First Aid In The Wilds

First Aid In The Wilds – by Renuka Russell

The phrase post-zombie apocalypse is a term I’m increasingly hearing bandied about, especially at the moment. I don’t, for a moment, think we will be living through something as major as this term implies. However it’s a good idea to reconsider how dependent we have become on our supermarkets to feed us. Furthermore, how we have lost so many skills for self sufficiency. 

Plenty of us are currently buying up seeds in the hope of growing at least some of our own food. Perhaps that’s no bad thing either. There’s nothing like the satisfaction and pleasure of tending to and harvesting your own produce. It is a direct connection to the land and helps us better appreciate our place in the natural world.

A gentle exploration of medicinally beneficial plants

I’m not a bushcraft expert. I’ll therefore leave all the fire lighting and hunting side to those who know what they’re talking about. Neither am I going to talk about foraging for mushrooms, nuts, roots and berries. Let’s assume we already have those bases covered. Instead this article is a gentle exploration into some of the plants found growing locally which would be beneficial for us practically and medicinally. It is aimed at the armchair survivalist, as getting out and foraging is well nigh impossible at the moment. 

I’m sure we’ve all been in the supermarkets recently and found the toilet roll aisles stripped bare. That got me pondering what natural materials we might use once the toilet roll finally runs out? By the way, don’t put any plant material down your toilet. Neither your local water authority nor the plumber will thank you for it!

Nature’s toilet paper

I reckon that good leaves to use would be Lambs ears (Stachys byzantina). This is more of a garden plant than one that is found in the wild or Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). The leaves of these plants are wonderfully soft and thick. They could easily compete with some of the top brand names in the toilet paper world. You would probably want to steer away from comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) though. Although they have their place in the survivalist kit, they are uncomfortably prickly. The same goes for borage (Borago officinalis)

However on balance I’ve decided that my favourite possibility so far is moss. This is because it ticks all the boxes of being soft, very absorbent and anti-microbial to boot. It is also an incredibly versatile little plant and has multiple uses in a survival situation. 

In general moss is a good ally to the survivalist stuck out in the wilds. It acts like a sponge, soaking up rainwater and surrounding moisture. In extremis it may be used as a source of drinking water. The acidity of the plant has an antimicrobial action making the water relatively safe to drink. This might not be ideal as the plant can of course harbour other organisms. However in a survival situation it might be the best option. It can also be used to filter water from springs and streams. A great insulating material for shelters and its ability to soak up water makes for reasonable waterproofing properties too.  

FIRST AID IN THE WILDS

If I were putting together a first aid kit of plants I could use that are growing right now I would choose the following:

• Moss (Spagnum spp)
• Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Pine (Pinaceae spp)
• Daisy (Bellis perennis)
• Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria).

Many of these plants can be used as compresses or natural plasters. I suggest they can be held in place by the judicious tying of dried nettle stalks. These are wonderfully strong and fibrous. Alternatively, use strips carefully cut from birch polypore. This is a common bracket fungus found growing on silver birch trees. 

MOSS (Sphagnum spp.)

Sphagnum moss can be used to dress wounds. Sphagnum moss can be used to dress wounds and has antiseptic and excellent absorptive qualities. It can hold up to twenty times its own weight in moisture.  In dried form it was used extensively during the First World War. Here it was purported to have saved thousands of lives.  After cleaning the wound as thoroughly as possible, the moss should be packed against the wound and a bandage applied over it. If possible dried moss should be used as this increases its absorptive properties. Otherwise wring out as much of the water as possible. 

PLANTAIN (Plantago lanceolata)

Having a long tradition of being used medicinally, plantain is one of the nine sacred herbs recorded in the ancient Lacnunga. Lacnunga, meaning ‘Remedies’, is a collection of Anglo-Saxon medical texts. The leaves were used as plasters by Roman soldiers to protect their feet and heal the blisters sustained during their long marches. The leaves have a slight sponginess to them and are mildly antiseptic, helping to prevent infection. It also is an excellent wound herb as it possesses a styptic action (stops bleeding). This is probably due in part to the tannin content. 

You can apply the crushed leaves directly to the wound. Alternatively, chew the leaves first before applying as a “spit poultice”. A direct and useful application if you’re out and about! 

YARROW (Achillea milefolium) 

This pretty little herb can be found in a variety of habitats. However, it favours open fields and the side of streams.  The  leaves are a soft, feathery dark green and the flowers arranged in little creamy umbrella shaped clusters. Yarrow is one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs. It was one of eight pollens found in a Neanderthal burial site in Iraq which dates from around 60,000 BC.   According to mythology the herb was given to Achilles by the centaur Chiron for use on the battlefield. This explains its Latin name. Yarrow is indeed one of the most useful wound herbs we have as it so effectively staunches bleeding. It also has antimicrobial and pain relieving properties.

In cases of First Aid yarrow can be applied as a spit poultice, where the leaves are chewed first and then packed against the wound. Otherwise a strong infusion of the herb can be made. A cloth is then dipped into the liquid and applied as a compress to the cleaned wound. Keep the compress on until it has started to dry out. This usually takes around thirty minutes. It’s up to you whether you want to use a warm or cold compress. Be guided by your instincts on this one. 

Yarrow is a powerful diaphoretic (induces sweating). It is traditionally combined with elderflower and peppermint to aid recovery from colds and flu. The three herbs can be mixed together in equal parts and steeped in hot water for five minutes. Strain and drink whilst still hot. If you are running a fever the herbs may facilitate profuse sweating for a short time. This supports the body’s natural recovery process. The herbs also have a gentle drying effect to soothe congestion often associated with colds and flu. 

DAISY (Bellis perennis) 

Many of us will remember those lazy summer days of childhood. Making daisy chains and pulling each petal out one by one and chanting the traditional mantra of “he loves me, he loves me not!” Was it just us girls or did the boys do this too I wonder? The name Daisy may be a corruption of Day’s Eye as the flowers open and close with the sun, much like dandelions and chicory which belong to the same family. The flower was associated with Venus, the goddess of love. Hence the petals could be seen as a divination of affection. In Medieval times women made their knights daisy chains to be worn into battle. This was a sign of their love and to protect their honour. 

The daisy is an old folk remedy that has many uses including being a wound healer as it stems bleeding. A traditional name for the plant is Bruisewort. Externally it can be applied as a salve or cream to bruises and skin conditions such as eczema, bites and stings and even sunburn. The leaves are nice in salads too and have a high vitamin C content. 

PINE (Pinaceae)

A natural antiseptic with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, pine resin can be directly applied to wounds or sores to disinfect and staunch bleeding. Pine honey is great for sore throats as it is very soothing and fights infection too. A lovely vinegar can be made by filling a jar to the top with needles from your favourite pine tree. Check first that it is an edible variety. Then top up your jar with apple cider vinegar, seal tightly and the wait for up to six weeks. Once it is ready it can be added to salads and other dishes. A teaspoon of the vinegar can be mixed with a little hot water and honey to make a medicinal drink.

HERB ROBERT (Geranium robertianum) 

Although it’s not in flower yet, at least where I live, the delicate green leaves which turn to red in full sun are very much in evidence. The flowers when they appear are a delicate pink and have five petals. 

The flowering herb was traditionally used for toothache and to stop nosebleeds.  As a member of the geranium family it has a high tanin content which gives it astringent, or drying, and anti inflammatory properties. The fresh leaves may be chewed to relieve a sore mouth and throat. An infusion can be used as an eye wash for inflamed and sore eyes. Rubbing the fresh leaves on the skin is said to repel midges. It might be worth a try as nothing else seems to work! 

MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula ulmaria)

This plant loves to grow in damp places, beside ditches, canals and rivers. Meadowsweet is a member of the rose family. It produces pretty, foamy white flowers held high on red stems and corrugated dark green leaves. Containing salycylic acid it is a precursor to our modern day aspirin. Unlike aspirin though it can be used to effectively treat heartburn and other digestive problems such as diarrhoea. It also has the ability to regulate acid production in the stomach, thus protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines. Meadowsweet can be used for its pain relieving properties and anti inflammatory action. Furthermore it may be beneficial for easing joint pain in conditions such as arthritis and gout as well as reducing fever symptoms and headaches. 

You can make a tea from the flowering plant or, if you’re desperate, just chew the leaves. However, like Herb Robert, it is high in tannins with a very drying and not particularly pleasant taste.  Generally it is advised to avoid taking meadowsweet internally if you are allergic to aspirin or currently taking aspirin, pregnant or under the age of sixteen. 

FORAGING 

The excitement of foraging lies in not knowing what you’re going to stumble across. You can have an idea of what you’re going to pick but invariably you will come across lots of other wild and wonderful things on your journey. 

WHAT ARE YOU LEGALLY ALLOWED TO FORAGE IN THE UK? 

Basically all you need to remember is the Four Fs – flowers, foliage, fruit and fungi. However you do have to be careful that you’re not foraging on land that you do not have rights or permission to be on. There are sometimes local bye laws in place prohibiting foraging in certain areas, which can be passed by the council or the National Trust for example, if this is the case there will be notices on display. If you are foraging for your own personal use rather than for commercial purposes you are much more likely to looked upon favourably. 

Make sure you only take from where there is an abundance of what you’re  harvesting, leave scarce and rare things well alone, and only take what you’re actually going to use. It’s easy to get carried away on forays and come home laden with armfuls of wonderful things that you’re not actually going to get round to using, with the result that it ends up on the compost heap. 

IF IN DOUBT LEAVE IT OUT!

Be very careful with identification too as mistakes can be serious, if in doubt leave it out! Also be aware that just because edible plants and fungi are natural this does not automatically make them safe and suitable for everyone. Some people are allergic to the Asteraceae family for instance, which may mean that even the humble dandelion can produce an unpleasant reaction. I would suggest that if you’ve not tried a plant or fungus before it is advisable to have just a little bit to start off with. Also some plants should be used with caution in certain medical conditions, during pregnancy or if you are on particular medications from your doctor. If you’re not sure whether you should be ingesting a particular plant then don’t! 

In terms of where you should forage there are a few guidelines which are really just common-sense. Avoid busy roadsides where pollution from passing traffic will undoubtedly contaminate the plant life and areas which are dogwalking favourites are definitely best avoided. Armed with all this knowledge you are now ready to go out and explore!

SUMMARY 

Remember the golden rules of foraging: only take what you need and know you will actually use, don’t pick from areas where the plant is scarce or you don’t  have permission and be very, very careful to identify correctly- “if in doubt leave it out”.  Be aware that just because it’s natural does not mean it’s safe and suitable for everyone. Do consult your GP or medical herbalist if you are taking other medications as adverse interactions can occur. If pregnant, or if you have a medical condition, be very cautious and seek medical advise if you have any doubts.  Finally, if you haven’t tried something before, try only a little to start with in case you should have an allergic reaction.  

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