Medicinal Wild Herbs of the Pacific Northwest

[A.J.]

I've been educating myself for the past several years with regard to some of the medicinal wild herbs that are found in my region of the Northern Hemisphere. There are a vast multitude of such medicinal herbs and edible wild plants. Some of them have very strong medicinal properties, so great care must be made when gathering and preparing these plants. Some of these plant species are also quite rare, so one must also be cognizant with regard to the practice of sustainable harvest, while some species collection are discouraged due to such issues as loss of habitat or habitat destruction. Regardless, I believe that a natural balance can be maintained as the potential value to society of these plants are tremendous.

 

As to my latest personal discoveries in natural medicine, I have been experimenting with the production of alcohol tinctures. The properties of Oregon Grape root, for instance, are highly beneficial for healthy digestive tract function and ridding the body of intestinal parasites.

 

I am always interested in new information with regard to herbal medicines, so if anyone would like to comment, I would welcome the dialogue.

[Kim B]

Yes there are other substances out there that can cure infections.  For example, I cured a 5 day old chick of a massive bacterial infection just by giving it a few drops of colloidal silver.  And it worked quickly too. 

[Cheryl Nelson]

Good to know, Kim.  We don't like their scent either.

Yes, A.J., m. alternifolia is a great antifungal, good for athlete's foot.  It is also widely used in natural dental products.  I studied aromatherapy and find it fascinating.  The right essential oils can cure what becomes resistant to antibiotics.  The reason is antibiotics are rather simple compounds to bugs, who figure their way around them quick enough to win.  However, essential oils are highly complex and before the bugs can figure their way around them, they're dead. 

[A.J.]

Wow. Very inspiring to see other useful natural remedies and treatments. There are some wild species of lavender that grow around here. In addition to aroma therapy, it is also an excellent antiseptic. Tea tree oil, or the extract from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia plant of Australia is also an outstanding astringent and antiseptic. A little expensive, but well worth it IMO.

[Kim B]

And stink bugs do not like the scent of Lavender oil!!!  :)

[Cheryl Nelson]

Essential oils are also excellent.  Lavender, for instance, is amazing.  I have seen it heal cat scratches without scars, toxin from a brown recluse spider bite and wasp stings (if applied immediately, the wasp sting pain is gone in 15-30 minutes), acts as a powerful antibiotic for cuts, and also has a calmative affect and helps you sleep.

[HeartNsoul]

Soursop..also called Graviola & Pa Pa, the leaves & bark of this tree are used for all sorts of medicinal purposes, most recently in the fight against cancer. I know these trees are also found in the wooded areas of N. America (we had them in the woods where I grew up in Southern Ohio). http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soursop

[A.J.]

Hi Blavitsky,

That's good information to know. I encourage people frequently to consider alternative therapies and natural medicines for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, many people are dependent upon the pharmaceutical industry. There may come a time in the not-too-distant future where that chemical convenience is unavailable.

[Blavatsky]

olive leaf is a great anti viral, anti fungal and anti-microbial. Has helped people with auto-immune conditions even those with gulf war syndrome.