey salve and cover with an adhesive bandage.

Bruises: 

*Chamomile, Lavender and St. Johns Wort
• Immediately apply ice to relieve pain and swelling.
• Take Arnica Homeopathic, follow instructions on the bottle

* Apply salve or Arnica Oil  

Burns: 
• Immediately immerse the affected area in cold water until the burning sensation subsides. Then apply aloe vera gel mixed with lavender essential oil (5 drops of lavender oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel).
• For sunburn, soak in a cool bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Colds and Flus: 
• Take 1 dropperful of echinacea tincture four times a day until symptoms subside.
• Take 1 dropperful of elderberry extract four times a day until symptoms subside.
• To relieve soothe a sore throat, slippery elm lozenge.
• To ease congestion, add 2 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils to hot water; inhale the steam vapors.

Wounds:

• Add 1 dropperful of echinacea extract to 1⁄2 cup of water as an antiseptic wash.
• To stop bleeding, sprinkle cayenne directly into the wound and apply pressure with a clean cloth.
• Apply a salve made from calendula-comfrey — only after a scab has formed, to prevent trapping bacteria.

Diarrhea: 
• Replenish lost fluids and soothe the digestive tract with chamomile or ginger tea.
• For diarrhea caused by infectious microorganisms, take 1 capsule of goldenseal three times daily for up to two weeks.
• To boost immunity and fight infection, take 1 dropperful of echinacea four times daily.

Headache: 
• Drink chamomile tea as often as desired.
• For more severe headaches, take 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of valerian root extract; repeat every two hours until pain abates.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Massage 2 drops of diluted peppermint essential oil onto temples, forehead and neck. Keep away from eyes.

Indigestion: 
• Sip warm chamomile, peppermint or ginger tea.
• Chew on a piece of crystallized (candied) ginger.

Insect bites and stings:
• Cleanse the bite with echinacea extract.
• Apply a drop of undiluted peppermint or lavender oil to relieve itching and as an antiseptic.
• Mix clay with enough water to make a paste, and apply to the bites to relieve itching and draw out toxins.

Insomnia: 
• Drink a cup of warm chamomile tea.
• For stronger sedative action, take up to 1 teaspoon of valerian tincture before bed.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Nausea: 

• Take 1 to 2 capsules of dried ginger every 15 minutes until symptoms abate.
• To prevent motion sickness, take 6 to 8 capsules of powdered ginger about 45 minutes before departing.
• To calm a queasy stomach, chew on a piece of crystallized ginger.

Poison oak/ivy: 
• Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cool water, or sponge with alcohol to remove the oily resin.
• If a rash occurs, make a paste out of the  Bentonite clay

* Apply Dr. Kloss liniment with a cotton ball

Strains and sprains:
• Immediately elevate and apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and inflammation. After 24 hours, apply hot compresses to increase circulation and speed healing.
• Apply arnica oil or salve to the affected area three times daily. 

Toothache

*Echinacea tincture, spilanthes tincture, plantain leaves mixed with salt and clove essential oil and more information on toothaches:  http://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/toothache-remedy/

Liniment:

A liniment is an herbal preparation made by infusing herbs in rubbing or grain alcohol. The liniment will be applied to the skin and the alcohol will evaporate rapidly allowing the herbs to penetrate quickly to accomplish such actions as relieving sore muscles and increasing circulation.

Dr. Kloss Liniment:

http://frugallysustainable.com/2011/10/building-your-medicine-chest-herbal/

It is one of the most effective recipes for disinfecting wounds you could ever have on hand. However, this liniment is not only useful for disinfecting, it is highly beneficial in treating the following: all pains,insect bites,painful swellings,bruises,boils,skin eruptions of any kind (i.e. pimples, eczema, etc.)

How to Make the Herbal Kloss Liniment

-1 ounce Echinacea powder
-1 ounce goldenseal root powder
-2 ounces myrrh gum powder
-1/2 ounce cayenne pepper powder
Everclear or witch hazel to cover (approximately 1 quart)

Directions: In 1 quart glass jar combine all of the powders. Pour Everclear or witch hazel over herbal powders to fill jar, leaving 1-2 inch head space. Mix thoroughly. Place lid tightly on jar and let mixture stand in a warm location. Let jar stand for at least 4 weeks, shake well every day. After 4 weeks strain liniment well using a piece of cheesecloth and rebottle. Note: Be sure to clearly label For EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

Dosage: Apply the liniment every few minutes for an hour or two in acute instances. Otherwise, use freely until desired results are achieved.

Tips:

-I like to rebottle my liniment in 2-4 ounce spray bottle for ease of use.

-This liniment is so powerful it will stop a stye from developing on the eye. Simply apply to the exterior lid with a saturated q-tip until resolved. Take care not to get it in the eye.

- By applying the liniment to the temples, back of the neck, and to the forehead it can be used as an excellent remedy for a headache.

-Spray on to painful and swollen joints to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

-Useful as a treatment for athlete’s foot. Apply frequently and saturate the affected area thoroughly.

Sore Muscle, Injury and Bruise Liniment

The smell of this liniment will remind you of blueberry pie

1 ounce (weight) of comfrey root (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce valerian root (NOT powder) 

1/2 ounce calendula flowers (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce cinnamon (powder) 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (powder) 

Grain alcohol such as Everclear (available in liquor store in some states) OR Witch Hazel

Supplies: 

Quart Jar, strainer, cheese cloth, #4 coffee filter and filter holder

How to make herbal liniments:

• Weigh out the appropriate amount of each herb and put them into a quart jar.
• Pour  grain alcohol Everclear or Witch Hazel (preferred) over the herbs to fill the jar.
• Stir to release any bubbles, and put a lid on the jar.
• LABEL the jar.
• Stir or shake once each day for two weeks.
• Strain through cheese cloth, squeezing the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.
• Pour into new jar through coffee filter to get out any extra particles.
• LABEL the jar you are storing the liniment in.

How to store your liniments:

Store the liniment in a spray bottle or small jar in your medicine cabinet. Be sure to label the jar with the words:“For External Use Only"

The  cayenne and cinnamon are warming herbs that will help increase circulation in the area affected.The valerian root will work to relax the muscles. The comfrey and calendula are soothing herbs that will help with healing bruises and injuries. This combination can also be helpful in easing the pain of arthritis.How to use the liniment is simply spray or rub this liniment on the affected area, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the herbs to penetrate and do their work.

Poultices, Warm Compress or Cold Compress:

A compress is a way of applying herbal extracts directly to the skin to reduce the inflammation or promote healing.  Usually an infusion or decoction of the herb is prepared for use in the compress or simply hot or cold water can be used.  

Compress:  Soak a clean cloth or flannel in hot or cold water.  Place on affected area and hold firmly in place.  Use a towel or bandage to tie in place if kept on for long.   

Poultice:  A poultice acts in a similar way to a compress, but the herb itself is used, rather than just a liquid extact. Do not do if wounds are deep.  

Use fresh or dried herbs, quickly scalded with hot water and drained, or dry herbs that are brewed to make a very strong tea. Use twice the amount of herbs you would use for normal brewing, and infuse for 10 minutes.   Squeeze the herbs lightly while still almost hot to get the excess liquid out, spread on to a clean cloth and apply to the sore area. it can be a little messy, but the direct contact between herbs and skin is extremely soothing and effective, especially for painful joints or muscles and swellings of various origins.  You can use powdered herbs mixed with hot water into a thick paste.

Charcoal Poultice:

Mix 3 Tbs. with a little water to form a wet paste.  It needs to be moist but not crumbly or drippy.  Spread the paste on one half of a cloth or piece of guaze cut to fit the area.  When ready the cloth should be moist  and thoroughly saturated with the paste.  Then cover the paste by folding over the other half of the paper towel or cloth. Place the charcoal poultice on the affected body part making sure it completely covers the area.  If you can, cover the poultice with plastic or another cloth.  Plastic will keep the cloth from drying out.   If the charcoal dries out, it will not be able to drawing toxins or infection out.    Finish off by bandaging or taping the poultice securely in place.  Leave it on for several hours, or better yet, overnight.  After a few hours repeat if necessary.. 

Spit-Poultice:   http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/06/30/herbs-for-irritated-skin-spit-poultices/

Herbal Wash:  Make a strong herbal brew and apply to the wound.  You can use tinctures diluted with warm water.  

Use common sense and seek additional assistance when necessary and if you or other persons are sensitive to any of the suggested remedies, don't use them... 

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what St. Johns Wort is.  I have posted some pictures for you to make sure you harvest from the right plant.  Here in Oregon, we are about 4 weeks away (maybe a little less) from harvesting it.  

St. Johns Wort

Has a  rich and colorful history.  From the time of the ancient Greeks down through the Middle Ages and onward, the herb was considered to be imbued with magical powers and was used to ward off evil and protect against illness.  Dioscorides, the famed Greek herbalist, mentioned the use of St.Johns Wort for sciatica and other nerve problems.  Theophrastus recommended ti for external wounds and cuts, and both Galen and Paracelsus included it as an important healing herb in their pharmacopoeia.  

Benefits: 

St.Johns Wort has become a popular herb from depression and anxiety.  A classic remedy for nerve damage and depression.  It is primarily valued as a treatment for  damage to the nerve endings such as in burns, neuralgia, wounds, and trauma to the skin.   It is also highly effective for relieving the symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, chronic fatigue, and personality disorders.  It lifts the spirits and puts a bit of sunshine into the day.  

Parts Used:

Leaves and flowers ( approximately 70 percent flower to 30 percent leaf).  The flowers are at their best just as the buds begin to open.  To tell if they are ready, press a bud between  your fingers.  If there's a spurt of purple or deep red, the buds are ready.  If not, its' either too early or too late.  Check daily. the window for optimum harvesting is short.  

Suggested books to add to your book library on herbal health and healing: 

Herbal recipes for Vibrant Health, Rosemary Gladstar

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5802614-rosemary-gladstar-s-herbal-recipes-for-vibrant-health

Medicinal herbs , A Beginner's Guide, by Rosemary Gladstar

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13507855-rosemary-gladstar-s-medicinal-herbs

Video on St. Johns Wort: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj6jVX3ZuWg

This is not St. Johns Wort.  It is St Johns, which is not the medicinal herb. Do not harvest this plant.   This plant is very invasive.  

This is the medicinal herb St. Johns Wort:

St.Johns Wort: